Egg Roll Stir Fry: A Delicious & Easy Weeknight Meal

Egg Roll Stir Fry: Craving the crispy, savory goodness of egg rolls but short on time? Imagine all those delicious flavors – the seasoned pork, the crunchy vegetables, the satisfyingly savory sauce – transformed into a quick and easy weeknight meal. Forget spending hours wrapping individual egg rolls; this recipe delivers all the taste with a fraction of the effort!

While the exact origins of the egg roll are debated, its roots are firmly planted in Chinese-American cuisine. Evolving from the traditional spring roll, the egg roll became a beloved staple, offering a deep-fried, flavor-packed experience. But let’s be honest, sometimes we want that incredible taste without the deep-frying and the fuss. That’s where this Egg Roll Stir Fry comes in!

People adore this dish for so many reasons. It’s incredibly versatile – you can easily customize the vegetables and protein to your liking. The combination of textures, from the tender meat to the crisp-tender veggies, is simply irresistible. And, perhaps most importantly, it’s incredibly convenient. Ready in under 30 minutes, this stir fry is the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you’re craving something satisfying and flavorful. Get ready to experience all the joy of egg rolls in a whole new, simplified way!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground pork (or ground chicken/turkey for a lighter option)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 1 (16 ounce) bag coleslaw mix (cabbage and carrots)
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 4 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 (14 ounce) can bean sprouts, drained
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 teaspoon sriracha (or more, to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• Egg roll wrappers (optional, for serving as a wrap)
• Cooked rice (optional, for serving over rice)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Preparing the Pork and Aromatics:

1. Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. This is where the magic starts! We want that oil nice and hot so we can get a good sear on the pork.
2. Add the ground pork to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through. Make sure there are no pink bits left! This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
3. Drain off any excess grease from the skillet. Nobody wants a greasy stir-fry!
4. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. We want the onion to be translucent and fragrant.
5. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic! Burnt garlic is a sad garlic.

Adding the Vegetables:

1. Add the coleslaw mix, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper to the skillet. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp. We want them to still have a little bite to them!
2. Add the green onions and bean sprouts to the skillet. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, until heated through. These don’t need to cook as long as the other veggies.

Making the Sauce:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sriracha, ground ginger, garlic powder, and black pepper. This is our flavor bomb!
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. This will help thicken the sauce.
3. Pour the sauce mixture over the vegetables in the skillet.
4. Add the cornstarch slurry to the skillet and stir well to combine.
5. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened. Keep stirring to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.

Serving Suggestions:

1. Serving as a Stir-Fry: Serve the Egg Roll Stir Fry immediately. You can garnish it with sesame seeds for a little extra flavor and visual appeal.
2. Serving in Egg Roll Wrappers: If you want to use egg roll wrappers, heat them according to the package directions. Spoon the Egg Roll Stir Fry into the center of each wrapper, fold in the sides, and roll up tightly. You can then bake, fry, or air fry the egg rolls until golden brown and crispy.
3. Serving over Rice: Serve the Egg Roll Stir Fry over cooked rice for a complete and satisfying meal. Brown rice or jasmine rice would both be delicious!

Tips and Variations:

• Protein Variations: Feel free to substitute the ground pork with ground chicken, ground turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. If using tofu, press it first to remove excess water and then cube it before adding it to the skillet.
• Vegetable Variations: You can add other vegetables to the stir-fry, such as mushrooms, snow peas, water chestnuts, or bamboo shoots. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of sriracha to your liking. If you’re not a fan of spice, you can omit it altogether. You could also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a different kind of heat.
• Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter stir-fry, you can add a tablespoon of honey or brown sugar to the sauce.
• Noodles: For a noodle-based dish, add cooked ramen noodles, lo mein noodles, or rice noodles to the stir-fry after the sauce has thickened.
• Make Ahead: The Egg Roll Stir Fry can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in a skillet or microwave before serving.
• Freezing: You can also freeze the Egg Roll Stir Fry for longer storage. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Detailed Ingredient Notes:

