Introduction
Egg rolls are a popular and delicious Asian-inspired snack, perfect for any occasion. They are filled with a savory mixture of meat and vegetables, then wrapped in a crispy shell. While they are often associated with Chinese cuisine, egg rolls have become a favorite in various cultures. This recipe provides detailed instructions on how to make classic egg rolls at home using simple ingredients.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 pound ground pork (or ground chicken)
2 cups shredded cabbage (pre-shredded coleslaw mix works well)
1/2 cup shredded carrots
3 green onions, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional but recommended)
Egg roll wrappers (approximately 20)
1 egg (for sealing)
Oil for frying (vegetable or peanut oil preferred)
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: Approximately 20 egg rolls
Directions
Prepare the Filling:
In a large skillet, cook the ground pork over medium heat until no longer pink. Add minced garlic, shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, and chopped green onions to the skillet. Stir in soy sauce and oyster sauce, mixing thoroughly. Continue cooking until the vegetables are tender. Remove from heat and allow the filling to cool slightly.
Assemble the Egg Rolls:
Lay an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface in a diamond shape. Place approximately 2 tablespoons of the prepared filling near the center of the wrapper. Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the side corners. Roll the wrapper tightly towards the top corner, sealing the edge with a brush of beaten egg.
Fry the Egg Rolls:
Heat oil in a deep pan to approximately 350°F (175°C). Carefully place a few egg rolls into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each egg roll for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the egg rolls from the oil and drain on paper towels.
Alternative Cooking Method – Air Fryer:
Lightly brush or spray each assembled egg roll with oil. Place the egg rolls in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden brown.
Freezing Instructions:
After assembling the egg rolls but before cooking, place them on a tray and freeze for about an hour. Transfer the frozen egg rolls to a zip-top bag and store in the freezer. When ready to cook, fry or air fry directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the egg rolls hot with dipping sauces such as sweet chili sauce, soy sauce mixed with a splash of rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, or spicy mustard.
Tips:
Avoid overfilling the wrappers to prevent them from bursting during cooking. Ensure the edges are sealed well with the egg wash to keep the filling intact. Keep unused wrappers covered with a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Filling
In a large skillet, cook the ground pork over medium heat until no longer pink. Add minced garlic, shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, and chopped green onions to the skillet. Stir in soy sauce and oyster sauce, mixing thoroughly. Continue cooking until the vegetables are tender. Remove from heat and allow the filling to cool slightly.
Assemble the Egg Rolls
Lay an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface in a diamond shape. Place approximately 2 tablespoons of the prepared filling near the center of the wrapper. Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the side corners. Roll the wrapper tightly towards the top corner, sealing the edge with a brush of beaten egg.
Fry the Egg Rolls
Heat oil in a deep pan to approximately 350°F (175°C). Carefully place a few egg rolls into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each egg roll for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the egg rolls from the oil and drain on paper towels.
Alternative Cooking Method – Air Fryer
Lightly brush or spray each assembled egg roll with oil. Place the egg rolls in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden brown.
Freezing Instructions
After assembling the egg rolls but before cooking, place them on a tray and freeze for about an hour. Transfer the frozen egg rolls to a zip-top bag and store in the freezer. When ready to cook, fry or air fry directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the egg rolls hot with dipping sauces such as sweet chili sauce, soy sauce mixed with a splash of rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, or spicy mustard.
Tips
Avoid overfilling the wrappers to prevent them from bursting during cooking. Ensure the edges are sealed well with the egg wash to keep the filling intact. Keep unused wrappers covered with a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out.
Cook techniques
Prepare the Filling
In a large skillet, cook ground pork (or chicken) over medium heat until no longer pink. Add garlic, cabbage, carrots, and green onions, then stir in soy sauce and oyster sauce. Cook until vegetables are tender.
Assemble the Egg Rolls
Lay an egg roll wrapper in a diamond shape. Place about 2 tablespoons of filling near the center. Fold the bottom corner over the filling, tuck in the sides, and roll tightly, sealing the edge with beaten egg.
Fry the Egg Rolls
Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry a few egg rolls at a time for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
Alternative Cooking Method – Air Fryer
Brush or spray assembled egg rolls lightly with oil. Place in the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway until crispy and golden brown.
Freezing Instructions
Assemble egg rolls and freeze on a tray for about an hour. Transfer to a zip-top bag and store. Fry or air fry directly from frozen, adding extra minutes to the cooking time.
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot with dipping sauces such as sweet chili sauce, soy sauce with rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, or spicy mustard.
Tips
Avoid overfilling wrappers to prevent bursting. Seal edges well with egg wash. Keep unused wrappers covered with a damp cloth to avoid drying out.
FAQ
Can I use chicken instead of pork for the filling?
Yes, ground chicken can be substituted for ground pork in this recipe.
What can I use instead of egg roll wrappers?
You can use spring roll wrappers or homemade dough if you prefer.
Can I bake the egg rolls instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, but they may not be as crispy as fried ones.
How long can I freeze the assembled egg rolls?
They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
What dipping sauces go well with egg rolls?
Sweet chili sauce, soy sauce with rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, and spicy mustard are great options.
Conclusion
The homemade egg rolls filled with a savory mixture of ground pork, cabbage, and fresh vegetables are a delightful treat, perfect for sharing with family and friends. Their crispy exterior and flavorful filling make them an excellent appetizer or snack. Whether fried or air-fried, these egg rolls can be customized to suit your taste preferences and can be easily prepared in advance, making them a convenient choice for gatherings or quick meals.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Vegetable Egg Rolls
Swap out the ground meat for a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and bean sprouts for a delicious vegetarian option.
Spicy Chicken Egg Rolls
Incorporate ground chicken and add a spoonful of Sriracha or chili paste to the filling for a spicy kick.
Breakfast Egg Rolls
Use scrambled eggs, diced bacon or sausage, and shredded cheese as a breakfast version of egg rolls that can be served with salsa.
Sweet Egg Rolls
Fill egg roll wrappers with a mixture of cream cheese, cinnamon, and brown sugar, then deep fry or air fry and serve with a drizzle of honey.
Southwestern Egg Rolls
Combine shredded chicken, black beans, corn, diced jalapeños, and cheese for a southwestern twist, served with a creamy avocado dip.
Pizza Egg Rolls
Stuff the wrappers with cooked sausage, pepperoni, mozzarella cheese, and pizza sauce for a fun and unique take on traditional pizza.
