Deconstructed egg rolls, or as I like to call them, “egg roll in a bowl,” is a vibrant twist on the traditional favorite. Imagine the satisfying crunch of fresh veggies mingling with savory meat, all tossed together in a delightful blend of flavors. What’s not to love? This dish captures the essence of classic egg rolls without the hassle of wrapping, giving you all the best parts quickly and easily.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Deconstructed Egg Rolls
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Deconstructed Egg Rolls

I first stumbled upon this dish during a busy weeknight when takeout just felt too heavy. I craved those familiar savory notes of the filling, but I wanted something lighter and simpler. That’s when I embraced this easy 15-minute dinner, and let me tell you, it became a household staple almost instantly. The balance of hearty and fresh ingredients makes it a crowd-pleaser that is not only quick to whip up but budget-friendly. I can’t wait for you to try it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s perfect for any weeknight dinner when time is tight.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of garlic, ginger, and cooked meat delivers a mouthwatering explosion of flavor in every bite.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The colorful mix of shredded cabbage and carrots makes for a visually appealing dish that invites everyone to the table.
Flexible Serving: Great as a casual family meal or a fun dish for gatherings. You can even serve it as a savory breakfast!
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets with coconut aminos or vegan options by swapping in plant-based protein.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 tbsp avocado oil: This oil is great for high-heat cooking and adds a mild flavor. Olive oil can be used as an alternative but may not handle high temperatures as well.
4 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic infuses the dish with robust flavor. If you’re in a pinch, pre-minced garlic works, but fresh is best for that aromatic kick.
3 tbsp fresh ginger (minced or grated; or use 3/4 tsp ground ginger): Fresh ginger brings warmth and spice, contrasting beautifully with the meat. Ground ginger is a substitute but won’t have the same pungent freshness.
1 lb ground pork (or ground beef): This is the protein base, providing richness. Substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version, or try mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.
1 tsp sea salt: Essential for enhancing flavors. Feel free to adjust to taste, especially if using soy sauce, which is salty.
1/4 tsp black pepper: This adds warmth, but feel free to crank it up for extra heat!
6 cups shredded coleslaw mix (or cabbage and carrots chopped with a knife): The shredded mix makes for a quick prep and a delightful crunch. You could use a mix of green and red cabbage for color.
1/4 cup coconut aminos: A soy sauce alternative that’s lower in sodium and has a slightly sweet note. Regular soy sauce is also fine if you don’t need it gluten-free.
2 tsp toasted sesame oil: This finishing oil brings a nutty aroma and depth of flavor. Don’t skip it, as it enhances the entire dish!
1/4 cup green onions: Sliced for a fresh, sharp note; feel free to add more if you love that oniony bite!
Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish): They’re a pretty touch that also adds a slight crunch.

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. This will ensure a nice sear on the meat and veggies.

Sauté Garlic and Ginger: Add 4 minced cloves of garlic and 3 tablespoons of fresh minced ginger to your skillet. Sauté for about a minute until fragrant; you’ll know it’s ready when the aroma fills your kitchen.

Brown the Meat: Toss in 1 pound of ground pork (or beef) and season with 1 teaspoon sea salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Use a spatula to break up the meat as it cooks. Raise the heat to medium-high and cook, stirring often, until the meat is browned, usually about 7 to 10 minutes.

Reduce Heat and Add Veggies: Lower the heat to medium. Stir in the 6 cups of shredded coleslaw mix and 1/4 cup of coconut aminos. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the cabbage becomes tender but still retains some crunch.

Finish with Flavor: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in 2 teaspoons of toasted sesame oil and the 1/4 cup of sliced green onions. This final step elevates the flavor profile immensely. If you fancy, sprinkle with sesame seeds for an extra touch!

Storing & Reheating

You can store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 hours after cooking. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can also freeze this dish for about 3 months; just make sure to use a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat it in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. The texture may soften a bit after freezing, but a quick sauté will revive that lovely crunch!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid using oil that has a low smoking point, like olive oil, for this recipe. Stick with avocado or vegetable oil instead.
Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the meat for maximum browning. This enhances flavor through caramelization.
For extra crunch, serve your dish with crispy shallots or wonton strips on top.
Feel free to experiment with the veggies; bell peppers or snap peas can be delightful additions!
If you prefer a spicier kick, add some chili flakes when cooking the meat.

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a dish that brings comfort and flavor together in such a simple way. Deconstructed egg rolls are all about the balance of textures, colors, and deliciousness that makes every bite enjoyable. Whether you’re looking for a quick family dinner or impressing guests with a fun, modern twist on a classic, this dish is here to deliver.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different protein?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even crumbled tempeh or tofu works wonderfully in this recipe. Just adjust your cooking time slightly based on what you choose.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Simply swap the ground meat with a plant-based alternative like mushrooms or textured vegetable protein. You can also add tofu for a protein boost without losing any texture.

What can I serve with it?

Pairing this dish with some steamed rice or cauliflower rice makes a great meal. For a lighter option, fresh lettuce leaves can be used to wrap the mixture, similar to a lettuce wrap!

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them in separate containers. When you’re ready to cook, it’ll cut down on prep time while still delivering that fresh, home-cooked taste!