Egg Roll

The best part about making egg rolls at home is how customizable they can be. Whether you’re sticking with the classic combination of cabbage, carrots, and pork or venturing into new flavor territory with shrimp, mushrooms, or even tofu, the filling options are endless. One of my personal favorites is adding a touch of ginger and garlic to the mix—it brings a fragrant depth that complements the crispy exterior perfectly. And let’s not forget about the seasonings! A splash of soy sauce, a pinch of five-spice powder, or a drizzle of sesame oil can completely elevate your egg rolls, making each bite burst with flavor.

What really takes the experience over the top, though, is that crispy crunch when you take that first bite. There’s something so satisfying about biting into the delicate, golden-brown wrapper—crispy on the outside, warm and savory on the inside. The contrast of textures is part of the magic of egg rolls. And let’s be honest, we all love a good dipping sauce to go with them, whether it’s sweet and tangy plum sauce, spicy sriracha mayo, or a simple soy sauce with a little bit of vinegar. Each dip adds a new layer of excitement to your egg roll journey, making it feel like a mini celebration with every bite.

The best part? These egg rolls are perfect for so many occasions—whether you’re serving them at a dinner party, enjoying them as an appetizer before a big meal, or even snacking on them for a quick bite. I always find myself sneaking one or two before they’re even fully cooled down, just because the aroma of freshly fried egg rolls is too irresistible to ignore. The crispy exterior gives way to a flavorful filling that’s so comforting and satisfying. It’s truly the kind of food that makes you feel like you’re wrapped in a cozy blanket of flavors and textures.

Key Ingredients in Egg Roll

When it comes to making the perfect egg roll, the ingredients are key to creating that beautiful balance of flavors and textures. Each component plays an essential role, from the savory filling to the crispy wrapper. Let’s take a closer look at the star players in this recipe.

• Ground Pork: This is the traditional protein used in egg rolls, providing a rich, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the crunchy veggies. The pork is also a great base for absorbing the seasonings, making every bite flavorful.
• Cabbage: Shredded cabbage adds a subtle crunch and a mild, slightly sweet flavor that balances the richness of the pork. It also helps to bulk up the filling without overpowering the other ingredients.
• Carrots: These julienned carrots offer a pop of color and a slight sweetness that complements the cabbage and pork. They also add a bit of texture, making the filling more interesting with each bite.
• Green Onions: Chopped green onions bring a mild, oniony bite to the filling. They add a touch of freshness and a bit of sharpness that cuts through the richness of the pork.
• Garlic: Minced garlic delivers a pungent, aromatic punch that infuses the filling with savory depth. It’s the flavor that gets your taste buds dancing, rounding out the taste of the egg roll.
• Ginger: Freshly minced ginger adds a zesty kick and a bit of warmth, which helps brighten the overall flavor profile and gives the egg rolls that signature aromatic depth.
• Soy Sauce: A dash of soy sauce provides that umami flavor that ties everything together. It’s the salty, savory backbone that enhances the natural taste of the meat and vegetables.
• Sesame Oil: A small amount of sesame oil adds a rich, nutty flavor to the filling. It’s the secret ingredient that takes your egg rolls from good to great, giving them a depth that’s hard to resist.
• Salt: A pinch of salt helps bring out all the natural flavors of the filling. It balances the sweetness of the cabbage and carrots, and the savoriness of the pork.
• Pepper: Freshly cracked pepper adds a hint of heat, brightening the filling without overpowering it. It’s a subtle way to add some complexity to the flavors.
• Egg Roll Wrappers: These thin, square wrappers are what hold everything together. Once fried, they become crispy and golden brown, creating that signature crunch that makes egg rolls so irresistible.
• Vegetable Oil for Frying: The oil is essential for achieving that perfect golden-brown color and crisp texture. It helps the wrapper fry up light and crunchy, creating that satisfying first bite.

Each of these ingredients plays a vital role in creating the deliciously crispy, savory treat that is the egg roll.

How to Make Egg Rolls

Serving Suggestions for Egg Rolls

Pair with a Crisp Salad
Serve your egg rolls alongside a fresh, vibrant salad to balance out the richness. A simple cucumber and carrot slaw with a tangy rice vinegar dressing complements the savory crunch of the egg rolls without stealing the spotlight. The cool, crisp veggies provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, crispy bites.

Dipping Sauce Galore
Don’t just pick one sauce—create a dipping sauce trio to elevate the experience! Offer a sweet and spicy chili sauce, a classic soy sauce with a dash of vinegar, and a creamy, sriracha mayo. The variety of flavors adds excitement to every bite, making each dip an adventure of its own.

