Egg Roll Stir Fry

Egg Roll Stir Fry is a quick, healthy, and delicious dish that captures all the flavors of a classic egg roll without the frying. This one-pan stir fry is packed with savory ground meat, crisp vegetables, and a mouthwatering soy-based sauce. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner, offering the satisfying flavors of a traditional egg roll without the hassle of rolling and frying. With just a few ingredients and 25 minutes, you can enjoy this Asian-inspired dish that’s light yet full of flavor.

This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be made with your choice of ground meat, such as chicken, turkey, or pork. The stir fry features a vibrant mix of cabbage and carrots, creating a crunchy and fresh texture that pairs perfectly with the savory sauce. A combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar adds depth and richness, while the optional crushed red pepper flakes give the dish a subtle heat. Top it off with green onions and sesame seeds for extra flavor and garnish, and you’ve got a meal that’s as beautiful as it is tasty.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Egg Roll Stir Fry is perfect for busy nights when you want a satisfying meal that’s quick and easy to prepare. The flavors are bold yet balanced, making it a hit with the whole family. It’s also customizable—you can switch up the ground meat, adjust the spice level to your taste, or even add other veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms. Plus, it’s a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried egg rolls, offering a lighter, more nutritious option without compromising on flavor. This dish is also great for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy a delicious homemade meal all week long.

Ingredients

• Ground meat (chicken, turkey, or pork)
• Vegetable oil
• Medium onion, chopped
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Grated ginger
• Medium head of green cabbage, thinly sliced
• Carrots, shredded
• Soy sauce
• Sesame oil
• Rice vinegar
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• Optional: sesame seeds

Variations

1. Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground meat for crumbled tofu or tempeh to make this stir fry vegetarian or vegan.
2. Extra Vegetables: Add more veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or bean sprouts for additional texture and flavor.
3. Spicy: If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a drizzle of sriracha or chili oil to the stir fry.
4. Gluten-Free: To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure you use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and check that the sesame oil and rice vinegar are gluten-free.
5. Noodle Add-In: If you want to make this dish heartier, you can serve it over cooked rice noodles or even add cooked rice to the stir fry for a more filling meal.

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 it is fully cooked and browned. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove any excess fat if needed and set the meat aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pan, add a little more oil if necessary. Sauté the chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes, or until fragrant and the onion becomes translucent.

Step 3: Add the Vegetables

Add the shredded carrots and sliced cabbage to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for about 5-6 minutes, until the vegetables are tender but still crisp. Stir occasionally to ensure the veggies cook evenly.

Step 4: Add the Sauce

Pour in the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together to evenly coat the vegetables and meat in the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce and the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Remove the stir fry from heat. Serve it immediately, garnishing with sliced green onions and optional sesame seeds for extra crunch and flavor.

Tips for Making the Recipe

1. Use Fresh Ginger: Freshly grated ginger adds a lot of flavor to the dish. If you don’t have fresh ginger, you can substitute with ground ginger, but the flavor won’t be as intense.
2. Don’t Overcook the Vegetables: Keep the vegetables slightly crisp for the best texture. Overcooking them can result in a soggy stir fry.
3. Adjust the Soy Sauce: If you’re looking for a less salty version, use low-sodium soy sauce.
4. Customize the Meat: You can use ground beef or even shrimp in place of the ground meat for a different flavor profile.
5. Serving Suggestions: This stir fry is delicious on its own, but you can serve it over steamed rice or noodles for a more filling meal.

How to Serve

Egg Roll Stir Fry is perfect for a light but satisfying dinner on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, rice noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. You can also enjoy it with a side of egg rolls or dumplings for an Asian-inspired feast. The stir fry is packed with flavor, making it a great option for meal prep, as the leftovers are just as tasty the next day.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dish keeps well and the flavors continue to develop as it sits.

Freezing

You can freeze the stir fry, but it’s best to do so without the green onions and sesame seeds. Allow the stir fry to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will last up to 2 months in the freezer. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a skillet or microwave.

Reheating

To reheat, simply place the stir fry in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen the sauce. Stir occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can use ground beef, chicken, turkey, or even shrimp in this recipe. The flavor will vary slightly depending on the meat you choose.

2. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can substitute the ground meat with crumbled tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version.

3. How do I make this stir fry spicier?

To make it spicier, add more crushed red pepper flakes, a dash of sriracha, or some chili oil to the stir fry.

4. Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add any vegetables you like, such as bell peppers, snow peas, or mushrooms, to make the dish even more colorful and nutritious.

5. Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) to make this dish gluten-free.

6. Can I use pre-shredded cabbage and carrots?

Yes, using pre-shredded cabbage and carrots can save time and make the recipe even easier to prepare.

7. Can I make this in advance?

You can prepare the stir fry in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to add the green onions and sesame seeds just before serving for the best texture.

8. Can I freeze this stir fry?

Yes, you can freeze the stir fry (without the garnishes) for up to 2 months. Reheat it in a skillet or microwave before serving.

9. How do I know when the vegetables are done?

The vegetables should be tender but still crisp. Avoid overcooking them to preserve their texture and flavor.

10. Can I add a different sauce?

Yes, you can experiment with other sauces such as hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, or even teriyaki sauce to create a different flavor profile.

Conclusion

Egg Roll Stir Fry is a fantastic and flavorful dish that takes the best parts of egg rolls and turns them into a quick, healthy, and satisfying stir fry. With its savory ground meat, fresh vegetables, and bold, tangy sauce, this meal is sure to become a favorite in your dinner rotation. Whether you serve it as-is or customize it with extra veggies or spice, this dish is a winner. Enjoy the comfort and convenience of Egg Roll Stir Fry today!

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