If you are craving the flavors and satisfying crunch of a classic takeout favorite but want something quicker and easier to whip up at home, this Egg Roll Stir Fry Recipe is a total game changer. It combines all the best tastes—savory ground meat, crisp cabbage, vibrant carrots, and that deliciously tangy, slightly spicy sauce—all in one skillet. This dish tastes like you put in hours of effort, but really, it can be on your dinner table in under 30 minutes. Trust me, the moment this Dish hits your plate, it’ll become one of your go-to comfort meals for those busy weeknights or casual get-togethers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started is a breeze with this straightforward list of ingredients that pack a flavorful punch. Each item plays a crucial role in bringing together the perfect harmony of texture, color, and that authentic egg roll-inspired taste.
- 1 pound ground meat (chicken, turkey, or pork): This is the hearty protein base that soaks up all the wonderful flavors.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Essential for sautéing to achieve a nice, golden sear without sticking.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth to the stir fry.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Brings aromatic warmth that makes the dish truly pop.
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger: Gives a subtle zing that complements the garlic perfectly.
- 1 medium head of green cabbage, thinly sliced: The star vegetable that provides that classic egg roll crunch.
- 2 medium carrots, shredded: Adds vibrant orange color and a pleasant, natural sweetness.
- ¼ cup soy sauce: This salty, umami-packed ingredient ties all the flavors together beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Delivers a rich, nutty aroma that’s signature in Asian cooking.
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar: Provides a touch of acidity to brighten the whole dish.
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For just the right amount of heat if you want to spice things up.
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish): Adds freshness and a pop of color as the finishing touch.
- Optional: sesame seeds, for garnish: Sprinkled on top for extra crunch and visual appeal.
How to Make Egg Roll Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Meat
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add your choice of ground meat and cook it until it’s browned, breaking it apart with your spatula as you go. This usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. You’ll want the meat to develop a nice color and texture. Once it’s cooked through, transfer it to a plate and set it aside. This step builds the savory foundation your dish needs.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Toss in the chopped onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until it begins to soften and turn translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook them for another 1 to 2 minutes. The smell that hits your kitchen now will have you even more excited for what’s to come.
Step 3: Add Cabbage and Carrots
Stir in the shredded carrots and thinly sliced cabbage next. Cook them for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll want the veggies tender but still crisp enough to retain that delightful crunch that makes this dish feel truly egg roll-inspired. The colors alone will brighten your pan and your mood!
Step 4: Combine Meat and Sauce
Return the cooked ground meat back into the skillet with the veggies. Pour in the soy sauce, drizzle the sesame oil, add the rice vinegar, and sprinkle the crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Stir everything together so every bite is coated in the delicious sauce. Let it cook for another 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors meld perfectly. This is where magic happens.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
Once everything is hot and fragrant, turn off the heat. Garnish generously with your sliced green onions and if you want, sprinkle some sesame seeds over the top. This final touch adds not just flavor but a lovely presentation that makes this humble stir fry feel like a special meal.
How to Serve Egg Roll Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Green onions and sesame seeds are classic garnishes that add fresh and nutty flavor notes. You can’t go wrong with these simple touches as they elevate the dish from everyday to restaurant-style in seconds. Feel free to add a squeeze of lime or a drizzle of sriracha for some extra zing!
Side Dishes
Egg Roll Stir Fry Recipe pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy brown rice to soak up all those lip-smacking juices. If you want to keep things light, a simple cucumber salad or edamame makes for refreshing accompaniments that balance the savory richness of the stir fry.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this stir fry in lettuce cups or pile it on top of crispy wonton chips for a playful appetizer. Alternatively, turn it into a wrap with warm tortillas or serve it alongside noodles for a heartier meal that satisfies every craving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, allow them to cool completely, then transfer the stir fry to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, it will stay delicious for up to 3 days. Just be sure to keep the garnishes separate to preserve their freshness.
Freezing
This Egg Roll Stir Fry Recipe freezes well! Pop the cooled stir fry in a freezer-safe container or bag, and it can last up to 2 months. When you’re ready for a quick meal, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat to bring back the crispness of the veggies, adding a splash of water or soy sauce if things feel a little dry. You can also microwave it but stir occasionally to heat it evenly. Garnish fresh before serving to maintain that vibrant flair.
FAQs
Can I use different ground meats in this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken, turkey, pork, or even ground beef all work wonderfully. Each will give a slightly different flavor and texture, but the sauce and veggies will tie everything together deliciously.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be if you use gluten-free soy sauce alternatives and double-check your other ingredients. The recipe itself is naturally packed with fresh produce and meat, so it’s easy to adapt.
Can I add more vegetables to the stir fry?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in bell peppers, snap peas, mushrooms, or any veggies you love. Just remember to adjust cooking times so they stay crisp and vibrant.
How spicy is this Egg Roll Stir Fry Recipe?
The crushed red pepper flakes are optional and can be adjusted to your liking. If you love heat, feel free to add more. For a milder version, skip the pepper flakes altogether.
What can I use if I don’t have rice vinegar?
Lemon or lime juice makes a fine substitute to add acidity and brightness, or you can use white vinegar sparingly. The goal is to add a subtle tang that balances the savory flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Egg Roll Stir Fry Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a big hug in food form—warm, comforting, and bursting with fresh flavors. It’s fast enough for busy days but impressive enough to share with loved ones around the table. Give it a try, and you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again when you want something delicious, satisfying, and totally crave-worthy!
Print
Egg Roll Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Egg Roll Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful dish that combines ground meat with fresh vegetables and classic Asian seasonings. It captures the essence of traditional egg rolls without the wrapper, making it a healthier and lower-carb alternative. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe features ground chicken, turkey, or pork sautéed with cabbage, carrots, garlic, and ginger, then tossed in a savory soy-sesame sauce.
Ingredients
Meat and Oil
- 1 pound ground meat (chicken, turkey, or pork)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 medium head of green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 2 medium carrots, shredded
Sauce and Garnish
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Optional: sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Meat: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the meat from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Then add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the Cabbage and Carrots: Stir in the shredded carrots and sliced cabbage. Cook for about 5-6 minutes, until the vegetables are softened but still retain a bit of crunch.
- Combine Meat and Sauce: Return the cooked ground meat to the skillet. Add the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Stir well to combine everything and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through and well coated.
- Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions and optional sesame seeds for extra flavor and crunch. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- You can use ground chicken, turkey, or pork depending on your preference.
- If you like it spicier, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
- For a lower sodium option, use low-sodium soy sauce.
- Serve with steamed rice or noodles for a more filling meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated for up to 3 days.
