Introduction:
The Ultimate Homemade Egg Rolls are a crispy, golden-brown delight packed with a savory filling of seasoned meat, veggies, and herbs, all wrapped in a crispy wrapper.
They are the perfect appetizer or snack for parties, gatherings, or just a fun homemade treat.
Unlike takeout, making egg rolls at home allows you to customize the filling to your taste and enjoy them fresh out of the fryer.
Whether you prefer pork, chicken, or a vegetarian option, this recipe delivers that irresistible crunch and savory flavor you crave.
Ingredients:
For the filling:
1 lb ground pork (or chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a vegetarian version)
1 cup shredded cabbage (green or napa)
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1/2 cup chopped green onions
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 egg (beaten, for sealing)
For the egg rolls:
10-12 egg roll wrappers
Vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions:
Prepare the filling:
In a large skillet or wok, heat a little oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground pork (or your chosen protein) and cook, breaking it apart, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
Add the garlic, ginger, and green onions, and sauté for another minute.
Add the shredded cabbage, carrots, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, white pepper, and salt. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
Remove from heat and let the filling cool to room temperature.
Assemble the egg rolls:
Lay an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface with one corner pointing toward you (like a diamond).
Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the filling near the center of the wrapper.
Fold the bottom corner of the wrapper over the filling, then fold in the side corners.
Roll tightly toward the top, sealing the edges with a little beaten egg.
Fry the egg rolls:
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
Carefully lower the egg rolls into the hot oil, a few at a time, being sure not to overcrowd the pot.
Fry for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
Remove from the oil and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Serve:
Serve immediately with dipping sauces like sweet and sour sauce, soy sauce, or a spicy sriracha mayo.
Description:
The Ultimate Homemade Egg Rolls are a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The crispy outer shell gives way to a warm, savory filling of seasoned pork (or your choice of protein) and fresh vegetables, all enhanced with soy, sesame, and ginger. The combination of crunchy vegetables and tender meat creates a satisfying bite that’s both hearty and refreshing. These egg rolls are ideal for any occasion, from family dinners to parties, and they are sure to become a favorite.
Tips:
Don’t overfill the egg rolls: Overstuffing them can cause them to burst while frying.
Cool the filling: Be sure to let the filling cool before wrapping. If it’s too hot, it will make the wrapper soggy.
Use the right oil: Vegetable oil is ideal for frying, but peanut oil works great too for a more authentic taste.
Fry at the right temperature: Ensure the oil is hot enough (350°F or 175°C) to achieve that crispy exterior without absorbing too much oil.
Make ahead: You can prepare the filling a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. You can also freeze the assembled but uncooked egg rolls for later use. Just fry them directly from frozen!
Variations:
Vegetarian egg rolls: Use tofu or just more vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and bean sprouts for a meat-free version.
Chicken egg rolls: Substitute ground chicken for pork or shrimp. Add some chopped cooked chicken breast for a healthier twist.
Spicy egg rolls: Add chili flakes, sriracha, or chopped jalapeños to the filling for an extra kick.
Cheesy egg rolls: Add some shredded cheese, like mozzarella or cheddar, to the filling for a gooey, cheesy version of egg rolls.
Corrections:
Filling is too wet: If your filling becomes too watery after cooking, you can add a little cornstarch or let it cook down for a few more minutes to remove excess moisture. Make sure the filling is not soggy before wrapping.
Wrappers tear easily: Be careful not to handle the wrappers too much, as they can tear. Keep them covered with a damp towel while assembling to prevent them from drying out.
Enjoy!
Now that you’ve made your own ultimate homemade egg rolls, enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauces! Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them for a quiet evening at home, these crispy delights are sure to impress.