Pin it This streamlined skillet captures everything you love about classic egg rolls without deep frying. Ground pork browns alongside aromatic onions, garlic, and fresh ginger, then joins crisp coleslaw mix for texture.
The sesame-soy sauce ties everything together with rice vinegar for brightness and optional sriracha for heat. Ready in just 30 minutes, this low-carb, gluten-free adaptable dish reheats beautifully for meal prep.
Swap in ground chicken, turkey, or crumbled tofu to suit your preferences. Serve over steamed rice or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.
My husband came home from work one day carrying takeout egg rolls and announced he had the best idea ever. What if we took everything inside the wrapper and just cooked it in a skillet instead? That night we tried it and I was honestly skeptical at first, but one bite of those seasoned vegetables mixed with savory pork changed my mind completely. Now it has become our go-to busy weeknight dinner that somehow manages to taste better than the original.
Last winter my sister came over for dinner when I was making this and watched me dump a bag of coleslaw mix into the skillet. She looked at me like I had lost my mind until she tasted the final dish and proceeded to ask for the recipe three times during the meal. Now she makes it for her family every Tuesday night and sends me photos of their empty plates.
Ingredients
- Ground pork: The fat content keeps everything juicy and flavorful, though ground chicken works in a pinch
- Coleslaw mix: This shortcut is my secret weapon, no chopping required and the carrots add sweetness
- Fresh ginger: Please use fresh instead of powdered, it makes such a difference in the final flavor
- Sesame oil: A little goes a long way but that toasted aroma is essential to the egg roll experience
- Soy sauce or tamari: This provides the salty umami base that ties everything together beautifully
Instructions
- Brown the pork:
- Cook the ground pork in a hot skillet, breaking it up with your spatula until it is nicely browned and cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes
- Add aromatics:
- Toss in the onion, garlic, and ginger and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until your kitchen starts smelling amazing
- Add vegetables:
- Stir in the coleslaw mix and cook, stirring frequently, until the cabbage is tender but still has a nice crunch, about 4 to 5 minutes
- Make the sauce:
- Whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sriracha if using, and black pepper in a small bowl
- Combine everything:
- Pour the sauce over the skillet and toss everything together until well coated and heated through, about 1 to 2 minutes
- Finish and serve:
- Remove from heat, stir in the green onions, and sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving hot
Pin it This recipe saved me during the busiest month of my life when we were moving houses and I barely had time to breathe let alone cook. Somehow throwing everything into one skillet felt almost too simple, but my family kept asking for it week after week, and I realized sometimes the easiest meals become the ones we remember most fondly.
Making It Your Own
I have discovered that coleslaw mix varies between brands, with some having more carrots than others. If you prefer more cabbage, grab a bag of shredded cabbage instead and add your own grated carrots. The texture will be slightly different but still absolutely delicious.
Perfect Pairings
Serve this over steamed jasmine rice for a complete meal that feels substantial and satisfying. If you are watching your carbs, cauliflower rice works surprisingly well and actually lets the flavors shine even more. A side of crispy wonton strips adds back the crunch you might miss.
Meal Prep Magic
This recipe is perfect for meal prep because the flavors actually develop and improve overnight in the refrigerator. I like to make a double batch on Sunday and portion it out for lunch throughout the week.
- Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days
- Reheat with a splash of water to refresh the vegetables
- The pork stays surprisingly juicy even after reheating
Pin it There is something deeply satisfying about a dinner that comes together this quickly yet tastes like it took hours to perfect.
Recipe FAQ
- → What makes this different from traditional egg rolls?
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This deconstructed version skips the deep-fried wrapper entirely, focusing on the seasoned pork and vegetable filling cooked in a skillet. You'll enjoy all the classic flavors with less prep time and no frying equipment needed.
- → Can I use different ground meat?
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Absolutely. Ground chicken or turkey work beautifully as lighter alternatives. For a vegetarian version, crumbled firm tofu or tempeh makes an excellent protein substitute while absorbing the savory sauce beautifully.
- → How do I store and reheat leftovers?
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Store cooled portions in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 60-second intervals, stirring between heatings for even warming.
- → What can I serve with this dish?
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Steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice pairs perfectly for a complete meal. For extra crunch, top with additional toasted sesame seeds, sliced green onions, or even crushed wonton strips.
- → Is this naturally gluten-free?
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Using tamari instead of regular soy sauce makes this completely gluten-free. Always check your chili garlic sauce and other condiments to ensure they're certified gluten-free if you have sensitivities.
- → Can I make this spicy?
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Adjust the sriracha or chili garlic sauce to your preferred heat level. For more depth, add red pepper flakes along with the aromatics or finish with a drizzle of chili crisp oil.
