Egg Roll Stir-Fry (Healthy, Flavor-Packed & One-Pan Meal)

Introduction

Egg Roll Stir-Fry, often called Egg Roll in a Bowl, delivers all the savory, comforting flavors of a classic egg roll—without the deep frying or wrapper. This quick and healthy skillet meal combines seasoned ground meat, crisp vegetables, garlic, ginger, and soy-based sauce into a satisfying dish that is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or low-carb lifestyles.


What Is Egg Roll Stir-Fry?

Egg Roll Stir-Fry is a deconstructed egg roll cooked in a skillet rather than wrapped and fried. Instead of a crispy shell, all the traditional filling ingredients—meat, cabbage, carrots, aromatics, and sauce—are sautéed together and served as a bowl meal.

It is popular among those seeking quick dinners, healthier alternatives to takeout, and low-carb or keto-friendly meals.


Why You’ll Love This Egg Roll Stir-Fry Recipe

  • Ready in under 30 minutes
  • One-pan cooking and easy cleanup
  • Naturally low-carb and gluten-free adaptable
  • Packed with vegetables and protein
  • Ideal for meal prep and leftovers

This dish delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.


Key Ingredients and Their Roles

Ground Meat

Traditionally ground pork is used, but turkey, chicken, or beef work well.

Cabbage or Coleslaw Mix

Forms the bulk of the dish and provides crunch.

Carrots

Add sweetness and color.

Garlic and Ginger

Essential aromatics that create authentic egg roll flavor.

Soy Sauce or Coconut Aminos

Provides umami and saltiness.

Sesame Oil

Adds nutty depth and aroma.

Green Onions

Finish the dish with freshness.


Choosing the Best Protein

  • Ground pork: Most traditional and flavorful
  • Ground turkey: Lean and mild
  • Ground chicken: Light and tender
  • Plant-based crumbles: Vegetarian-friendly option

Choose protein based on dietary needs and flavor preference.


The Science Behind a Great Stir-Fry

High heat and quick cooking preserve vegetable texture while developing flavor through browning. Cooking meat first allows fat to render, which coats the vegetables and carries seasoning evenly.

Adding sauce near the end prevents sogginess and keeps flavors vibrant.


Equipment You’ll Need

  • Large skillet or wok
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring spoons
  • Knife and cutting board

Egg Roll Stir-Fry Recipe

Ingredients (Serves 4)

  • 1 lb ground pork (or turkey/chicken)
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 (14 oz) bag coleslaw mix or shredded cabbage
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce or coconut aminos
  • 1 tsp rice vinegar
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish

Step 1: Brown the Meat

Heat skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it apart. Drain excess fat if needed.


Step 2: Add Aromatics

Stir in sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and onion. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.


Step 3: Add Vegetables

Add cabbage and carrots. Stir-fry for 4–6 minutes until tender-crisp.


Step 4: Season the Stir-Fry

Pour in soy sauce, rice vinegar, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Toss well to coat evenly.


Step 5: Finish and Serve

Remove from heat and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot.


Tips for Perfect Egg Roll Stir-Fry

  • Use a wide pan to avoid steaming
  • Do not overcook cabbage
  • Taste and adjust seasoning at the end
  • Add sauce gradually to control saltiness

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Overcrowding the pan
  • Cooking vegetables too long
  • Adding sauce too early
  • Skipping aromatics

Variations and Flavor Upgrades

Spicy Egg Roll Stir-Fry

Add sriracha or chili paste.

Keto Egg Roll in a Bowl

Use coconut aminos and increase fat slightly.

Vegetarian Version

Use tofu or plant-based ground alternatives.

Asian-Inspired Add-Ins

Water chestnuts, mushrooms, or bamboo shoots.


Serving Suggestions

  • Serve as-is for low-carb meal
  • Over steamed rice or cauliflower rice
  • Inside lettuce cups
  • Topped with a fried egg

Storage and Meal Prep

  • Refrigerate up to 4 days
  • Reheat in skillet for best texture
  • Not recommended for freezing (vegetables soften)

Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)

  • Calories: 320
  • Protein: 26 g
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, it reheats very well for meal prep.

Is Egg Roll Stir-Fry healthy?

Yes, it is high in protein and vegetables with minimal processing.

Can I add eggs?

Yes, scramble eggs in the pan before adding vegetables.


Why Egg Roll Stir-Fry Is a Weeknight Favorite

This dish captures the comforting flavor of takeout egg rolls in a fast, nutritious format. It is flexible, budget-friendly, and endlessly customizable.


Final Thoughts

Egg Roll Stir-Fry is proof that simple ingredients and proper technique can deliver big flavor. Whether you are cooking for health, convenience, or taste, this recipe belongs in your regular rotation.

Once you try it, you’ll understand why this one-pan meal is loved by home cooks everywhere.

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Egg Roll Stir-Fry (Healthy, Flavor-Packed & One-Pan Meal)


  • Author: WAFA LI

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp sesame oil or avocado oil
• 1 lb (450g) ground pork (or turkey/chicken)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 4 cups shredded green cabbage (about ½ small head)
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp sesame oil (finish)
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Optional: 1 egg, scrambled in at the end


Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high. Add pork; cook 5–6 min until browned, breaking into crumbles. Drain excess fat if needed.
  2. Push pork to edges. Add garlic and ginger to center; stir 30 sec until fragrant.
  3. Add cabbage and carrots. Stir-fry 4–5 min until cabbage wilts but stays crisp-tender.
  4. Pour in soy sauce and rice vinegar; toss everything together. Cook 1–2 min more to meld flavors.
  5. Remove from heat. Stir in green onions, finishing sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.
  6. Optional egg: Push stir-fry aside, add 1 tsp oil to center, scramble egg quickly, then mix in.
  7. Serve hot over cauliflower rice or steamed jasmine rice. Top with extra green onions or a drizzle of sriracha!

PREP TIME & NUTRITION (per serving, serves 4):
Prep Time: 10 min | Cook Time: 12 min | Total Time: 22 min | Servings: 4 | Calories: 260 | Net Carbs: 8g | Fats: 16g | Protein: 22g

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