If you love the irresistible flavors of classic egg rolls but want a quicker, lighter, and even more satisfying meal, you’ll adore this Egg Roll Stir Fry Recipe. It captures all the savory, spicy, and crunchy elements of your favorite appetizer, but transforms them into a vibrant, one-pan dish that comes together in just about 25 minutes. The combination of ground pork, fresh ginger, garlic, and that magical blend of Chinese five-spice and chili paste creates a mouthwatering sauce that perfectly complements the crisp-tender coleslaw mix. Every bite bursts with flavor and texture, making this stir fry a true dinner winner you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your hands on the right ingredients is key to nailing this Egg Roll Stir Fry Recipe. Each component plays a vital role, whether it’s building layers of flavor, adding texture, or bringing that beautiful balance of color. Don’t worry, these ingredients are simple staples that you can find easily and will inspire you with how effortlessly they transform into something incredible.
- Olive oil: This oil provides the perfect base for sautéing without overpowering the other flavors.
- Ground pork: Lean and flavorful, this is the protein powerhouse that gives the dish its hearty, satisfying element.
- Fresh ginger (minced): Adds a bright, zesty warmth that’s essential for authentic Asian-inspired cooking.
- Garlic (minced): Offers a pungent depth and aromatic kick to complement the ginger perfectly.
- Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce so it clings deliciously to every bite.
- Chinese five-spice: A fragrant blend that sparks a unique sweet-and-savory flavor profile.
- Low sodium soy sauce: Provides salty umami without being too intense or overpowering.
- Sesame oil: Infuses a nutty aroma that completes the stir fry’s flavor journey.
- Chili paste: Brings a subtle spicy heat that wakes up the palate perfectly.
- Coleslaw mix: Preferably with thinly sliced carrots; it adds crunch, color, and a slight natural sweetness.
- Kosher salt: To taste; enhances all the flavors without overwhelming them.
- Cooked rice: The perfect base to soak up every bit of the savory sauce.
- Thinly sliced green onions: For a fresh, crisp topping that lifts the dish.
- Wonton strips: Optional but highly recommended for crunch and visual appeal.
How to Make Egg Roll Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pork with Aromatics
Start by warming olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat; this ensures a nice sear and prevents sticking. Add the ground pork along with the freshly minced ginger and garlic. As you cook, break up the meat into small pieces with your spatula, allowing the ginger and garlic to release their rich aromas. Properly cooking the pork until it’s browned and no longer pink is essential for flavor and food safety. If there’s any excess liquid pooling in the pan, drain it to avoid soggy stir fry.
Step 2: Build the Sauce and Add Seasonings
Sprinkle the cornstarch evenly over the cooked pork, then the Chinese five-spice. Stir everything well to coat the meat, creating a flavorful base that makes the sauce richer and thicker. Next, pour in the low sodium soy sauce, sesame oil, and chili paste. These ingredients marry beautifully to bring that signature egg roll taste to your stir fry. Let the mixture cook for about two minutes until a glossy sauce has formed, giving you the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy notes.
Step 3: Toss in the Coleslaw Mix and Finish Cooking
Add the coleslaw mix to your skillet and toss it thoroughly with the pork and sauce. Cover the pan with a lid to let the cabbage steam gently, softening it while maintaining some crispness. After about 2 to 3 minutes, check that the cabbage has brightened in color and is tender but still slightly crunchy. Taste the mixture and season with kosher salt only if needed, as the soy sauce already adds saltiness. Serve immediately over a bed of steaming cooked rice.
How to Serve Egg Roll Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of thinly sliced green onions adds a fresh, peppery bite that contrasts wonderfully with the rich pork and spicy sauce. For a delightful crunch and to emphasize that egg roll vibe, top your dish with crispy wonton strips. These garnishes don’t just make the dish look gorgeous, they elevate every bite with texture and flavor pops.