• Ground Pork: I prefer using lean ground pork to reduce the amount of grease in the stir-fry. However, you can use regular ground pork if you prefer. Just be sure to drain off any excess grease after cooking.
• Sesame Oil: Sesame oil adds a nutty and aromatic flavor to the stir-fry. A little goes a long way, so don’t overdo it!
• Coleslaw Mix: Coleslaw mix is a convenient way to add cabbage and carrots to the stir-fry. You can also shred your own cabbage and carrots if you prefer.
• Bell Peppers: I like to use a combination of red and green bell peppers for color and flavor. You can use any color of bell pepper that you like.
• Green Onions: Green onions add a mild onion flavor to the stir-fry. They’re also a great garnish.
• Bean Sprouts: Bean sprouts add a crunchy texture to the stir-fry. Be sure to drain them well before adding them to the skillet.
• Soy Sauce: I recommend using low-sodium soy sauce to control the amount of salt in the stir-fry.
• Rice Vinegar: Rice vinegar adds a tangy flavor to the stir-fry.
• Hoisin Sauce: Hoisin sauce adds a sweet and savory flavor to the stir-fry. It’s a key ingredient in many Asian dishes.
• Sriracha: Sriracha adds a spicy kick to the stir-fry. Adjust the amount to your liking.
• Cornstarch: Cornstarch is used to thicken the sauce.
• Egg Roll Wrappers: Egg roll wrappers are optional, but they’re a fun way to serve the stir-fry.

Equipment You’ll Need:

• Large skillet or wok
• Spoon or spatula
• Small bowls
• Whisk
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Grater

Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving):

• Calories: 350-450 (depending on ingredients and serving size)
• Protein: 25-35g
• Fat: 20-30g
• Carbohydrates: 20-30g

Enjoy your delicious and easy Egg Roll Stir Fry!

Conclusion:

This Egg Roll Stir Fry isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! We’ve taken all the best parts of a crispy egg roll – that savory filling, the satisfying crunch – and transformed it into a quick, easy, and utterly delicious stir-fry that you can whip up in under 30 minutes. Forget ordering takeout; this recipe delivers all the satisfaction without the grease or the wait.

But why is this recipe a must-try? It’s all about the balance. The tender vegetables, the perfectly seasoned ground meat (or your favorite protein!), and that incredible sauce that ties everything together create a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! You can easily customize it to your liking, swapping out vegetables, adding a little extra spice, or even using different types of noodles or rice.

Speaking of serving suggestions, the possibilities are endless! I personally love serving this Egg Roll Stir Fry over a bed of fluffy white rice, but brown rice or quinoa work just as well for a healthier option. For a low-carb version, try serving it over cauliflower rice or even just enjoying it on its own as a hearty and satisfying meal. A sprinkle of sesame seeds and a drizzle of sriracha add the perfect finishing touch.

Want to take it to the next level? Consider adding some crispy wonton strips for extra crunch, or a dollop of creamy peanut sauce for a richer, more decadent flavor. You could even wrap the stir-fry in lettuce cups for a fun and healthy appetizer. And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try adding some pineapple chunks for a sweet and tangy twist?

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own! Use whatever vegetables you have on hand, adjust the seasonings to your preference, and get creative with your toppings. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process.

I truly believe that this Egg Roll Stir Fry will become a staple in your dinner rotation. It’s quick, easy, delicious, and endlessly customizable – what’s not to love? It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you’re craving something flavorful and satisfying but don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. It’s also a great way to use up leftover vegetables and protein, making it a budget-friendly option as well.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your wok (or a large skillet), gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience the magic of this incredible Egg Roll Stir Fry. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

And once you’ve tried it, I’d love to hear what you think! Share your photos and comments on social media using [Your Hashtag Here] and let me know what variations you came up with. Did you add any special ingredients? Did you serve it with a unique side dish? I’m always looking for new ideas and inspiration, and I can’t wait to see what you create! Happy cooking! I am confident that you will love this recipe as much as I do.