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This skillet meal packs all the mouthwatering, rich flavors of classic egg rolls without any wrapping or deep frying hassle. The mix of juicy ground meat, slightly crunchy veggies, and authentic Asian seasonings comes together in a single pan, making a hearty dish that's both wholesome and totally craveworthy. It's just what you need when takeout sounds good but you want something quicker, healthier, and fresher than anything that comes in a delivery bag.
I whipped this up for the first time while trying to save a half-used bag of coleslaw that was about to go bad in my fridge. What started as just a random cleanup meal quickly turned into something my family requests weekly. Even my carb-loving spouse mentioned not missing the wrapper one bit!
Essential Components
- Ground pork: A classic choice that gives you just the right mix of meat and fat for maximum flavor.
- Coleslaw mix: This time-saving shortcut gives you perfectly shredded cabbage without any knife work.
- Water chestnuts: They bring that must-have crispness that makes each bite so satisfying.
- Fresh ginger and garlic: These fragrant basics create the authentic Asian taste profile.
- Sesame oil: Delivers that unmistakable toasty flavor that makes the dish complete.
- Hoisin sauce: Rounds everything out with rich complexity and gentle sweetness.
Cooking Instructions
Start your flavor base: Warm up sesame oil, cook onion until it turns clear.
Get your meat perfectly browned: Cook pork until it turns golden and isn't pink anymore.
Wake up those aromatics: Toss in garlic and ginger, cook for about 30 seconds until they smell amazing.
Mix up your sauce: Pour in rice wine vinegar to scrape up tasty bits, then mix in soy sauce, hoisin, and sriracha.
Add your veggies: Throw in the coleslaw mix and carrots, stir until slightly softened.
Watch your cooking time: Let everything cook 5-7 minutes until veggies are soft but still have some bite.
Add finishing touches: Top with sliced green onions, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and drizzle with sriracha mayo if you want.
Wait a moment: Let everything sit briefly so all the flavors can mingle together.
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Understanding Authentic Flavors
Real egg rolls blend savory, sweet and umami tastes, which we copy here using hoisin, soy sauce, and ground meat, plus vinegar for a touch of brightness.
Texture Makes All The Difference
The combo of tender meat, slightly crunchy cabbage, and crisp water chestnuts creates that authentic egg roll experience.
Speed Up Your Weeknight Cooking
Getting garlic minced, ginger grated, and green onions sliced ahead of time can help you throw this meal together in just 20 minutes.
Kid-Friendly Options
Keep the base dish mild and put hot sauces like chili oil or sriracha on the table for everyone to add their preferred heat level.
Perfect For Meal Planning
This dish actually tastes better the next day as flavors deepen overnight in the fridge.
Health Benefits
You'll get plenty of fiber and vitamins from the cabbage, good protein, and way fewer calories since there's no fried wrapper.
Creative Leftover Ideas
Use any extras to stuff bell peppers, fill lettuce cups, or top a fresh salad.
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This bowl captures everything great about home cooking – it's simple, tasty, healthy, and can be changed up countless ways. Whether you're feeding a busy family or prepping meals for your week ahead, this dish delivers big on both convenience and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this bowl totally meatless?
- Absolutely. Swap the meat for tofu crumbles, tempeh, or plant-based ground options. For vegans, just make sure your hoisin sauce and mayo are vegan-friendly.
- → How do I save and reheat leftovers?
- This dish stays great refrigerated for up to 4 days in a sealed container. Reheat in the microwave for a quick minute or two or warm it up in a pan on medium heat. Add fresh sriracha mayo after heating.
- → No water chestnuts? What else can I use?
- Try diced jicama for a similar crunch. If that’s not handy, use celery, peppers, or just skip them—it’ll still be tasty.
- → What goes well with this dish?
- You don’t really need extras, but some steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or a side of cucumber salad or edamame would be great add-ons.
- → How do I make this more or less spicy?
- Tone it down by using less sriracha or swapping it for sweet chili sauce. Make it hotter with extra sriracha, red pepper flakes, or throwing in some fresh chilies while cooking.