Name: Deconstructed Egg Rolls
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Asian
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)

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Deconstructed Egg Rolls are a delightful and quick way to enjoy all the flavors of traditional egg rolls without the fuss of rolling them up. Picture a colorful medley of savory ground pork (or beef), crisp cabbage, and vibrant green onions all coming together in a single bowl. The beauty of this dish lies not only in its simplicity but also in its irresistible flavor profile that’s sure to satisfy any craving for takeout-style cuisine in just 15 minutes. Whether you’re winding down after a hectic day or preparing a casual meal for friends, this dish offers a tasty escape that’s easy on the wallet—making it a true weeknight gem.

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 still remember the first time I made this recipe; I was craving the crunchy exterior of an egg roll but didn’t want to deal with the deep-frying mess. I tossed everything into a skillet and was immediately hooked. The aroma of garlic and ginger wafted through my kitchen, drawing everyone in faster than I could set the table. It was love at first bite! If you’re looking for a dish that checks all the boxes—delicious, quick, and satisfying—give these Deconstructed Egg Rolls a try. You won’t be disappointed!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
Irresistible Flavor: Loaded with savory notes of ginger and garlic, this dish is bursting with flavor in every bite.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The colorful coleslaw mix makes for a beautiful presentation—it’s as lovely to look at as it is to eat!
Flexible Serving: Great for dinner, lunch, or even a late-night snack with friends.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free or low-carb diets.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 tbsp avocado oil: This oil has a high smoke point, perfect for sautéing at medium-high heat. You can use canola or sesame oil as substitutes.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic adds a delightful aroma and depth of flavor. Fresh garlic is always best, but if you only have powder, use about 1 teaspoon.
3 tbsp fresh ginger, minced or grated: Ginger gives a warm, spicy kick—its fresh flavor is optimal, but ground ginger can be a good alternative in a pinch.
1 lb ground pork (or ground beef): Both meats work beautifully, but ground pork lends a richer flavor. You could also substitute it with ground chicken or turkey.
1 tsp sea salt: This seasoning enhances all the flavors in the dish. Feel free to adjust based on dietary needs.
1/4 tsp black pepper: For a milder kick. If you like more heat, add a touch more to your liking.
6 cups shredded coleslaw mix: A combination of cabbage and carrots provides crunch and color. You can chop cabbage and carrots yourself if preferred.
1/4 cup coconut aminos: This soy sauce alternative maintains the umami flavor without the gluten. Regular soy sauce can also be used.
2 tsp toasted sesame oil: A drizzle of this oil at the end adds a nutty depth that elevates the whole dish.
1/4 cup green onions, chopped: Fresh green onions add a pop of color and flavor. You can also use chives or shallots for variety.
Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish): These add a lovely crunch! Feel free to sprinkle them on top for added texture.

How to Make Deconstructed Egg Rolls

Heat the Oil: In a large cast iron skillet, warm 1 tbsp avocado oil over medium-high heat. This prepares the pan for sautéing.

Sauté Garlic and Ginger: Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and 3 tbsp of fresh ginger to the skillet. Cook for about a minute, until fragrant—this step enhances the dish’s aroma.

Brown the Meat: Introduce 1 lb of ground pork (or beef) to the mix. Season with 1 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Break the meat apart with a spatula and cook until browned, about 7-10 minutes.

Add the Coleslaw: Lower the heat to medium and incorporate 6 cups of shredded coleslaw mix along with 1/4 cup coconut aminos. Stir well to coat everything evenly. You’ll want to let this cook for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage softens.

Final Touches: Take the skillet off the heat and mix in 2 tsp toasted sesame oil and 1/4 cup chopped green onions. This infusion gives a beautiful balance of flavors. If desired, sprinkle with sesame seeds for a finishing touch.

Storing & Reheating

To store, allow the Deconstructed Egg Rolls to cool slightly, then place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them; just transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat on the stovetop over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Note that the texture of cabbage may soften slightly, but it will still taste delicious. A dash of fresh green onions when reheating can brighten it up!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Make sure to brown the meat thoroughly; this enhances the flavor and creates a nice texture.
Fresh garlic and ginger are key for that authentic taste—don’t skimp!
If you’re using frozen cabbage mix, make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before sautéing.
A splash of lime juice just before serving can bring a nice freshness to the dish.
For a vegetarian version, try subbing ground meat with crumbled tofu or tempeh.

These Deconstructed Egg Rolls are fantastic for those nights when time is short, but flavor is a priority. Each bite is a comforting balance of savory and crunchy, satisfying those cravings without sending you into a cooking marathon!

Recipe FAQs

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make Deconstructed Egg Rolls vegetarian, simply replace the ground pork or beef with crumbled tofu or tempeh. You can also add more vegetables like sliced bell peppers or mushrooms to enhance the texture and flavor.

Can I use a different type of cabbage?

Absolutely! While traditional egg rolls often use napa cabbage, regular green cabbage or even red cabbage can be good substitutes. Different varieties will introduce unique flavors and colors to your dish.

Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can easily prepare the entire dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat on medium heat until warmed through before serving.

What if I can’t find coconut aminos?

If coconut aminos aren’t available to you, you can use low-sodium soy sauce as a substitute. Keep in mind that soy sauce is saltier, so you might want to adjust the overall salt level in the recipe accordingly.