Side Dishes
Serve your Egg Roll Stir Fry Recipe alongside simple steamed rice to help soak up all those irresistible juices. For added variety, consider pairing it with lighter, crisp sides like cucumber salad or pickled vegetables. These will balance the richness of the pork and refresh your palate between bites.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling adventurous? Try serving your stir fry inside lettuce wraps for a fun, handheld experience. Alternatively, use it as a filling for warm tortillas or pita pockets for a fusion twist. The vibrant colors and textures invite creativity, so don’t hesitate to customize presentations based on your mood or occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This stir fry keeps well because the vegetables retain some crunch, and the pork remains flavorful. Just be sure to cool it completely before sealing to maintain freshness.
Freezing
You can freeze the Egg Roll Stir Fry Recipe, but keep in mind vegetables may become softer after thawing. Pack the stir fry in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. This method helps revive some of the crispness in the vegetables. Avoid microwave reheating when possible to prevent sogginess, but if needed, use short bursts and stir frequently.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of pork?
Absolutely! Ground chicken or turkey works well as leaner alternatives. Just be sure to cook them thoroughly and adjust seasoning to your taste since they have a milder flavor than pork.
Is this recipe spicy?
The chili paste provides a gentle heat that can be adjusted by adding more or less according to your preference. If you want it milder, reduce the chili paste or substitute it with a sweet chili sauce for a touch of sweetness instead.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can replace ground pork with firm tofu or tempeh crumbles for a vegetarian version. Just increase the cooking time slightly to get a nice texture and add extra seasonings like soy sauce and five-spice for depth.
What kind of chili paste is best for this stir fry?
A good quality chili garlic paste or Sriracha works great for balancing spice and flavor in this dish. If you prefer less heat, start with a small amount and taste as you go.
Do I have to use wonton strips as a topping?
Wonton strips add a lovely crunch, but they are optional. You can substitute with crispy fried onions, chopped nuts, or simply enjoy the stir fry as is for a lighter meal.
Final Thoughts
There is something so comforting and exciting about the Egg Roll Stir Fry Recipe that makes it a standout weeknight favorite in my kitchen. The way simple ingredients come together to create a symphony of flavors and textures is truly rewarding. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—it’s quick, easy, and endlessly customizable. Once you make it, you might just find yourself craving it every time you want something deliciously satisfying with a fun twist.
Print
Egg Roll Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 5 to 5.5 servings
- Category: Stir Fry
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
A flavorful and quick Egg Roll Stir Fry featuring ground pork, fresh ginger, garlic, and a vibrant coleslaw mix tossed in a savory sauce with Chinese five-spice and chili paste. Served over rice and topped with green onions and crispy wonton strips for an easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground pork
- 2-inch piece of fresh ginger, minced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
- ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons chili paste
- 16 ounces coleslaw mix (preferably with thinly sliced carrots)
- Kosher salt, to taste
For Serving
- Cooked rice
- Thinly sliced green onions (for topping)
- Wonton strips (for topping, optional)
Instructions
- Heat the oil and cook pork: Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground pork, minced ginger, and minced garlic. Crumble the pork as it cooks and sauté until the pork is no longer pink and fully cooked through. If there is excess liquid in the pan, drain it off to avoid sogginess.
- Add seasoning and form the sauce: Sprinkle the cooked pork with cornstarch and Chinese five-spice powder. Stir well to coat the meat evenly. Pour in the soy sauce, drizzle the sesame oil, and add the chili paste. Continue to cook for about 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the pork and aromatics.
- Cook the coleslaw mix: Add the coleslaw mix to the skillet and toss to combine with the pork and sauce. Cover the skillet with a lid and allow the vegetables to steam for 2 to 3 minutes until the cabbage is bright green and slightly wilted but still crisp.
- Season and serve: Taste the stir fry and season with kosher salt only if needed. Serve the stir fry over freshly cooked rice. Garnish the dish with thinly sliced green onions and crispy wonton strips if desired for added texture and flavor. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Adjust chili paste quantity to control spice level according to preference.
- Use low sodium soy sauce to control salt content.
- Wonton strips are optional but add a delightful crunch.
- Make sure to not overcook the cabbage to retain its crunch and color.
- Ground pork can be substituted with ground chicken or turkey as an alternative.
