Egg rolls are a popular appetizer that everyone loves, whether as a side dish to their favorite Chinese meal or as a snack on their own.
Making them at home is surprisingly easy and allows you to customize the ingredients to your taste.
This step-by-step guide will show you how to prepare crispy, flavorful egg rolls using simple ingredients.
Ingredients Needed
Before we start rolling, gather the following ingredients:
For the Filling:
- 1 pound ground pork (or chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a vegetarian option)
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Wrapping & Cooking:
- 20 egg roll wrappers
- 1 egg (beaten, for sealing wrappers)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
- Cook the Protein: In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the ground pork (or preferred protein) and cook until browned. Break it up into small crumbles while stirring.
- Add Vegetables & Seasonings: Stir in the garlic, ginger, cabbage, carrots, and green onions. Cook for about 3-5 minutes until the vegetables soften slightly.
- Enhance the Flavor: Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together and let it cook for another minute.
- Cool the Mixture: Remove the filling from heat and let it cool completely before wrapping. This prevents soggy egg rolls.
Step 2: Assemble the Egg Rolls
- Prepare the Wrappers: Lay an egg roll wrapper on a clean, dry surface with one corner pointing towards you (diamond shape).
- Add Filling: Place about 2 tablespoons of the filling in the lower third of the wrapper.
- Fold & Roll:
- Fold the bottom corner over the filling.
- Fold the side corners inward, sealing the edges.
- Roll tightly towards the top corner.
- Brush the top corner with beaten egg and press to seal.
Step 3: Fry to Perfection
- Heat the Oil: In a deep pan, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use enough oil to fully submerge the egg rolls.
- Fry in Batches: Carefully place a few egg rolls into the hot oil. Fry for 3-5 minutes or until golden brown, flipping occasionally.
- Drain Excess Oil: Remove and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
Serve your crispy egg rolls with your favorite dipping sauces like sweet and sour sauce, soy sauce, or spicy chili sauce. Enjoy them fresh and hot!
Tips for the Best Egg Rolls
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and proteins enhance the taste and texture.
- Seal properly: Make sure the egg roll is tightly rolled and sealed with egg wash to prevent unrolling while frying.
- Don’t overstuff: Too much filling can make wrapping difficult and cause the egg roll to burst while frying.
- Fry at the right temperature: Too hot will burn the outside, and too low will result in greasy egg rolls.
Alternative Cooking Methods
Baking Option (Healthier Choice)
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place egg rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Lightly brush with oil or use cooking spray.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
Air Fryer Option (Less Oil, Still Crispy)
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Place egg rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Spray lightly with oil.
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Popular Variations
- Vegetarian Egg Rolls: Use tofu or mushrooms instead of meat.
- Spicy Egg Rolls: Add sriracha or chili flakes to the filling.
- Cheesy Egg Rolls: Add shredded cheese for a creamy twist.
- Breakfast Egg Rolls: Fill with scrambled eggs, bacon, and cheese.
Conclusion
Homemade egg rolls are simple, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you fry them for a crispy texture or bake them for a healthier option, these egg rolls will surely be a hit. Give this easy recipe a try and enjoy restaurant-quality egg rolls at home!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I freeze egg rolls before cooking? Yes! Freeze uncooked egg rolls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Fry directly from frozen (add 1-2 minutes to the cooking time).
Q2: What dipping sauce goes best with egg rolls? Sweet and sour sauce, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and spicy chili sauce all pair well.
Q3: Why are my egg rolls greasy? If the oil is too cold, the egg rolls absorb more oil. Maintain the right frying temperature (350°F/175°C).
Q4: Can I make egg rolls ahead of time? Yes! Prepare and refrigerate uncooked egg rolls for up to a day before frying.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat leftover egg rolls? Reheat in an oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or in an air fryer for 5-7 minutes to keep them crispy.
Meta Description
Learn how to make crispy and delicious homemade egg rolls with this easy step-by-step recipe. Perfect for parties, snacks, or family dinners!