If you’re craving all the delicious flavors of your favorite egg roll without the hassle of deep frying or rolling delicate wrappers, this Egg Roll Stir Fry Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It captures the heart of classic egg roll fillings—savory ground meat, crisp cabbage, and vibrant carrots—with a simple, quick stir-fry method that is perfect for busy weeknights or any time you want a satisfying, crunchy, and tasty meal without the fuss. Trust me, once you try this dish, it’s going to become a go-to for your dinner rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, everyday ingredients that each bring their own magic to the table is key for this Egg Roll Stir Fry Recipe. Every component works together to create that perfect balance of flavors and textures—meaty, savory, crunchy, and a hint of tangy zest.
- 1 pound ground meat (chicken, turkey, or pork): Choose your favorite for a hearty, protein-packed base that soaks up all the flavors beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Needed for achieving that perfect sear on the meat and sautéing veggies to tender-crisp perfection.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds a touch of sweetness and depth when cooked down, enhancing every bite.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Delivers an irresistible aromatic punch that’s essential in Asian-inspired dishes.
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger: Brings a fresh, slightly spicy zing to brighten the overall taste.
- 1 medium head of green cabbage, thinly sliced: Supplies satisfying crunch and bulk, plus a mild earthy flavor.
- 2 medium carrots, shredded: Adds natural sweetness and beautiful bursts of orange color to the dish.
- ¼ cup soy sauce: Provides the salty, umami backbone that ties all the ingredients together.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Infuses a rich, nutty aroma that elevates the entire stir fry.
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar: Offers a subtle tang that balances richness beautifully.
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a little gentle heat to kick things up a notch.
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish): Adds freshness and a mild onion flavor as a finishing touch.
- Optional: sesame seeds, for garnish: Sprinkle for extra texture and a hint of toastiness.
How to Make Egg Roll Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Meat
Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add your choice of ground meat and cook it thoroughly, breaking it apart with a spatula so it browns evenly. This step is crucial because the browned bits pack tons of flavor that will enrich the entire dish. Once cooked through, remove the meat from the skillet and set it aside while you work on the vegetables.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Toss in the chopped onion and let it soften for a few minutes until fragrant and translucent. Then add the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger. These aromatics are the heartbeat of your stir fry—they bring warmth and complexity that really lift the dish.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables
Now it’s time to add the thinly sliced cabbage and shredded carrots. Stir everything together and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes, just until the vegetables are tender but still have that wonderful crunch we all love in an egg roll filling. This texture contrast is what makes this stir-fry so satisfying.
Step 4: Combine Meat and Sauce
Return the cooked ground meat back to the skillet. Pour in the soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar, along with the crushed red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Give everything a thorough stir so the sauce evenly coats all the ingredients. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes to let the flavors mingle and heat through perfectly.
Step 5: Final Touches
Turn off the heat and spoon your delicious egg roll stir fry into serving bowls. Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if you like. This little touch adds freshness and just the right pop of nuttiness to finish it off beautifully.
How to Serve Egg Roll Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Green onions are a classic garnish that introduce brightness and mild spiciness, enhancing the overall flavor. For an extra-special touch, sprinkle roasted sesame seeds—they give a lovely crunchy texture along with a deep, fragrant nuttiness that complements the stir fry perfectly.
Side Dishes
This Egg Roll Stir Fry Recipe is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it alongside steamed jasmine rice or fluffy quinoa for extra heartiness. A simple cucumber salad or pickled vegetables add a refreshing contrast that balances the rich, savory stir fry beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not serve your stir fry inside crispy wonton cups for a fun appetizer twist? Or pile it on top of lettuce leaves for a fresh, low-carb wrap option that’s crunchy and vibrant. It’s a great way to impress guests or mix up your usual presentation style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Egg Roll Stir Fry Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time, making it just as delicious the next day. Be sure to cool it down completely before refrigerating to maintain quality.
Freezing
If you want to keep this meal longer, it freezes well! Place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezing bag, and enjoy within 2 months for the best taste and texture. Just remember to defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your Egg Roll Stir Fry Recipe gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot throughout. This method keeps the vegetables crisp and the meat juicy. Avoid microwaving if possible to maintain the best texture, but if you do, cover loosely and stir halfway through heating.
FAQs
Can I use different vegetables in this Egg Roll Stir Fry Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add bell peppers, snap peas, mushrooms, or even bean sprouts based on what you have on hand. Just adjust cooking times to maintain the right crunch and freshness.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the ground meat for extra firm tofu, tempeh, or a plant-based ground meat alternative. Make sure to crumble the tofu or crumble the substitute so it mimics the texture of ground meat. Season as usual for that classic egg roll flavor.
What can I use instead of soy sauce?
Tamari or coconut aminos are excellent gluten-free alternatives to soy sauce and still provide that savory umami taste. Just keep in mind that coconut aminos are a bit sweeter, so you might want to reduce any additional sugar in your recipe if you add some.
How spicy is this dish with the red pepper flakes?
The crushed red pepper flakes add a gentle heat that enhances the overall flavor without overpowering it. If you’re sensitive to spice, you can leave them out or reduce the amount to a pinch for just a mild kick.
Can I prepare this dish ahead for meal prep?
Definitely! This Egg Roll Stir Fry Recipe is perfect for meal prepping because it stores well and tastes great reheated. Divide into individual portions for easy grab-and-go lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
This Egg Roll Stir Fry Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—comforting, flavorful, and endlessly satisfying. It’s quick to make, easy to customize, and a fantastic way to enjoy all the tasty elements of an egg roll without the mess. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a staple in your kitchen for busy nights or whenever you want a delicious meal that feels special and effortless all at once.
Print
Egg Roll Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Egg Roll Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful dish that combines ground meat with crisp cabbage and carrots, all tossed in a savory soy and sesame sauce. It delivers all the classic egg roll flavors without the hassle of rolling and frying wrappers, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
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
Sauces and Seasonings
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Optional: sesame seeds
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 and crumbly, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Onions: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to burn them.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add the shredded carrots and sliced cabbage to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 5-6 minutes, until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
- Combine Meat and Sauce: Return the cooked ground meat to the skillet. Pour in the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Stir well to combine all ingredients and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through and allow flavors to meld.
- Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and optional sesame seeds. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute ground chicken or turkey for pork for a leaner protein option.
- Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to suit your heat preference, or omit for a milder dish.
- For gluten-free, use tamari instead of regular soy sauce.
- This stir fry is excellent served over steamed rice or rice noodles.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat quickly in a skillet.
