Deconstructed Egg Rolls
There’s something undeniably comforting about the familiar crunch of an egg roll, isn’t there? The crispy wrapper encasing savory fillings is a treat that many of us have enjoyed at dim sum restaurants or Chinese takeout spots. But how can we indulge in the flavors of this beloved dish without the fuss of deep-frying and rolling? Enter Deconstructed Egg Rolls, or as I like to call them, “Egg Roll in a Bowl.” This dish captures all the best elements of a traditional egg roll, laying them out in a warm and inviting manner.
Table of Contents
I first discovered this quick and delightful dish on a busy weeknight when I was craving the creamy, spicy goodness of egg rolls but didn’t feel like putting in the work to prepare them from scratch. The thought of cooking all that cabbage and seasoning up some meat was enticing, but rolling each egg roll felt daunting. That’s when I realized that a deconstructed version would satisfy my cravings while also being easy to whip up. If you’re on the hunt for a delicious and satisfying meal that comes together in about 15 minutes, I can’t wait for you to try this recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: This meal comes together in just 15 minutes — perfect for those busy evenings.
- Irresistible Flavor: Savory ground pork mingles with fresh ginger and garlic, creating a delightful taste explosion with every bite.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors of the cabbage and carrots make for a visually stunning dish that’s also a feast for the taste buds.
- Flexible Serving: Enjoy it as a quick dinner, or serve it as a fun party dish that’s also easy to share.
- Diet-Friendly Options: You can easily swap ingredients to make this dish gluten-free, dairy-free, or even vegetarian with some simple adjustments.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 tbsp avocado oil: This oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, making it perfect for sautéing. You could also use olive oil if that’s what you have on hand.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic gives this dish its aromatic depth and flavor. If you’re out of fresh garlic, about 1 teaspoon of garlic powder can serve in a pinch.
- 3 tbsp fresh ginger (minced or grated): Ginger adds warmth and a slight spiciness, brightening up the dish. Ground ginger can also work if you’re in a hurry.
- 1 lb ground pork (or ground beef): This is the protein base of your dish. Ground chicken or turkey can be used for a lighter option.
- 1 tsp sea salt: A necessary seasoning to enhance all the flavors. Remember to adjust according to your taste, especially if using soy sauce later.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Freshly cracked pepper gives the dish just the right amount of kick, but feel free to add more if you like it spicy!
- 6 cups shredded coleslaw mix: This is the main event, bringing a mix of cabbage and carrots. If you don’t have coleslaw mix, chop your own cabbage and carrots, about 3 cups total.
- 1/4 cup coconut aminos (or 1-2 tablespoons more if you like): This soy sauce alternative adds sweetness and umami. Feel free to substitute with low-sodium soy sauce if you’re not avoiding soy.
- 2 tsp toasted sesame oil: A drizzle of this oil adds nutty depth to the flavors. It’s worth the splurge as it really elevates the dish.
- 1/4 cup green onions: These add freshness and a nice color contrast. Use both whites and greens if you have them.
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish): These are a lovely finishing touch, adding a bit of crunch and visual appeal.
How to Make Deconstructed Egg Rolls
Heat oil: Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of avocado oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. It’s the perfect oil for sautéing thanks to its high smoke point.
Sauté aromatics: Add 4 minced cloves of garlic and 3 tablespoons of minced ginger to the skillet. Sauté for about a minute until the kitchen fills with that wonderful fragrant aroma.
Brown meat: Toss in 1 pound of ground pork (or ground beef, if that’s your preference). Sprinkle it with 1 teaspoon of sea salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Use a spatula to break the meat apart and cook it until browned — this should take about 7-10 minutes.
Cook cabbage: Turn the heat down to medium, then incorporate 6 cups of shredded coleslaw mix and 1/4 cup of coconut aminos. Stir everything well to coat. Cook for another 5 minutes, giving it a stir every now and then until the cabbage is tender but still a bit crunchy.
Finish with aromatics: Once done, remove the skillet from the heat. Take 2 teaspoons of toasted sesame oil and drizzle it over the mixture along with 1/4 cup of chopped green onions. Mixing these in adds layers of flavor and freshness to your dish.
Garnish: If you like, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top for that extra crunch and beautiful presentation.
Storing & Reheating
To store any leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. If you’d like to freeze your Deconstructed Egg Rolls, keep them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes. Keep in mind the texture of cabbage might soften a bit; a quick toss can help refresh flavors and moisture!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overcooking the cabbage; it should remain tender with a slight crunch for the best texture.
- Make sure to break your meat into small pieces while browning it to achieve better texture and flavor.
- Always taste and adjust seasonings, especially if using low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos.
- If you’re prepping ahead of time, you can chop and store your veggies separately to save time.
- Don’t rush the sautéing of garlic and ginger; it enhances the overall flavor of the dish immensely.
There’s a reason I keep coming back to this easy, delicious meal. With just a handful of ingredients and a mere 15 minutes, you can recreate that satisfying, savory egg roll flavor without the fuss. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner, a special gathering, or just a moment to indulge in some seriously tasty comfort food, Deconstructed Egg Rolls have you covered. The beauty of this dish lies not just in its flavors but in its flexibility. You can play with spices, try different proteins, or even load it up with your favorite veggies. Enjoy a hearty helping, and don’t forget to let your creativity shine!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground pork with ground turkey, chicken, or even beef. Just note that the cooking times might slightly vary depending on the fat content of the meat you choose.
Can this be made vegetarian?
Yes! To make a vegetarian version, swap the meat for a plant-based alternative like crumbled tempeh or mushrooms. You can also add in some extra tofu for added protein and texture.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Certainly! You can chop your veggies and cook the meat a day ahead. Just store the components separately and combine them shortly before serving to keep everything fresh.
What can I serve with it?
This dish is fantastic on its own, but you could also pair it with a side of cooked rice, quinoa, or rice noodles for a more filling meal. If you want to keep it lighter, serve it alongside a simple salad.
PrintMore Main Dishes Recipes
- Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp
- Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake
- Vegan Mac and Cheese
- Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze
- Easy Stuffed Pepper Pasta Bake
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Deconstructed Egg Rolls
- Prep Time: N/A
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Sauté
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
These Deconstructed Egg Rolls are a delightful mix of flavors, featuring ground pork and fresh coleslaw mix. Ideal for a quick, delicious dinner that’s healthy and comforting.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 tbsp fresh ginger (minced or grated)
- 1 lb ground pork (or ground beef)
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 6 cups shredded coleslaw mix
- 1/4 cup coconut aminos
- 2 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 1/4 cup green onions
- sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the avocado oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for about a minute until fragrant.
- Incorporate the ground pork (or beef), seasoning with sea salt and black pepper. Use a spatula to break the meat apart and cook until browned, about 7-10 minutes.
- Lower the heat to medium and add the coleslaw mix and coconut aminos. Stir to coat and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the cabbage is tender.
- Remove from heat and stir in the toasted sesame oil and green onions. Optionally, sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
Feel free to customize the ground meat with chicken or a vegetarian alternative.
For extra flavor, consider adding your favorite hot sauce or chili flakes. You could also use low-sodium soy sauce instead of coconut aminos.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
