Egg Roll Stir Fry Recipe

Craving a quick, flavor-packed meal that's easier than traditional egg rolls? You'll love this stir fry that transforms classic egg roll ingredients into a speedy one-pan wonder. By deconstructing the familiar takeout favorite, you'll create a healthier, faster dinner that captures all the beloved tastes—crispy, savory, and totally satisfying. Want to know how to whip up this game-changing weeknight recipe in less than 30 minutes?

Recipe Highlights

• A quick 30-minute one-pan meal that deconstructs traditional egg roll flavors, combining ground pork, coleslaw mix, and savory seasonings.
• Brown ground pork over medium-high heat, add minced garlic, then stir-fry coleslaw mix until tender-crisp and meat is fully cooked.
• Season with soy sauce and sesame oil to create an authentic egg roll taste without the time-consuming wrapping and deep-frying process.
• Offers a low-carb, healthier alternative to classic egg rolls, packed with protein and vegetables that can be easily customized with additional spices.
• Stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be served as a main dish alongside rice or noodles for a complete meal.

History

Although egg rolls might seem like a staple of American Chinese cuisine, their origins are more complex and fascinating than many realize.

You'll discover that egg rolls actually emerged from Chinese spring rolls, which date back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE). Chinese immigrants brought these culinary traditions to America in the late 19th century, adapting recipes to local ingredients and tastes.

Unlike traditional spring rolls, American egg rolls typically feature thicker wrappers and heartier fillings. You'll find that wheat flour became a key ingredient, distinguishing them from their delicate Asian counterparts.

Chinese-American restaurants in cities like San Francisco and New York popularized these crispy, savory appetizers during the mid-20th century. The evolution of egg rolls reflects a beautiful culinary fusion, blending immigrant creativity with American innovation.

Recipe

Egg Roll Stir Fry transforms the classic appetizer into a delightful one-pan meal that captures all the beloved flavors of traditional egg rolls without the complex wrapping and deep-frying process. This low-carb adaptation offers a healthier alternative that doesn't compromise on taste, combining fresh vegetables and seasoned meat in a quick and satisfying dish.

Perfect for busy weeknights or quick meal prep, this stir fry delivers a perfect balance of textures and flavors that can be prepared in less than 30 minutes. The recipe simplifies the egg roll experience by deconstructing the traditional filling and creating a versatile, nutritious meal that can be enjoyed on its own or served over cauliflower rice.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground pork
• 1 bag coleslaw mix (14 ounces)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

Begin by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground pork and cook, breaking the meat into small pieces with a wooden spoon or spatula. Continue cooking until the pork is nearly browned and cooked through, which should take approximately 5-6 minutes.

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aromatic flavors.

Add the coleslaw mix to the skillet, stirring to combine with the ground pork. Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil, mixing thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage becomes tender-crisp and the pork is fully cooked. The total cooking time should be around 10-12 minutes from start to finish.

When preparing this dish, avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure proper meat browning and crisp vegetables. Consider draining excess fat after browning the pork to prevent a greasy final dish.

The stir fry can be easily customized by adding additional seasonings like ginger, red pepper flakes, or green onions, and it stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Cooking Steps

You'll start by thoroughly browning the ground pork in a large skillet, breaking it into small, uniform pieces as it cooks.

Once the meat is nearly done, add the minced garlic and continue cooking for about a minute to release its aromatic flavors.

Then, toss in the coleslaw mix, pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil, and stir-fry everything together until the cabbage is tender-crisp and the pork is completely cooked through.

Step 1. Brown Ground Pork Thoroughly

Fire up your skillet to medium-high heat and prepare to transform ground pork into a perfectly browned base for your egg roll stir fry.

Begin by adding the meat, breaking it into small, uniform pieces using a wooden spoon or spatula. You'll want to spread the pork evenly across the pan, allowing each piece to develop a golden-brown crust.

