Easy Egg Roll Stir-Fry Recipe (20-Minute One-Pan Dinner!)

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Craving the bold, savory flavors of your favorite Chinese takeout egg rolls but want something healthier and faster? This Egg Roll Stir-Fry delivers all the delicious taste you love without the deep-frying hassle. In just 20 minutes, you can have a sizzling skillet filled with seasoned ground beef, crisp cabbage, aromatic ginger, and garlic all topped with crunchy wonton strips that give you that authentic egg roll experience.

This easy weeknight dinner has become a staple in households across America, and for good reason. It’s budget-friendly, uses simple ingredients you probably already have, and comes together in one pan for minimal cleanup. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a Tuesday night or meal-prepping for the week ahead, this egg roll stir-fry is the ultimate solution for quick dinner ideas that actually taste amazing.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Egg Roll Stir-Fry

This recipe checks all the boxes for modern home cooking. It’s fast, flavorful, and incredibly versatile. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity you don’t need any special culinary skills or exotic ingredients. Everything cooks in a large skillet or frying pan, making it perfect for lazy dinners when you want maximum flavor with minimum effort.

The combination of Chinese five-spice, fresh ginger, and garlic creates an aromatic base that transforms ordinary ground beef into something extraordinary. The coleslaw mix adds both nutrition and that essential crunch factor, while the soy sauce and sesame oil bring authentic Asian flavors to your table. This is truly one of those dinner ideas for family gatherings that pleases everyone, from picky kids to adventurous adults.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Egg Roll Stir-Fry

Let’s break down what makes this recipe so special. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor that mimic traditional egg rolls.

Main Ingredients Table

Ingredient	Quantity	Purpose
Olive oil	1 tablespoon	Cooking fat
Ground beef	1 pound	Protein base
Fresh ginger	2-inch piece, minced	Aromatic flavor
Garlic	4 cloves, minced	Savory depth
Cornstarch	1 teaspoon	Sauce thickener
Chinese five-spice	½ teaspoon	Signature flavor
Low sodium soy sauce	¼ cup	Umami and saltiness
Sesame oil	2 teaspoons	Nutty aroma
Chili paste	2 tablespoons	Heat and complexity
Coleslaw mix	16 ounces	Vegetable base
Cooked rice	For serving	Starch component
Green onions	Sliced, for topping	Fresh garnish
Wonton strips	For topping	Crunch factor

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Ground beef is traditional, but you can easily substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even beef based on your preferences. If you’re using a food processor, you can even grind your own meat for ultimate freshness and control over fat content.

The coleslaw mix is a brilliant time-saver look for varieties that include shredded carrots for extra color and nutrition. If you prefer to prep your own vegetables, use a sharp chef’s knife and a sturdy cutting board to thinly slice a small head of cabbage and julienne some carrots.

Fresh ginger makes a huge difference in this recipe, but if you don’t have any on hand, you can substitute 1 teaspoon of ground ginger. A quality garlic press makes quick work of mincing garlic cloves without getting your hands smelly.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Meat

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef along with the minced ginger and garlic. Using a wooden spoon or spatula from your kitchen utensils set, crumble the meat as it cooks, breaking it into small pieces for even browning. Cook for about 6-8 minutes until the beef is completely cooked through with no pink remaining. If there’s excess liquid or fat in the pan, carefully drain it off.

Step 2: Add Seasonings and Create the Sauce

Sprinkle the cornstarch and Chinese five-spice evenly over the cooked beef. Stir everything together to coat the meat thoroughly this step is crucial for creating that signature thick, glossy sauce. Pour in the soy sauce, sesame oil, and chili paste, stirring continuously. Let the mixture cook for about 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat every piece of meat beautifully.

Step 3: Incorporate the Vegetables

Add the entire bag of coleslaw mix to the skillet. Using tongs or a large spoon, toss everything together until the cabbage is well combined with the meat mixture. Place a lid over the pan and let it cook for 2-3 minutes. This steaming process helps soften the cabbage while maintaining some crispness you want it bright green and slightly wilted, not mushy.

Step 4: Final Seasoning and Serving

Remove the lid and taste your stir-fry. Add kosher salt only if needed, as the soy sauce already provides plenty of saltiness. Prepare your serving bowls with cooked rice (a rice cooker or pot works perfectly). Spoon the egg roll stir-fry generously over the rice, then garnish with thinly sliced green onions and crispy wonton strips for that authentic egg roll crunch.

Equipment You’ll Need

Creating this delicious dinner requires minimal equipment, but having the right tools makes the process even easier.

Essential Kitchen Equipment

1. Large Skillet or Frying Pan – A 12-inch skillet gives you plenty of room to stir-fry without crowding
2. Chef’s Knife – For mincing ginger and slicing green onions
3. Cutting Board – Provides a safe prep surface
4. Kitchen Utensils – Wooden spoons and spatulas for stirring
5. Measuring Cups and Spoons Set – For accurate ingredient portions
6. Garlic Press – Optional but helpful for quick garlic prep
7. Mixing Bowls – For holding prepped ingredients

Pro Tips for the Best Egg Roll Stir-Fry

Temperature Control Matters

Keep your heat at medium-high throughout the cooking process. Too low and your meat will steam instead of brown; too high and you risk burning the garlic and ginger before everything cooks through.

