Looking for a quick and delicious meal that packs a punch of flavor? This Egg Roll Stir Fry is the perfect solution! It brings all the savory goodness of an egg roll filling but skips the frying and the wrapper, making it a healthier, lighter alternative that still satisfies those cravings. Packed with lean ground meat, crisp vegetables, and a savory soy-based sauce, this stir fry is as easy to make as it is delicious. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner, meal prep idea, or a light, low-carb dish, this recipe has you covered.
The best part of this stir fry is how customizable it is. You can swap out the ground meat to suit your preferences, use different vegetables, or adjust the seasoning to your taste. It’s full of bold, flavorful ingredients, and the sesame oil adds a nutty richness while the soy sauce gives it that perfect balance of salty goodness. This dish is quick to prepare, and it’s a great way to use up leftover vegetables. You’ll have dinner on the table in no time, and everyone will love how tasty and satisfying it is.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Quick and Easy to Make
This stir fry comes together in just 20 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you want something healthy, flavorful, and fast.
2. Healthy and Low-Carb
Packed with lean protein and vegetables, this dish is a lighter option compared to traditional egg rolls, making it perfect for those following low-carb or healthier eating plans.
3. Versatile
You can easily customize this dish to fit your dietary needs by using different proteins like chicken, turkey, or pork, and adjusting the vegetables based on what you have in the fridge.
4. Packed with Flavor
The combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and ginger creates a rich and savory sauce that elevates the simple ingredients into a mouthwatering dish.
5. Great for Leftovers
This stir fry holds up well in the fridge and makes an excellent lunch or dinner for the next day, with flavors that meld even better after resting.
Ingredients
For the Stir Fry
- Ground meat (chicken, turkey, or pork)
- Vegetable oil
- Onion (chopped)
- Garlic (minced)
- Fresh ginger (grated)
- Green cabbage (thinly sliced)
- Carrots (shredded)
- Soy sauce
- Sesame oil
- Rice vinegar
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Green onions (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional for garnish)
Variations
- Different Proteins: You can substitute the ground meat with tofu for a vegetarian option or try shrimp or beef for a different protein twist.
- Add More Vegetables: For added color and nutrition, feel free to include extra vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas.
- Make It Spicy: If you like a little heat, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or drizzle some sriracha sauce on top for an extra spicy kick.
- Gluten-Free: To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Ground Meat
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground meat and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the meat from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the Cabbage and Carrots
Add the sliced cabbage and shredded carrots to the skillet. Stir and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the cabbage to wilt and soften. You want the vegetables to still have some crunch, so don’t overcook them.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Once the vegetables are cooked, return the ground meat to the skillet. Add the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Stir everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove the stir fry from the heat and garnish with sliced green onions and optional sesame seeds. Serve immediately and enjoy this healthy, tasty meal!
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Don’t Overcook the Vegetables: Keep the vegetables crisp to add texture to the dish. They should be tender but not mushy.
- Use a Wok for Best Results: A wok allows for even cooking at high heat, making it easier to stir-fry the ingredients quickly while maintaining their flavor and texture.
- Customize the Heat Level: If you like things spicy, add more crushed red pepper flakes or even a spoonful of chili paste or sriracha to the sauce.
- Adjust the Sauce: Feel free to adjust the soy sauce, sesame oil, or rice vinegar to suit your taste. If you like a saltier dish, add more soy sauce, or for more tang, increase the rice vinegar.
How to Serve
This Egg Roll Stir Fry is perfect on its own, or you can serve it with a side of steamed rice or cauliflower rice for a complete meal. For added texture, try serving it with a few crispy wonton strips on top or alongside a simple salad. This dish can also be used as a filling for lettuce wraps for a fun, low-carb option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This stir fry stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container, and reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of soy sauce or water to loosen the sauce.
Freezing
While this dish can be frozen, the cabbage may become a bit softer after reheating. To freeze, let the stir fry cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat, place the stir fry in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or soy sauce to bring the sauce back to life. Heat through, and it’ll taste as good as fresh!
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen vegetables in place of fresh, but fresh veggies will provide better texture and flavor.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, this stir fry is great for meal prep. Prepare and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days, and reheat as needed.
3. How do I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos and ensure the rice vinegar is gluten-free.
4. Can I add other meats?
Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, pork, or even beef. Adjust the cooking time based on the meat you choose.
5. Is this dish low-carb?
Yes, this dish is low-carb, especially when served without rice or with cauliflower rice.
6. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, use tofu or tempeh as a meat alternative for a vegetarian version of this stir fry.
7. How spicy is this dish?
The dish is mildly spicy due to the optional red pepper flakes. You can adjust the spice level by increasing or omitting them.
8. Can I make this in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the stir fry ahead of time and store it in the fridge. The flavors will even improve after a day or two.
9. Can I use other types of cabbage?
You can use napa cabbage or savoy cabbage as alternatives to green cabbage. Both will work well in this dish.
10. How do I make the stir fry crispy?
For a bit of crispiness, you can sear the vegetables in batches or even cook the ground meat until slightly crispy before adding the vegetables.
Conclusion
This Egg Roll Stir Fry is a healthy, quick, and flavorful dish that brings all the savory goodness of egg rolls without the deep-frying and wrappers. Packed with lean protein, crunchy veggies, and a deliciously rich sauce, it’s perfect for a light meal or as part of a larger spread. Easy to customize with different proteins and vegetables, this dish can be made to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re cooking for a family or meal prepping for the week, this stir fry is sure to become a new favorite.
PrintEgg Roll Stir Fry Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This quick and flavorful egg roll stir fry brings all the delicious flavors of an egg roll without the fuss of deep frying. Packed with savory ground meat, crunchy cabbage, and a flavorful soy sauce-based dressing, this dish is perfect for a light dinner or meal prep!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground meat (chicken, turkey, or pork)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 medium head of green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 2 medium carrots, shredded
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Optional: sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
- Add the ground meat to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once cooked through, remove any excess fat from the pan.
- Add the chopped onion, garlic, and grated ginger to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
- Stir in the sliced cabbage and shredded carrots. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are tender but still slightly crunchy.
- Pour in the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is well coated and heated through.
- Taste and adjust seasonings, adding more soy sauce or vinegar as needed.
- Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds (if using). Serve immediately.
Notes
- You can use any ground meat of your choice, or even a meat substitute for a vegetarian version.
- Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or less crushed red pepper flakes.
- For a bit of crunch, you can add toasted sesame seeds on top before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Stir Fry
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian