Deconstructed Egg Rolls
Deconstructed egg rolls in a bowl are a delightful twist on a classic takeout favorite. Imagine all the savory flavors of traditional egg rolls—crisp vegetables, savory meat, and aromatic spices—revamped into a quick, easy meal that comes together in just about 15 minutes. It’s a fantastic way to satisfy cravings without deep frying or rolling, and you won’t miss those wrappers one bit! This dish has quickly become a go-to for weeknight dinners, offering a healthy option that’s bursting with flavor and color.
Table of Contents
I first stumbled upon this recipe one busy evening when takeout felt tempting, but I didn’t want the extra hassle or calories. It was a revelation! With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, this deconstructed egg roll is perfect for nights when you want something hearty yet easy to make. You can have this warm, comforting bowl on the table in no time. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it over and over again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Whip this dish up in just 15 minutes—perfect for a busy weeknight!
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of garlic, ginger, and sesame oil creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors of the shredded cabbage and green onions make this dish not only tasty but also visually inviting.
- Flexible Serving: Serve it for lunch, dinner, or even a late-night snack.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable to be gluten-free or low-carb, making it suitable for various dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 tbsp avocado oil: This oil has a high smoke point, making it ideal for sautéing while adding healthy fats. You can substitute it with vegetable oil if necessary.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic brings a robust flavor; feel free to use jarred minced garlic in a pinch, but fresh is best.
- 3 tbsp fresh ginger (minced or grated): Gives a warm, spicy flavor; you can swap in ¾ tsp ground ginger if fresh isn’t available.
- 1 lb ground pork (or ground beef): This is the protein base; ground chicken or turkey can also work well for a lighter option.
- 1 tsp sea salt: Enhances the dish’s flavor; adjust according to your dietary preferences.
- ¼ tsp black pepper: A pinch for a bit of heat; add more if you like things spicy!
- 6 cups shredded coleslaw mix: A convenient mix of cabbage and carrots provides crunch; alternatively, you could chop your own if fresher is preferred.
- ¼ cup coconut aminos (or 1-2 tablespoons more): A soy sauce alternative that adds sweetness; soy sauce can be used if you’re not avoiding gluten.
- 2 tsp toasted sesame oil: This oil offers a rich, nutty flavor that completes the dish; don’t skip it!
- ¼ cup green onions: Fresh green onions add a pop of color and freshness; you can also use chives in a pinch.
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish): These add a final touch of crunch and flavor; use them if you like a bit of texture.
How to Make Deconstructed Egg Rolls
Heat Oil: Start by heating 1 tablespoon of avocado oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. You want a nice, even heat to get things sizzling.
Sauté Aromatics: Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and 3 tablespoons of minced ginger to the hot oil. Sauté for about a minute, just until fragrant. The aroma will fill your kitchen—everyone will start gathering for dinner!
Cook Meat: Now, toss in 1 pound of ground pork, breaking it apart with a spatula. Season it with 1 teaspoon of sea salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Cook on medium-high heat for about 7 to 10 minutes until the meat is browned and pressure is released from the skillet. If you see excess fat pooling, feel free to drain some away.
Add Vegetables: Reduce the heat to medium, then add 6 cups of the coleslaw mix and ¼ cup of coconut aminos. Stir everything to ensure the veggies are coated. Cook for about 5 minutes while stirring occasionally until the cabbage is tender but still has a bit of crunch.
Finish Off: Once the cabbage reaches the right level of tenderness, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in 2 teaspoons of toasted sesame oil and ¼ cup of green onions. For an extra layer of flavor, you can sprinkle with sesame seeds for that nice finishing touch.
Storing & Reheating
To store any leftovers, let the dish cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It can sit at room temperature for about two hours, but for longer storage, refrigerate it, where it will stay fresh for up to three days. If you want to keep it for longer, consider freezing in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, about 5–7 minutes. Note that the texture may change slightly after being frozen, but a quick stir and reheat will refresh its delicious flavor.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overcooking the garlic and ginger; just a minute is perfect to release their flavors.
- If you want your dish to pack more of a punch, consider adding sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes when cooking the meat.
- Using fresh coleslaw mix is a great shortcut, but chopping your fresh vegetables can enhance the taste greatly!
- For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with plant-based protein like crumbled tempeh or cooked lentils.
- To reduce the sodium content, opt for low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos.
- This dish can be easily prepped ahead of time; cook the meat and veggies, then assemble right before serving for fresh flavor.
Using simple and fresh ingredients, deconstructed egg rolls present a flavorful and quick meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Plus, their versatility allows you to tailor the dish to your tastes. Whether you enjoy a spicy kick, or a milder version with just the basics, feel free to make it yours. Gather your ingredients, and get ready to savor a comforting bowl of goodness that will leave your taste buds dancing!
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply replace the ground pork with crumbled tempeh or lentils, which will still provide great texture and flavor.
How spicy is this dish?
The spice level is pretty mild thanks to the garlic and ginger, but you can easily increase the heat by adding more black pepper or red pepper flakes.
What can I use instead of coconut aminos?
Soy sauce is a fantastic substitute if you don’t need to keep it gluten-free. If you’re looking for a low-sodium option, go for low-sodium soy sauce.
Can I prep this in advance?
Yes! You can chop the veggies and cook the meat ahead of time. Just store everything separately in the fridge, and quickly stir-fry when you’re ready to eat. It’s a perfect meal for meal prepping!
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📖 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: Skillet
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
Enjoy a quick and flavorful meal with Deconstructed Egg Rolls. This dish features ground pork and crunchy cabbage in a delightful stir-fry, making it a perfect choice for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 tbsp fresh ginger (minced or grated; or use 3/4 tsp ground ginger)
- 1 lb ground pork (or ground beef)
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (or more if you want it spicy)
- 6 cups shredded coleslaw mix (or cabbage and carrots chopped with a knife)
- 1/4 cup coconut aminos (or 1–2 tablespoons more if you like; you can also use low-sodium soy sauce)
- 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 the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet.
- Sauté for about a minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground pork or beef, seasoning it with sea salt and black pepper. Break up the meat with a spatula and cook until browned for about 7-10 minutes. (You can drain excess oil if desired.)
- Lower the heat to medium.
- Incorporate the coleslaw mix and coconut aminos, stirring to coat everything evenly. 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.
Notes
Substitute ground pork with ground beef for a different taste.
Adjust the amount of coconut aminos to suit your flavor preference. Add more for a saltier taste.
For extra crunch, serve with additional sesame seeds on top.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