Don’t Skip the Cornstarch

This ingredient might seem minor, but it’s essential for creating that restaurant-quality sauce that clings to every ingredient. The cornstarch thickens the liquid components into a glossy coating.

Customize Your Heat Level

The 2 tablespoons of chili paste provide a nice kick, but adjust according to your family’s preferences. Start with 1 tablespoon for kid-friendly dinners, or add sriracha at the table for heat lovers.

Prep Everything First

This is classic stir-fry wisdom have all your ingredients measured and ready before you start cooking. Once you begin, the process moves quickly, and you won’t have time to measure or chop.

Make It Your Own

Add extra vegetables like sliced bell peppers, water chestnuts, or bean sprouts. Some families love adding a splash of rice vinegar for brightness or a drizzle of hoisin sauce for extra sweetness.

Nutritional Benefits

This egg roll stir-fry isn’t just delicious it’s also relatively healthy. Ground beef provides high-quality protein and essential B vitamins. The coleslaw mix delivers vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber. By serving it over brown rice instead of white, you’ll add even more fiber and nutrients to your meal.

Compared to deep-fried restaurant egg rolls, this version saves you hundreds of calories while still delivering all the flavors you crave. It’s a smart choice for families trying to eat healthier without sacrificing taste.

Storage and Meal Prep Ideas

This recipe makes excellent leftovers and actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Store the stir-fry in airtight containers in your refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the rice separate for best results.

To reheat, use a frying pan over medium heat with a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent drying out. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

For meal prep, consider doubling the recipe and portioning it into containers for grab-and-go lunches throughout the week. The wonton strips are best added fresh just before eating to maintain their crunch.

Serving Suggestions

While white or brown rice is traditional, this versatile stir-fry works beautifully over:

• Cauliflower rice for a low-carb option
• Rice noodles for a different texture
• Quinoa for added protein
• Lettuce wraps for a fresh, light presentation
• On its own as a bowl meal

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this egg roll stir-fry ahead of time?

Absolutely! The stir-fry actually develops even better flavor when made ahead. Prepare the recipe as directed, let it cool completely, then store in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave when ready to serve. Just wait to add the wonton strips until serving time so they stay crispy.

What can I use instead of ground beef?

Ground turkey, chicken, or beef all work wonderfully in this recipe. For a vegetarian version, try crumbled firm tofu or plant-based ground meat alternatives. Adjust cooking times slightly as different proteins cook at different rates.

Is Chinese five-spice necessary?

While Chinese five-spice adds authentic flavor with its blend of star anise, cloves, cinnamon, Sichuan pepper, and fennel, you can substitute with a combination of cinnamon and ginger if you don’t have it. However, it’s worth picking up a jar it transforms many Asian-inspired dishes.

How do I make this less spicy?

Simply reduce or omit the chili paste. You can always serve hot sauce or sriracha on the side so adults can add heat to their individual portions while keeping it mild for kids.

Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely! Bell peppers, mushrooms, snap peas, bean sprouts, and water chestnuts are all excellent additions. Add firmer vegetables with the cabbage, and tender vegetables toward the end of cooking.

What’s the best way to slice cabbage thinly?

Using a sharp chef’s knife, cut the cabbage in half through the core. Cut out the tough core, then place each half cut-side down on your cutting board. Slice into thin ribbons, working from one end to the other.

How can I make this gluten-free?

Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce in place of regular soy sauce. Check your chili paste label to ensure it’s gluten-free, and skip the wonton strips or substitute with gluten-free crispy noodles.

Why is my cabbage too watery?

This usually happens if the heat is too low or if you cook the cabbage too long. Keep the heat at medium-high and only cook the cabbage for 2-3 minutes after adding it. The cabbage should be bright and slightly wilted, not completely soft.

Final Thoughts

This Egg Roll Stir-Fry represents everything great about modern home cooking it’s fast, healthy, affordable, and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re searching for quick dinner ideas, easy weeknight dinners, or cheap dinners for a family, this recipe delivers on every front. The combination of savory beef, crisp vegetables, and authentic Asian seasonings creates a meal that rivals any takeout, but comes together in your own kitchen in just 20 minutes.

The beauty of this dish is its flexibility. Make it exactly as written, or customize it with your family’s favorite vegetables and your preferred protein. Adjust the heat level, experiment with garnishes, and make it your own. This is the kind of recipe that becomes a regular rotation in your dinner lineup a reliable, crowd-pleasing option that never gets boring.

So grab your frying pan, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy restaurant-quality flavors without leaving home. Your family will be asking for this egg roll stir-fry again and again!

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