Best Egg Rolls Recipe
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1 lb (450g) ground pork or chicken
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 4 green onions, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
For the Egg Rolls:
- 20 egg roll wrappers
- 1 egg, beaten (for sealing)
- Oil for frying
Optional Dipping Sauce:
- Soy sauce
- Sweet chili sauce
- Hoisin sauce
Instructions
1. Prepare the Filling
- Cook the Protein: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground pork or chicken, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Vegetables: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add the shredded cabbage, carrots, and green onions. Stir-fry the mixture for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still slightly crisp.
- Season: Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Mix well to combine all the ingredients. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remove the filling from the heat and let it cool slightly.
2. Assemble the Egg Rolls
- Prepare the Wrapper: Lay an egg roll wrapper on a clean, flat surface in a diamond shape, with one corner pointing towards you.
- Add Filling: Place about 2 tablespoons of the filling near the center of the wrapper. Make sure not to overfill, as this can make the egg rolls difficult to seal and fry properly.
- Fold the Wrapper: Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold the left and right corners towards the center, enclosing the filling. Roll the wrapper tightly towards the top corner.
- Seal the Edge: Brush the top corner with a little beaten egg to help seal the edge. Press gently to secure.
- Repeat: Repeat the process with the remaining wrappers and filling until all the egg rolls are assembled.
3. Fry the Egg Rolls
- Heat the Oil: In a deep frying pan or pot, heat about 2-3 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C). The oil needs to be hot enough to fry the egg rolls to a crispy texture but not too hot that it burns them quickly.
- Fry the Egg Rolls: Carefully place a few egg rolls into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches if necessary. Fry the egg rolls for 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Drain: Remove the egg rolls with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
4. Serve
- Serve the egg rolls hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, or hoisin sauce.
Tips for Perfect Egg Rolls
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables like cabbage and carrots provide a crisp texture. Pre-shredded coleslaw mix can be a quick alternative.
- Cool the Filling: Ensure the filling is slightly cooled before wrapping to prevent the egg roll wrappers from becoming soggy.
- Seal Tightly: Make sure the edges are well-sealed to prevent the filling from spilling out during frying.
- Proper Oil Temperature: Maintaining the oil at 350°F (175°C) is crucial. If the oil is too cool, the egg rolls will absorb more oil and become greasy; if it’s too hot, the wrappers might burn before the filling is heated through.
- Freeze Before Frying: For extra crispy egg rolls, freeze them for about 30 minutes before frying. This helps them hold their shape better.
- Baking Option: For a healthier alternative, brush the egg rolls with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
Storing and Reheating
- Leftovers: Store leftover egg rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to regain crispiness.
Variations
- Vegetarian Egg Rolls: Replace the meat with extra vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and bean sprouts.
- Shrimp Egg Rolls: Add small, cooked shrimp to the filling for a seafood twist.
Enjoy your homemade egg rolls as a snack, appetizer, or side dish. They are perfect for parties and family gatherings!
This egg rolls recipe combines a savory filling with a crispy wrapper, offering a satisfying crunch with every bite. Adjust the filling to your preference, and don’t forget the dipping sauce for an extra burst of flavor!