Deconstructed Egg Rolls
Deconstructed egg rolls, or as some might call them, egg roll in a bowl, transforms the beloved flavors of traditional egg rolls into a simpler, quick dish. Picture this: tender, savory ground pork or beef mingles joyfully with lush green vegetables, all enveloped in a delightful sauce that will have your taste buds dancing. The best part? You won’t need to worry about wrappers or deep frying, making it a breezy 15-minute dinner solution.
Table of Contents
I first came across the concept of deconstructed egg rolls on a busy weeknight when I craved something comforting yet quick. The tantalizing combination of garlic, ginger, and meat made my kitchen smell like a cozy Asian bistro, and after just a short wait, I was sitting down to a colorful bowl of goodness. This recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience that’s easy on the wallet and perfect for the whole family. I can’t wait for you to try this delightful dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Prepare this dish in merely 15 minutes—it’s a lifesaver for hectic nights!
- Irresistible Flavor: The blend of savory pork or beef with fresh ginger and garlic is an absolute flavor explosion.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors from the coleslaw mix make this dish as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
- Flexible Serving: Whether it’s lunch, dinner, or even a snack, it’s perfect for any time of day.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Adapt the recipe easily with ground turkey or tofu for lighter or vegetarian meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 tbsp avocado oil: This oil is ideal for high-heat cooking, ensuring that your garlic and ginger sauté perfectly. Substitute with sesame oil for an extra flavor kick if desired.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic adds robust flavor that brightens up the dish. You can use garlic powder in a pinch, but the fresh stuff reigns supreme.
- 3 tbsp fresh ginger (minced or grated): Ginger introduces a warm spice note. Ground ginger works too, but feel free to adjust it to your preference—less for a milder taste, more for an extra zing.
- 1 lb ground pork (or ground beef): This is the primary protein. Ground turkey or chicken works beautifully as lighter alternatives without sacrificing flavor.
- 1 tsp sea salt: Enhances all flavors; kosher salt can substitute here too.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper gives just the right amount of warmth. Add a pinch more if you’re feeling adventurous!
- 6 cups shredded coleslaw mix: This blend typically consists of cabbage and carrots—perfect for texture and nutrition. If unavailable, finely chopped cabbage and carrots will do just fine.
- 1/4 cup coconut aminos: Sweet and savory, this is a wonderful soy sauce alternative, especially for gluten-free diets. If you don’t have any, low-sodium soy sauce will suffice.
- 2 tsp toasted sesame oil: This oil brings an extra layer of flavor and a toasty aroma. Be generous—if you love it, you can add more at the end.
- 1/4 cup green onions: These add freshness and a slight crunch. Feel free to use both the green and white parts for extra flavor.
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish): Add a sprinkle of these for a delightful finish and a bit of crunch.
How to Make Deconstructed Egg Rolls
Heat the Oil: Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of avocado oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. The oil needs to shimmer, indicating it’s ready for the next ingredients.
Sauté Aromatics: Add 4 cloves minced garlic and 3 tablespoons minced fresh ginger to the skillet. Stir continuously for about a minute, allowing the fragrant aroma to fill the kitchen—it’s heavenly!
Brown the Meat: Next, introduce 1 pound of ground pork (or beef) to the pan. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon sea salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper over it. Use a spatula to break the meat apart and cook it until browned, roughly 7-10 minutes. You might notice some oil in the pan—this is normal; feel free to drain any excess if you’d like.
Add the Veggies: Reduce the heat to medium and incorporate the 6 cups of shredded coleslaw mix and 1/4 cup of coconut aminos. Stir to coat the vegetables with all those delicious flavors, and let it cook for about 5 minutes. You want the cabbage softened but still a bit crunchy.
Finish with Flavors: Take this pan off the heat, then drizzle in 2 teaspoons of toasted sesame oil and toss in 1/4 cup of chopped green onions. This is your moment; mix everything well and watch as the green onions wilt slightly and add their fresh taste. If you like, sprinkle with sesame seeds for an optional garnish that adds a lovely crunch.
Storing & Reheating
To maintain the dish’s juicy flavors, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months—just ensure it’s tightly sealed. When you’re ready to enjoy again, reheat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until hot throughout. Be mindful that freezing may soften the cabbage—if you want to restore the crispness, try reheating it on high heat for a brief period.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overcooking the ground meat by keeping an eye on it; you want it nicely browned, not dry.
- If you’re cutting back on prep time, consider using pre-packaged coleslaw mix for convenience.
- For an extra flavor boost, let the garlic and ginger cook longer until they’re golden brown—that nutty flavor is unbeatable.
- Should you have leftovers, consider turning them into a wrap with lettuce leaves or stuffing them into a baked potato for a fun twist.
Deconstructed egg rolls are a brilliant solution for any busy day or a cozy night at home, brimming with flavors you’ll adore. Don’t be afraid to make it your own by switching up proteins or adding any vegetables you fancy. Let your cooking spirit shine and enjoy every delicious spoonful of this quick meal!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use chicken instead of pork?
Absolutely! Ground chicken is a fantastic alternative. It offers a lighter option while still holding the flavors beautifully. Just ensure you adjust the cooking time slightly, as chicken could cook a bit faster than pork.
What if I want a vegetarian version?
You can easily swap the meat for a plant-based alternative like tofu or tempeh. Crumble them or cut them into small cubes and follow the same cooking instructions to help infuse those amazing flavors into your vegetarian deconstructed egg rolls.
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you are a fan of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or your favorite hot sauce during cooking. You can also use spicy ground pork if that’s an option. Adjust it according to your spice tolerance!
Can I make this ahead of time?
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the meat and vegetable mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to one day. Just reheat gently before serving, and then finish with the sesame oil and green onions.
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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: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
These Deconstructed Egg Rolls combine savory ground pork with fresh cabbage and carrots, topped with sesame oil and green onions. It’s a delightful, quick meal that satisfies cravings for comfort food with minimal effort.
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 garlic and ginger, sauté for about a minute until fragrant.
- Incorporate the ground pork (or beef), season with sea salt and black pepper, breaking up the meat with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 7-10 minutes.
- Reduce heat to medium and add the coleslaw mix and coconut aminos. Stir to coat and cook for about 5 minutes until cabbage is tender.
- Remove from heat and mix in the toasted sesame oil and green onions. If desired, garnish with sesame seeds.
Notes
For added flavor, use fresh ginger rather than ground ginger.
You can substitute ground beef for pork if preferred.
This dish can be garnished with additional green onions for a fresh finish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
