Craving the bold flavors of classic egg rolls without the deep frying? This Egg Roll Stir Fry brings all that savory goodness to your plate in a lighter, faster, and easier way. Packed with ground meat, cabbage, and aromatic seasonings, it’s a one-pan wonder that’s perfect for quick dinners or meal prep.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One-Pan Simplicity – Everything cooks in one skillet for easy cleanup.
Low-Carb & Gluten-Free Option – Skip the wrapper and keep things light.
Customizable – Use your favorite protein or toss in extra veggies.
Meal Prep Friendly – Keeps well for lunch or dinner all week long.
Quick & Flavorful – Ready in just 20 minutes with minimal prep.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Stir Fry:
1 tbsp sesame oil (or olive oil)
1 lb ground beef or ground chicken
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
1 small yellow onion, diced
1 medium carrot, shredded or julienned
1 small green cabbage, thinly sliced (or 4 cups coleslaw mix)
2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp toasted sesame seeds (optional)
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
2 green onions, sliced
Optional Add-ins:
Mushrooms, thinly sliced
Bell peppers, julienned
Zucchini noodles or cooked rice for serving
Sriracha or chili garlic sauce for extra heat
Tools You’ll Need
Large skillet or wok
Wooden spoon or spatula
Cutting board and knife
Vegetable peeler or grater
Measuring spoons
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Ground Meat
- Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef (or chicken) and cook for 4-5 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon until fully browned.
- Drain excess fat if needed and push the meat to one side of the skillet.
Step 2: Add Aromatics
- Add the garlic, ginger, and diced onion to the empty side of the pan.
- Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and the onion begins to soften.
Step 3: Toss in the Veggies
- Add shredded carrots and cabbage to the skillet.
- Stir everything together and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until the cabbage wilts and becomes tender.
- If using coleslaw mix, it may cook a bit faster—keep an eye on the texture.
Step 4: Season and Stir
- Pour in the soy sauce and rice vinegar.
- Sprinkle with black pepper and red pepper flakes if using.
- Stir well to coat all ingredients evenly in the savory sauce.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Turn off the heat and sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve hot as is, or over a bed of rice or noodles for a heartier meal.
Tips for the Best Egg Roll Stir Fry
Use Pre-Shredded Coleslaw – A huge time saver and just as tasty.
Cook Meat First – Ensures full flavor and texture before adding veggies.
Don’t Overcook the Cabbage – It should be tender but still have a little bite.
Spice It Up – Add chili paste, sriracha, or even fresh jalapeños.
Add Crunch – Top with crispy wonton strips or crushed peanuts for texture.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is satisfying on its own but also pairs wonderfully with:
Starches:
Steamed jasmine or brown rice
Quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option
Noodles – Rice noodles or soba are great choices
Sides & Extras:
Egg drop soup or miso soup
Asian cucumber salad
Steamed dumplings (vegan or meat-filled)
Fresh fruit like sliced mango or pineapple for contrast
How to Store & Reheat
Storing:
Refrigerate: Let cool and store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Cool completely and freeze for up to 2 months in freezer-safe bags.
Reheating:
Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or soy sauce.
Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until warm throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Use crumbled tofu or a plant-based ground meat alternative. Add extra veggies like mushrooms or edamame for protein. - Is this dish spicy?
It has a mild kick from red pepper flakes, but you can skip or increase the heat to your taste. - Can I use purple cabbage?
Yes, purple cabbage works well, though it may slightly change the color of the dish. - Can I meal prep this?
Yes! It stores and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for weekly lunches or dinners. - What’s a good soy sauce substitute?
Use tamari for gluten-free, or coconut aminos for a slightly sweeter, lower sodium option.
Final Thoughts
Egg Roll Stir Fry is everything you love about classic egg rolls—minus the wrapper and the deep fryer. It’s quick, healthy, and endlessly customizable. Whether you serve it in a bowl, wrap it in lettuce, or stuff it into rice paper, this one-pan meal is sure to become a regular favorite in your kitchen.
Try it out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see how your stir fry turns out.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: American Asian-Inspired
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 290 | Protein: 23g | Carbohydrates: 9g | Fat: 18g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 480mg

Egg Roll Stir Fry
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Description
Craving the bold flavors of classic egg rolls without the deep frying? This Egg Roll Stir Fry brings all that savory goodness to your plate in a lighter, faster, and easier way. Packed with ground meat, cabbage, and aromatic seasonings, it’s a one-pan wonder that’s perfect for quick dinners or meal prep.
Want recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe now to get the latest culinary creations you’ll love.
Ingredients
For the Stir Fry:
1 tbsp sesame oil (or olive oil)
1 lb ground beef or ground chicken
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
1 small yellow onion, diced
1 medium carrot, shredded or julienned
1 small green cabbage, thinly sliced (or 4 cups coleslaw mix)
2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp toasted sesame seeds (optional)
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
2 green onions, sliced
Optional Add-ins:
Mushrooms, thinly sliced
Bell peppers, julienned
Zucchini noodles or cooked rice for serving
Sriracha or chili garlic sauce for extra heat
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Ground Meat
-
Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
-
Add the ground beef (or chicken) and cook for 4-5 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon until fully browned.
-
Drain excess fat if needed and push the meat to one side of the skillet.
Step 2: Add Aromatics
-
Add the garlic, ginger, and diced onion to the empty side of the pan.
-
Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and the onion begins to soften.
Step 3: Toss in the Veggies
-
Add shredded carrots and cabbage to the skillet.
-
Stir everything together and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until the cabbage wilts and becomes tender.
-
If using coleslaw mix, it may cook a bit faster—keep an eye on the texture.
Step 4: Season and Stir
-
Pour in the soy sauce and rice vinegar.
-
Sprinkle with black pepper and red pepper flakes if using.
-
Stir well to coat all ingredients evenly in the savory sauce.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
-
Turn off the heat and sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds.
-
Serve hot as is, or over a bed of rice or noodles for a heartier meal.
Notes
Use Pre-Shredded Coleslaw – A huge time saver and just as tasty.
Cook Meat First – Ensures full flavor and texture before adding veggies.
Don’t Overcook the Cabbage – It should be tender but still have a little bite.
Spice It Up – Add chili paste, sriracha, or even fresh jalapeños.
Add Crunch – Top with crispy wonton strips or crushed peanuts for texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Cuisine: American Asian-Inspired