If you’re craving the delicious flavors of an egg roll without all the frying and hassle, this Egg Roll Stir Fry is the perfect solution. This quick and easy dish takes the best parts of an egg roll – savory ground meat, cabbage, carrots, and a flavorful sauce – and turns it into a healthier, lighter stir fry. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a simple yet satisfying meal that’s packed with nutrients and flavor. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner, a meal prep option, or just a tasty twist on a classic, this Egg Roll Stir Fry is sure to hit the spot.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Quick and Easy
This dish comes together in just 25 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy nights when you want something delicious but don’t have a lot of time.
2. Healthy and Light
Unlike traditional egg rolls, this stir fry skips the deep frying, making it a lighter and healthier alternative without sacrificing flavor.
3. Packed with Flavor
The combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar gives this dish the perfect balance of savory and tangy flavors, while the ginger and garlic add aromatic depth.
4. Customizable
You can easily adjust the recipe by swapping the ground meat for your favorite protein (chicken, turkey, or pork) or adding extra veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or snow peas.
5. One Pan Meal
With just one pan needed, this stir fry is easy to clean up after and perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping.
Ingredients
- Ground meat (1 pound, chicken, turkey, or pork)
- Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons)
- Medium onion (1, chopped)
- Garlic cloves (3, minced)
- Fresh ginger (1 teaspoon, grated)
- Green cabbage (1 medium head, thinly sliced)
- Carrots (2 medium, shredded)
- Soy sauce (¼ cup)
- Sesame oil (1 tablespoon)
- Rice vinegar (1 teaspoon)
- Crushed red pepper flakes (¼ teaspoon, optional)
- Green onions (2, sliced, for garnish)
- Optional: sesame seeds for garnish
Variations
- Different Meat Options: You can use ground chicken, turkey, or pork based on your preference, or even go for ground beef or plant-based alternatives for a vegetarian version.
- Add More Vegetables: Feel free to throw in extra vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms to make this stir fry even more colorful and nutritious.
- Spicy Kick: For those who love spice, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha sauce to the stir fry for more heat.
- Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce to keep the dish lower in sodium if that’s a concern for you.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Ground Meat
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground meat and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Once cooked, drain any excess fat and set the meat aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed and sauté the chopped onion for about 2 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 pan. Stir well, and cook for about 5 minutes, until the cabbage starts to soften and wilt.
Step 4: Add the Sauces and Spices
Pour in the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to combine and the cabbage to fully soften.
Step 5: Combine the Meat
Return the cooked ground meat to the skillet with the vegetables, and stir until well combined. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring everything is heated through.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Serve the stir fry hot, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Enjoy as a main dish or with a side of rice or noodles.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Don’t overcook the cabbage: To keep the cabbage tender but still crisp, avoid overcooking it. You want it to be slightly softened but not soggy.
- Adjust the seasoning: Taste and adjust the soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar according to your personal preference. Add more soy sauce if you like it saltier or more vinegar for extra tanginess.
- Use high heat: Cooking the vegetables over medium-high heat will help them retain their texture while getting a nice sear.
How to Serve
This Egg Roll Stir Fry is perfect on its own as a low-carb meal, or you can serve it with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles for a more filling option. It also makes a great meal prep dish, as it holds up well in the fridge for several days.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, or in the microwave until warmed through.
Freezing
You can freeze the stir fry by allowing it to cool completely, then transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a skillet or microwave.
Reheating
Reheat the stir fry on the stovetop or in the microwave. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of soy sauce or water to bring back moisture.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute the ground meat with ground beef, chicken, turkey, or even a plant-based protein for a vegetarian version.
2. Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! You can add other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms to this dish to make it even more nutritious and colorful.
3. How can I make this stir fry spicier?
To add more heat, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or drizzle some sriracha sauce over the stir fry.
4. Can I use low-sodium soy sauce?
Yes, low-sodium soy sauce works perfectly well in this recipe and is a great option if you’re watching your sodium intake.
5. Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare this stir fry in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s a great meal prep option!
6. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, simply swap the ground meat for a plant-based protein like crumbled tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable broth instead of soy sauce if needed.
7. Can I serve this with rice?
Yes, this stir fry pairs perfectly with rice (white, brown, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option).
8. How do I know when the cabbage is done?
Cabbage should be tender but still have a slight crunch. If it starts to become limp, it’s overcooked.
9. Can I use pre-shredded carrots?
Yes, using pre-shredded carrots will save time and make preparation even quicker.
10. How can I make this stir fry gluten-free?
Simply use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari as a substitute for regular soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.
Conclusion
Egg Roll Stir Fry is the perfect solution when you’re craving the flavors of egg rolls without the frying and extra calories. Packed with protein, veggies, and a delicious savory sauce, this dish is light, healthy, and full of flavor. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal prep option, this stir fry is easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Customize it with your favorite protein and veggies, and enjoy a comforting meal that’s as nutritious as it is tasty.
PrintEgg Roll Stir Fry
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Egg Roll Stir Fry is a delicious and quick dinner that brings the flavors of an egg roll into a healthy, easy-to-make stir fry! Packed with ground meat, crunchy cabbage, and carrots, all tossed in a savory soy and sesame sauce, this dish is perfect for busy nights. It’s a great low-carb alternative to traditional egg rolls!
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
- 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
- In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground meat to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Add the chopped onion, garlic, and grated ginger to the skillet with the meat, and cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Stir in the shredded carrots and sliced cabbage, and cook for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still slightly crunchy.
- Add the soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar to the skillet, and toss to combine.
- If you like some heat, sprinkle in the crushed red pepper flakes and stir to distribute evenly.
- Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds (if using).
- Serve the stir fry hot and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute the ground meat with your choice of protein or use a vegetarian option like tofu.
- If you prefer more sauce, feel free to adjust the soy sauce and sesame oil to your taste.
- This stir fry can be served on its own or with a side of rice or noodles for a heartier meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian, American Fusion
Keywords: egg roll stir fry, quick stir fry, healthy stir fry, ground meat stir fry, low-carb stir fry, cabbage stir fry, easy dinner, Asian-inspired stir fry