If you’re anything like me, you love the crispy, savory flavors of an egg roll but could do without the frying and the hassle of rolling everything up. That’s exactly why I created this Egg Roll Stir Fry. It’s everything you love about an egg roll—savory ground meat, fresh vegetables, and that tangy soy-based sauce—all tossed together in a simple stir fry. No deep frying required, and no need to spend time carefully wrapping each little egg roll. This dish gives you all the delicious flavors in a fraction of the time.

I first came up with this recipe on a busy weeknight when I was craving Chinese takeout but didn’t want to wait for delivery or spend a ton of time in the kitchen. I had some ground pork in the fridge, a head of cabbage, and a few carrots. From there, this stir fry came together so quickly and easily. And let me tell you, the result was a total game-changer! It’s now one of my go-to recipes for nights when I want something flavorful but don’t have a lot of time.

This Egg Roll Stir Fry is incredibly versatile, so you can switch things up depending on what you’ve got in your fridge or what kind of protein you’re in the mood for. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prepping—just make a big batch at the start of the week and have lunch or dinner ready to go in no time. And if you’re like me and prefer a low-carb option, it’s a great choice when served on its own. But, if you’re craving something more filling, a side of steamed rice does the trick.

Ingredients: A Simple List for Big Flavor

The beauty of this dish lies in how easily you can customize it. Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious stir fry:

1 lb ground pork, chicken, or turkey (I typically go with ground pork, but chicken or turkey works just as well!)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (optional, especially if you’re using lean meat)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated or minced
1 small onion, thinly sliced
4 cups green cabbage, shredded
2 medium carrots, julienned or grated
1/4 cup soy sauce (tamari for a gluten-free version)
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon chili paste or sriracha (optional, but I love the little kick it adds)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

The ingredients here are all things that you probably already have in your kitchen, or they’re easy to find at any grocery store. The cabbage and carrots bring that fresh crunch you love in an egg roll, while the soy sauce and sesame oil add that rich, savory flavor. If you’re a fan of spice, feel free to bump up the heat with a little extra sriracha or chili paste.

Steps: How to Make Your Egg Roll Stir Fry

Making this stir fry is ridiculously easy and comes together in about 20 minutes. Here’s how to get started:

Step 1: Brown the Ground Meat

Heat up a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add your ground pork (or whichever protein you’re using). Cook for about 5–7 minutes, breaking the meat apart with your spatula as it cooks. You’ll want to cook it until it’s fully browned and no longer pink. If there’s any excess fat, you can drain it off. Then, set the cooked meat aside for now.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, add a little vegetable oil (only if you’re using lean meat; otherwise, the pork will have enough fat to cook the vegetables). Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and thinly sliced onion to the pan. Sauté for about 2–3 minutes until the mixture is fragrant, and the onion has started to soften up.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

Now, it’s time for the vegetables! Add in the shredded cabbage and julienned or grated carrots. Stir everything together and let it cook for about 5–7 minutes. You want the cabbage to soften slightly but still have a nice crunch, so be careful not to overcook it. Stir frequently so everything cooks evenly and doesn’t burn.

Step 4: Combine and Season

Once the vegetables are done, return your cooked meat to the pan. Add in the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and chili paste (if you’re using it). Stir well to combine all the ingredients and coat them in the flavorful sauce. Give it a taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

When everything is nicely combined and heated through, remove the stir fry from the heat. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds (if you want to add that extra little touch of crunch and flavor). You can serve it immediately as is for a low-carb meal, or with steamed rice or cauliflower rice if you’re craving something a bit more substantial.

Tips and Variations for the Perfect Egg Roll Stir Fry

Now that you’ve got the basic recipe down, let’s dive into some tips and variations that will help you customize this Egg Roll Stir Fry to fit your tastes. This dish is so versatile, and it’s easy to make it your own depending on what you’re in the mood for or what you have on hand. Whether you want to switch up the protein, adjust the heat level, or make it even quicker, I’ve got some helpful suggestions to take this dish to the next level.

Choosing Your Protein: Ground Meat Options

One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s adaptable when it comes to protein. Ground pork is a classic choice, as it brings great flavor and richness, but you can easily switch it up based on your preferences.