• Watch for sizzling sounds
• Look for meat turning from pink to light brown
• Stir occasionally to prevent sticking
• Aim for even, consistent browning

Avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause steaming instead of browning. As the meat cooks, drain excess fat if needed to prevent a greasy final dish.

When the pork is nearly cooked through, you're ready to add minced garlic for an extra flavor boost.

Step 2. Add Minced Garlic

Sprinkle the minced garlic into the skillet with the nearly-cooked ground pork, stirring quickly to distribute the aromatic ingredient evenly. The garlic will release its intense flavor, transforming the meat's profile with its sharp, pungent notes.

Pay close attention to the cooking process, as garlic can burn quickly and turn bitter if left unattended.

• Cook for exactly 1 minute
• Stir constantly to prevent burning
• Listen for a gentle sizzling sound
• Watch for the garlic to become fragrant but not brown

The goal is to infuse the pork with garlic's robust essence without scorching. Move the meat and garlic around the pan, ensuring even heat distribution.

This step builds a solid flavor foundation for your egg roll stir fry, creating depth and complexity in just moments.

Step 3. Add Coleslaw Mix

Veggie-packed coleslaw mix transforms your egg roll stir fry into a vibrant, nutritious meal with minimal prep work.

Simply pour the entire 14-ounce bag directly into your hot skillet, where it'll instantly mingle with the browned pork. Stir the mixture continuously, ensuring even distribution and preventing any single area from burning.

The coleslaw mix, typically a blend of shredded cabbage and carrots, will start to soften and release its natural moisture, creating a delicious base for your stir fry.

• Cook for 5-7 minutes
• Stir occasionally
• Look for tender-crisp cabbage texture
• Ensure pork is fully cooked

Watch for color changes: the cabbage will transition from raw and pale to slightly translucent and tender, signaling it's perfectly prepared.

Step 4. Pour in Soy Sauce

Drizzle the soy sauce over your sizzling pork and coleslaw mixture, transforming the skillet with a savory umami splash that'll instantly elevate your egg roll stir fry. The 2 tablespoons of soy sauce aren't just a seasoning—they're a flavor conductor, binding the ingredients with a rich, deep taste that mimics traditional egg roll filling.

• Pour sauce slowly and evenly
• Stir continuously to distribute flavor
• Watch for glistening sheen across ingredients

As you incorporate the soy sauce, notice how the meat and vegetables begin to glisten. The liquid will quickly absorb into the coleslaw mix, creating a cohesive, well-seasoned base.

Keep your heat at medium-high, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even coating. The sauce will slightly caramelize, intensifying the dish's overall complexity.

Step 5. Stir and Cook Until Done

Carefully monitor your egg roll stir fry as it transforms from raw ingredients into a mouthwatering one-pan meal, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.

Watch for visual cues that signal doneness: the cabbage should turn slightly translucent and tender-crisp, while the ground pork reaches a uniform golden-brown color.

Keep your heat at medium-high and use a wooden spoon to continuously break up the meat and distribute seasonings. Aim for:

• Even color across the pan
• No pink remaining in the pork
• Vegetables that retain a slight crunch
• Total cooking time of 5-7 minutes

The final dish should have a glossy appearance from the soy sauce and sesame oil, with ingredients well-combined and aromatic.

Taste and adjust seasonings if needed before serving hot.

Final Thoughts

When you're craving the flavors of an egg roll without the heavy frying, this stir fry recipe offers a delightful solution.

You'll appreciate how quickly it comes together, transforming traditional ingredients into a healthier, more convenient meal. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity: ground pork, coleslaw mix, and a few strategic seasonings create a robust flavor profile that'll satisfy your takeout cravings.

Pro tips for success include:

• Drain excess fat after browning meat
• Use high heat for proper caramelization
• Don't overcrowd your cooking pan
• Taste and adjust seasonings as needed

Whether you're meal prepping or seeking a quick weeknight dinner, this egg roll stir fry delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Enjoy your culinary creation!