Deconstructed Egg Rolls are a delightful twist on classic flavors, offering all the delicious elements of traditional egg rolls, but without the fuss of rolling and frying. This easy 15-minute dinner is perfect for busy weeknights, transforming your favorite takeout into a cozy homemade meal. Just picture a vibrant medley of seasoned pork, crunchy vegetables, and savory sauce all in one bowl, making it a hearty and satisfying option when cravings strike.

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 recipe during a particularly hectic week when simple dinners became my priority. I was craving the crispy goodness of egg rolls but wanted something quick and uncomplicated. That’s when I decided to combine all those familiar flavors into a deconstructed version. You don’t just get a meal out of it; you gain the satisfaction of preparing a comforting dish that needs minimal time and maximum flavor. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your favorite skillet, and let’s make this easy Deconstructed Egg Rolls recipe that will have everyone in your home asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just 15 minutes, this is a lifesaver on busy nights.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of ginger, garlic, and sesame oil creates a fragrant, savory delight.
Eye-Catching Appeal: A vibrant mix of veggies and protein makes this dish as colorful as it is delicious.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for an easy dinner or as a filling lunch. Enjoy it solo or with rice for a heartier meal!
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets using coconut aminos or soy sauce alternatives.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 tbsp avocado oil: This oil has a high smoke point, making it great for sautéing while adding a subtle flavor to the dish.
4 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh mint garlic brings an aromatic quality that is essential for developing flavor.
3 tbsp fresh ginger (minced or grated): For a spicy kick, fresh ginger is irreplaceable; however, you can use 3/4 tsp ground ginger in a pinch.
1 lb ground pork (or ground beef): Choose a protein you love; pork traditionally gives a richer flavor, but beef works well, too.
1 tsp sea salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish. Adjust to taste if needed!
1/4 tsp black pepper: Add more if you like a spicier kick to your meal.
6 cups shredded coleslaw mix: This mix brings texture and the classic taste of egg rolls without any prep; you can also chop cabbage and carrots if you prefer.
1/4 cup coconut aminos: A soy sauce alternative that keeps the dish gluten-free and offers a mild sweetness. Use low-sodium soy sauce if that’s what you have on hand.
2 tsp toasted sesame oil: Provides a nutty finish that’s a signature of Asian cuisine.
1/4 cup green onions: These add a fresh crunch and lovely color.
Sesame seeds (optional): For a fun, crunchy garnish that adds visual appeal.

How to Make Deconstructed Egg Rolls

Heat the oil: Start by heating 1 tbsp avocado oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, allowing it to shimmer slightly, signaling that it’s ready.

Sauté the aromatics: Quickly add 4 cloves minced garlic and 3 tbsp minced fresh ginger to the skillet. Sauté for about a minute, until fragrant and aromatic; you want to get those wonderful oils out of the garlic and ginger.

Cook the meat: Now, toss in 1 lb ground pork (or beef). Sprinkle with 1 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Use a spatula to break up the meat into crumbles and increase the heat to medium-high. Cook for about 7-10 minutes or until the meat is nicely browned, which means the excess fat is cooked away, but feel free to drain it if you want to be lighter.

Incorporate the veggies: Once the meat is cooked through, reduce the heat to medium. Stir in 6 cups shredded coleslaw mix and 1/4 cup coconut aminos. Stir until everything is well coated and let it cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the cabbage is tender but still has some crunch.

Finish it off: Remove from heat and stir in 2 tsp toasted sesame oil along with 1/4 cup chopped green onions. Give it a taste! If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top for garnish — they add a delightful touch and a bit of extra crunch.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you plan to keep it longer, consider freezing it for up to three months. To reheat, simply use the microwave for about 2-3 minutes or warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. Keep in mind that textures may change slightly after freezing, but a quick sauté can refresh the flavors beautifully.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the cabbage; it should retain a little crunch for the perfect texture contrast.
If using frozen coleslaw mix, thaw and drain excess moisture to prevent a soggy dish.
Experiment with proteins; ground turkey or chicken can be delicious alternatives!
Customize with your favorite veggies; bell peppers or snap peas can add a fun twist.
For additional flavor, add a splash of rice vinegar or chili paste for a bit of heat.

Deconstructed Egg Rolls are not just a meal; they are a celebration of flavor and simplicity that can brighten any day. Whether you’re a busy parent, a student, or simply looking to enjoy a hearty dish without much fuss, you’re sure to love this recipe! Feel free to experiment by adding unique ingredients or adjusting flavors to suit your preferences. Your kitchen adventure awaits!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use different proteins in this recipe?

Absolutely! Ground chicken, turkey, or even plant-based alternatives work beautifully. Just adjust cooking times if using different meats to ensure they’re fully cooked.

What can I substitute for coconut aminos?

If you don’t have coconut aminos, low-sodium soy sauce or tamari for a gluten-free option can be an excellent substitute. They provide similar umami without completely changing the flavor profile.

How do I ensure the cabbage stays crunchy?

The key is to add the cabbage towards the end of cooking and avoid overcooking it. Cooking it just enough to soften but still leaving some crunch will keep that vibrant texture.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare everything and store it in the fridge for meal prep. Just keep the cooked mixture in an airtight container and reheat when ready to serve. Make sure to adjust cooking time slightly, as it will be reheated.

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Deconstructed Egg Rolls

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Author: Peter
Prep Time: No data
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 0 hours
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dishes
Method: Stir Fry
Cuisine: Asian

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Description

Experience the delightful flavors of Deconstructed Egg Rolls! With simple ingredients like ground pork and crunchy coleslaw, this dish makes for a quick, satisfying dinner that’s easy to whip up and packed with flavor.

Ingredients

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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)

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Instructions

Heat 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, breaking up the meat with a spatula while cooking until browned, around 7-10 minutes.
Reduce heat to medium.
Stir in the coleslaw mix and coconut aminos, cooking for about 5 minutes until the cabbage becomes tender, stirring occasionally.
Once cooked, remove from heat and mix in toasted sesame oil and green onions. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

Feel free to adjust the seasonings according to your taste.
You can use ground beef if you prefer instead of pork.
This dish is best served fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for a day.