Serve as Part of a Family Feast
Egg rolls are perfect for family-style meals or gatherings. Place a platter in the center of the table with a variety of dipping sauces and let everyone help themselves. Pair them with other crowd-pleasing dishes like fried rice, stir-fried vegetables, or sweet and sour chicken for a feast that will have everyone coming back for more.

How to Store Egg Rolls

If you’ve made a big batch of egg rolls and somehow have leftovers (which is a bit of a miracle, honestly), it’s important to store them properly so you can enjoy them later without sacrificing that crispy goodness. The best way to store cooked egg rolls is in an airtight container. Just make sure they’ve cooled down to room temperature before you place them inside. I like to line the bottom of the container with a paper towel to absorb any extra moisture that might make the wrappers soggy. Then, place the egg rolls in a single layer, if possible, to keep them from sticking together.

Now, if you plan on keeping them for a day or two, your best bet is to refrigerate them. Stored this way, they’ll stay fresh for up to 2-3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, pop them back in the oven to reheat—350°F for about 10 minutes should do the trick to bring that crispiness back to life.

For longer storage, you can freeze your egg rolls. To freeze them, arrange the egg rolls on a baking sheet in a single layer and place them in the freezer until they’re solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can stay frozen for up to a month, and when you’re ready for a snack, just fry them straight from the freezer. No need to thaw! Frying them will bring that crunch back and make them feel like they were freshly made.

Conclusion

And there you have it—everything you need to make your own crispy, golden egg rolls at home! From the savory filling to that perfect crunchy bite, these little delights are sure to become a go-to in your kitchen. Whether you’re enjoying them with friends, as part of a family meal, or just as a cozy snack for yourself, they never fail to impress. The beauty of egg rolls is how versatile they are—experimenting with different fillings, dips, and sauces is half the fun!

I hope you’re as excited to get in the kitchen as I am. Let me know if you try out the recipe or if you’ve got any tips of your own! I’d love to hear your thoughts, and I’m always here if you need a hand along the way. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to dive into a batch of homemade egg rolls that are bound to steal the show at your next meal.

Print Recipe

Egg Roll

Author: Lily Anderson Courses: Appetizer

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 15 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 40 mins

Calories: 150

Description

Crispy, golden-brown on the outside, with a savory mix of seasoned vegetables and tender meat wrapped inside. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch followed by a burst of flavor—perfect for any occasion, whether as a snack or appetizer.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 1 pound ground pork

• 1 cup cabbage, shredded

• ¹⁄₂ cup carrots, julienned

• 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon salt

• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon pepper

• 10 egg roll wrappers

• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
2. Add the ground pork to the skillet and cook, breaking it up into smaller pieces with a spatula, until browned and cooked through.
3. Once the pork is fully cooked, remove any excess fat from the pan by carefully draining it or using a paper towel.
4. Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet with the pork and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to soften.
5. Add the julienned carrots, chopped green onions, minced garlic, and minced ginger to the skillet.
6. Stir the ingredients together and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until everything is tender and fragrant.
7. Pour in the soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper.
8. Stir everything together to evenly coat the vegetables and pork in the seasonings.
9. Continue to cook for another 2 minutes, ensuring the flavors meld together.
10. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the filling mixture cool to room temperature.
11. While the filling cools, lay out a clean surface and prepare the egg roll wrappers.
12. Place an egg roll wrapper on the surface with one of the corners facing you like a diamond.
13. Spoon a generous amount of the cooled filling mixture near the bottom corner of the wrapper.
14. Fold the bottom corner of the wrapper up over the filling, tucking it in slightly to secure the mixture.
15. Fold in the two side corners of the wrapper toward the center, making a tight seal.
16. Roll the wrapper upwards tightly, ensuring the filling stays enclosed, until you reach the top corner.
17. Dip your finger in water and moisten the top corner of the wrapper to seal it shut.
18. Repeat this process with the remaining wrappers and filling.
19. Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to about 350°F (175°C).
20. Carefully add the prepared egg rolls to the hot oil, a few at a time, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
21. Fry the egg rolls for about 3 to 4 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy.
22. Once they are fried to a golden brown, use a slotted spoon to remove the egg rolls from the oil.
23. Place the egg rolls on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
24. Serve the egg rolls hot with dipping sauce of your choice.

Note

• Ensure the pork is thoroughly browned and crumbled to avoid a greasy filling.
• For a crispier texture, double fry the egg rolls—fry once, let cool, and fry again for 1-2 minutes.
• If you prefer a lighter filling, reduce the amount of pork and add more vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers.
• Make sure the filling is completely cool before wrapping to prevent the wrapper from becoming soggy.
• To avoid splattering, gently lower the egg rolls into the hot oil using tongs.

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