Deconstructed Egg Rolls
Deconstructed Egg Rolls bring all the fun without the fuss. This quick, vibrant dish combines seasoned ground pork with a colorful medley of shredded cabbage, ginger, and garlic, replicating the essence of traditional egg rolls while cutting out the wrapping. It’s a dish packed with flavor, and in just 15 minutes, you can have a delicious meal on the table that’s both satisfying and healthy.
Table of Contents
Whether it’s lunch, dinner, or a late-night snack, this recipe is perfect for those evenings when you crave something comforting yet light. I remember the first time I made this — it was a weeknight, my family was hungry, and I wanted something that wouldn’t make a mess of the kitchen. This easy meal made everyone happy, and I knew I had stumbled upon a treasure. If you love egg rolls but not the effort of frying, this Deconstructed Egg Rolls recipe is for you!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s perfect for a busy weeknight.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of garlic, ginger, and pork creates a savory explosion in every bite.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Colorful shredded veggies make this dish visually stunning – it’s a feast for the eyes too!
- Flexible Serving: Great for any occasion, from a casual dinner to entertaining guests.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets if you swap in coconut aminos or gluten-free soy sauce.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 tbsp avocado oil: This oil is ideal for sautéing due to its high smoke point and mild flavor. Olive oil can be a substitute, but it will alter the dish’s flavor slightly.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic brings vibrant aroma and depth. If you’re out, garlic powder can work, but fresh is always better.
- 3 tbsp fresh ginger (minced or grated): Ginger adds warmth and a slight zing to the dish. For convenience, you can use ¾ tsp of ground ginger.
- 1 lb ground pork (or ground beef): Ground pork enhances authenticity, but ground beef or even turkey offers a leaner alternative.
- 1 tsp sea salt: Enhances all the flavors. Adjust according to dietary needs or taste preferences.
- ¼ tsp black pepper: A pinch adds subtle heat; feel free to add more if you like it spicier.
- 6 cups shredded coleslaw mix: This is the star! Use a pre-packaged mix for convenience or freshly chop cabbage and carrots for more crunch.
- ¼ cup coconut aminos: For a slightly sweet and savory sauce. Low-sodium soy sauce is also a great alternative if you don’t need it gluten-free.
- 2 tsp toasted sesame oil: This adds a nutty richness that rounds out the flavors. It’s worth finding if you can.
- ¼ cup green onions: Chopped for brightness and texture; they elevate the dish beautifully.
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish): Sprinkle for a fun, crunchy finish.
How to Make Deconstructed Egg Rolls
Heat the Oil: Start by heating 1 tablespoon of avocado oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should shimmer but not smoke — that’s when it’s ready for action.
Sauté Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for about a minute, stirring continuously until fragrant. You’ll know it’s time to move on when your kitchen begins to smell amazing.
Cook the Meat: Toss in 1 pound of ground pork (or beef) and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of sea salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Use your spatula to break up the meat, increasing the heat to medium-high. Cook for about 7-10 minutes or until browned — don’t forget to occasionally stir until it’s perfectly cooked and crumbly.
Add the Veggies: Reduce the heat to medium and mix in the 6 cups of shredded coleslaw mix and ¼ cup of coconut aminos. Stir everything together to coat, cooking for about 5 minutes. The cabbage should be tender, but still crisp enough to maintain that satisfying crunch.
Finish with Flavor: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 2 teaspoons of toasted sesame oil and ¼ cup of chopped green onions. If you’re feeling extra fancy, sprinkle with sesame seeds for a polished touch.
Storing & Reheating
To keep leftovers, store Deconstructed Egg Rolls in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge. If you want to keep it even longer, consider freezing in a suitable container for up to 3 months. Just remember that the texture may change slightly once thawed and reheated. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes until heated through, adding a splash of water if it seems dry.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overcooking the meat; you’ll want it browned but not dry.
- When prepping garlic and ginger, a microplane can make quick work of grating them.
- To add depth, consider tossing in a few splashes of rice vinegar with the veggies; it enhances flavor beautifully.
- If using leftover meat, skip the initial sautéing step — just mix in the spices before adding your veggies.
- This dish is incredibly versatile; add in other veggies like bell peppers or snap peas if you have them on hand!
A vibrant, flavor-packed meal that transforms your usual dinner routine, Deconstructed Egg Rolls are ready to impress — and the best part? This dish is totally customizable to cater to your cravings and ingredient finds in your fridge! Enjoy your culinary adventure, and don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors and garnishes.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the ground pork with firm tofu or tempeh, crumbled and sautéed until golden. Adjust the seasonings as needed to maintain flavor.
How can I spice things up?
If you love heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños when you sauté the garlic and ginger. You can also drizzle in a spicy chili oil before serving.
Can I use different vegetables?
Of course! This recipe is highly adaptable. Feel free to use any crunchy vegetables you like — think bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli. Just adjust cooking times as needed.
What’s the best way to serve this?
Serve it warm in bowls, garnished with sesame seeds and extra green onions. This dish is perfect alongside a side of rice or simply enjoyed on its own for a lighter option.
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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
These Deconstructed Egg Rolls bring a unique twist with mouthwatering flavors from ground pork, fresh ginger, and a crunchy coleslaw mix. Perfect for a quick dinner or a healthy meal, this dish is simple to make and packed with savory goodness. Enjoy the comfort of homemade flavors without the fuss!
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 avocado oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add minced garlic and ginger, and sauté for about a minute until fragrant.
- Add ground pork (or beef), season with sea salt and black pepper, and cook, breaking up the meat until browned for about 7-10 minutes.
- Reduce heat to medium and stir in the shredded coleslaw mix and coconut aminos, cooking for about 5 minutes until cabbage is tender.
- Remove from heat, and mix in toasted sesame oil and green onions. Top with sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
You can substitute ground pork for ground beef if preferred.
Coconut aminos provide a soy sauce alternative that’s lower in sodium.
For extra crunch, garnish with sesame seeds.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
