If you’ve ever wished for all the delicious flavors of your favorite egg rolls without the hassle of deep frying or rolling tiny wrappers, this Egg Roll Stir Fry Recipe is exactly what you need. It delivers the classic, comforting taste of that iconic takeout snack, but in a quick, one-pan, vibrant dish loaded with ground meat, crunchy cabbage, and shredded carrots, all coated in a savory, slightly tangy sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or an impressive meal when friends come over, this stir fry packs in bold flavors and textures that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Egg Roll Stir Fry Recipe is delightfully simple, relying on a handful of fresh and pantry staples that come together beautifully. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, whether adding savory depth, fresh crunch, or that satisfying umami bite that makes the dish irresistible.
- 1 pound ground meat (chicken, turkey, or pork): This is the hearty protein base that absorbs all the tasty seasonings perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Essential for sautéing and keeping everything tender and juicy.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds a sweet and aromatic foundation to the stir fry.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic brings that pungent warmth we all love in Asian-inspired dishes.
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger: Fresh ginger gives a subtle zing and brightness.
- 1 medium head of green cabbage, thinly sliced: This crunchy veggie mimics the texture inside an egg roll wrapper with lots of bite.
- 2 medium carrots, shredded: Bright and slightly sweet, carrots also add gorgeous color contrast.
- ¼ cup soy sauce: The salty, umami-rich sauce that ties all flavors together.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Just a drizzle imparts a nutty aroma and depth that feels authentic.
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar: Adds a slight tanginess to balance sweetness and saltiness.
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who enjoy a gentle spicy kick.
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish): Fresh and crunchy, they add a burst of color and flavor right before serving.
- Optional: sesame seeds, for garnish: Toasted seeds lend a subtle crunch and visual appeal.
How to Make Egg Roll Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Meat
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Adding the meat now ensures it browns nicely, developing those rich caramelized edges full of flavor. Break it apart with your spatula to achieve that perfect crumbly texture. Cooking about 5 to 7 minutes until nicely browned will give your dish a robust foundation. Once done, transfer the meat to a plate and set it aside to keep things tidy.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Using the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil to build layers of flavor. Toss in the chopped onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until it starts turning translucent and sweet. Then add the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger, stirring for another 1 to 2 minutes until your kitchen fills with those amazing fragrances, signalling the perfect base for the veggies and sauce.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
Now it’s time to welcome the star veggies of this Egg Roll Stir Fry Recipe. Add the shredded carrots and thinly sliced cabbage to the skillet, stirring frequently. Cook them for about 5 to 6 minutes, allowing the cabbage to soften just enough while still keeping a delightful crunch. This textural contrast is what elevates the dish, mimicking that satisfying bite of a classic egg roll filling.
Step 4: Combine Meat and Sauce
Return the cooked ground meat to the skillet with the veggies. Pour in the soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar, followed by crushed red pepper flakes if you’re feeling adventurous. Stir everything well to combine and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the sauce to lightly thicken and coat every morsel. This stage brings all the flavors together for a unified, mouthwatering experience.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
At this final moment, sprinkle the sliced green onions and optional sesame seeds on top for a refreshing crunch and nutty notes. Serve the Egg Roll Stir Fry Recipe piping hot, and watch how quickly it disappears — whether alongside steamed rice or all by itself, it’s pure comfort in a bowl.
How to Serve Egg Roll Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes make a world of difference, enhancing both taste and presentation. Scattered green onions add bursts of vibrant color and a mild onion flavor. Toasted sesame seeds introduce an appealing crunch and a subtle nuttiness that elevates the whole dish. For an extra pop, consider a drizzle of sriracha or a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro if you like bold flavors.
Side Dishes
This stir fry pairs wonderfully with simple steamed jasmine or basmati rice to soak up every drop of the savory sauce. If you want a lighter meal, serve it alongside fluffy cauliflower rice or even some lightly steamed edamame for extra protein and texture contrast. A crisp cucumber salad or quick pickled veggies add refreshing brightness to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests or pack it for lunch? Serve this Egg Roll Stir Fry Recipe in crispy wonton cups or over a bed of crispy baked noodles. You could also stuff it inside lettuce leaves for a low-carb, refreshing handheld version. The vibrant colors and mix of textures allow for loads of fun presentation options that keep this dish exciting meal after meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Egg Roll Stir Fry Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. As the flavors meld, the dish often tastes even better the next day. Just be sure to cool to room temperature before refrigerating to maintain freshness and texture.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, vegetables like cabbage and carrots may become slightly watery upon thawing. To minimize this, cool the stir fry completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and use within 1 month for optimal flavor and texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through to preserve the crispness of the veggies. Microwave reheating works too but can make the cabbage softer. Adding a splash of soy sauce or a fresh drizzle of sesame oil can revive the flavors during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat for this Egg Roll Stir Fry Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground chicken, turkey, pork, or even beef work wonderfully. Each offers a unique flavor profile, so feel free to experiment depending on your preference or what you have on hand.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Definitely! Substitute the ground meat with firm tofu or tempeh crumbles, or even cooked lentils. Use vegetable oil and check your soy sauce to ensure it’s vegan-friendly for a plant-based version.
Can I add more vegetables to the stir fry?
Yes, this recipe is very flexible. Bell peppers, snap peas, mushrooms, or bean sprouts can all make great additions, bringing extra color and nutrients while staying true to the spirit of the dish.
What sauce alternatives could I use if I don’t have soy sauce?
If soy sauce isn’t available, tamari or coconut aminos are great alternatives that maintain the salty, umami essence. Just keep in mind they may slightly alter flavor and sodium content.
How spicy is the Egg Roll Stir Fry Recipe?
The dish is typically mild, but the optional crushed red pepper flakes provide a gentle kick. You can adjust the spicy level according to your taste by adding more or less, or pairing it with spicy dipping sauces.
Final Thoughts
This Egg Roll Stir Fry Recipe is such a satisfying and flavorful dish that really shows how easy it is to bring the best parts of a beloved takeout classic right to your kitchen. With its simple ingredients and quick cooking time, it’s perfect for busy days when you crave something comforting and impressive without the fuss. Give it a try, and I’m sure it will become a staple in your rotation as it has in mine!
Print
Egg Roll Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Egg Roll Stir Fry is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish featuring ground meat and crunchy vegetables cooked in a savory soy-based sauce. It combines the delicious flavors of an egg roll filling but in a quick stir-fried form, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner for four.
Ingredients
Meat and Oils
- 1 pound ground meat (chicken, turkey, or pork)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 medium head of green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 2 medium carrots, shredded
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Sauce and Seasonings
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 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 through, 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, cooking 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, stirring frequently until the vegetables have softened but still retain some 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 all ingredients and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is well coated and heated through.
- Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and optional sesame seeds. Serve immediately while hot for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute the ground meat with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to control the spice level.
- For gluten-free version, use gluten-free soy sauce.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in a skillet or microwave.