Ground chicken or turkey: These leaner proteins will work perfectly if you’re looking for a lighter option. Just be aware that you might want to add a bit more oil when cooking to keep things from drying out.
Ground beef: If you love the flavor of beef, go ahead and use ground beef for a heartier, more savory taste. Ground lamb is another interesting option if you want something with a bit more depth of flavor.
Tofu: For a vegetarian version, simply swap in some firm tofu. Just make sure to press out any excess moisture before cooking, then crumble it into the stir fry for a satisfying texture.

Spice It Up or Keep It Mild: Adjusting the Heat

If you’re a fan of spice, there are several ways to crank up the heat in this stir fry. Here are some easy ideas:

Increase the chili paste or sriracha: If you like a good kick, simply add more chili paste or sriracha to the mix. Taste as you go to ensure you get the level of heat that works for you.
Add red pepper flakes: For a milder, more subtle spice, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic and ginger. This will give the stir fry a slight heat without overpowering the other flavors.
Fresh chili peppers: If you’re feeling adventurous, thinly slice a fresh jalapeño or another chili pepper and toss it in with the onions to add a fresh, vibrant heat to the dish.

Vegetable Variations: Mix and Match

While cabbage and carrots are the core veggies in this stir fry, you can mix in other vegetables depending on what you have in your fridge. Here are a few that would work wonderfully:

Bell peppers: Slice up a red or yellow bell pepper for a pop of color and sweetness. The crunchiness of bell peppers adds a nice contrast to the softer cabbage.
Mushrooms: Add sliced mushrooms (like shiitake, button, or cremini) for an earthy flavor that complements the savory sauce.
Zucchini: If you’re looking to keep things light and fresh, shredded zucchini can be a great substitute for some of the cabbage.
Snow peas or snap peas: For extra crunch and a burst of sweetness, throw in some snow peas or snap peas. These cook quickly and add a great texture.

Feel free to experiment with whatever vegetables you like best. You could even add some baby corn, bok choy, or bean sprouts for an added Asian-inspired touch.

Make It Low-Carb: Serving Suggestions

One of the things I love about this stir fry is how flexible it is for different dietary preferences. If you’re keeping things low-carb, simply serve the stir fry on its own or with cauliflower rice. The cauliflower rice gives you that rice-like texture without the carbs and is a fantastic way to keep the dish light.

Cauliflower rice: I personally prefer cauliflower rice when I’m aiming for a low-carb meal. It’s quick to make (just pulse some cauliflower florets in a food processor or buy pre-made cauliflower rice), and it soaks up all the delicious sauce just like regular rice.
Lettuce wraps: Another great low-carb option is serving the stir fry in lettuce wraps. Use large, sturdy lettuce leaves (like iceberg or butter lettuce) to scoop up the stir fry, creating a crunchy, refreshing bite.
Shirataki noodles: If you’re in the mood for noodles but want to keep things light, try shirataki noodles. These low-carb noodles are made from konjac root and are a great substitute for regular noodles.

If you’re not watching your carbs, steamed jasmine or brown rice makes the dish more filling, and it pairs wonderfully with the savory stir fry.

Meal Prep and Leftovers: Storing and Reheating

This dish is perfect for meal prepping. You can easily double the recipe and store the leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. The flavors actually improve the next day, making it even more delicious!

For an extra burst of freshness, sprinkle a little more green onion and sesame seeds on top before serving leftovers. It will feel like you’re eating it fresh every time!

Steps to Follow (Continued)

Now that we’ve gone over some tips and variations, let’s move on to the rest of the recipe, keeping in mind all of these adjustments that you can make to personalize your stir fry!

Step 6: Stir and Cook the Final Dish

By now, your stir fry should be a colorful mix of vegetables and savory, well-seasoned meat. Give everything another good stir to make sure all the flavors are evenly distributed. Let it cook for another minute or so, just to allow the sauce to reduce slightly and coat everything evenly.

Step 7: Taste and Adjust

Before you remove the stir fry from the heat, taste it and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you like it saltier, add a little more soy sauce. If it’s too tangy, a dash of honey or a bit more sesame oil can mellow it out. If the spice is too intense or not enough, feel free to adjust the chili paste, sriracha, or any other heat sources. This is your dish, so make sure it’s just right for you.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Once you’re happy with the seasoning, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with freshly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for that perfect finishing touch. Serve immediately while it’s hot, and enjoy!

Egg Roll Stir Fry

Ingredients: A Simple List for Big Flavor