Egg Rolls

Egg rolls are a beloved snack, originating from Asian cuisine, known for their crispy exterior and flavorful fillings. Whether served as an appetizer or a main dish, these delectable rolls are sure to impress your guests. With a variety of fillings to choose from, egg rolls can cater to many tastes, making them a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire. Dive into this recipe and learn how to create the perfect egg rolls at home!

Ingredients

• 1 package egg roll wrappers
• 2 cups shredded cabbage
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup cooked chicken or tofu (optional)
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• Oil for frying

Servings and Cooking Time

This recipe yields approximately 10 egg rolls. Preparation time is about 20 minutes, with an additional cooking time of 10-15 minutes.

Nutritional Value

Each egg roll (approximately 1 roll) contains about 150 calories, 7g of fat, 15g of carbohydrates, 3g of protein, and 2g of fiber. This nutritional information is based on one serving for one person.

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

1. Prepare your filling by sautéing cabbage, carrots, garlic, and green onions in sesame oil until tender.
2. Add cooked chicken or tofu, and stir in soy sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
3. Remove the mixture from heat and let it cool slightly.
4. Lay an egg roll wrapper on a flat surface, with a corner facing you.
5. Place about 2 tablespoons of filling in the center of the wrapper.
6. Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the sides.
7. Roll the wrapper tightly away from you to form the egg roll.
8. Seal the edge with a little water.
9. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
10. Heat oil in a deep pan and fry the egg rolls until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.

Alternative Ingredients

You can easily substitute the filling ingredients based on dietary preferences. For a vegetarian version, use mushrooms or bell peppers instead of chicken, and adjust the seasoning to your taste. Gluten-free wrappers are also available for those with gluten sensitivities.

Serving and Pairings

Egg rolls are best served with sweet and sour sauce, soy sauce, or a spicy dipping sauce. They pair well with fried rice or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover egg rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For reheating, place them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to regain their crispiness. Egg rolls can also be frozen before frying; just ensure they are well-sealed.

Cooking Mistakes

• Overfilling the egg rolls can cause them to burst while cooking.
• Not sealing the edges properly can lead to leaking filling.
• Using too much oil can make the egg rolls greasy.
• Frying at too low a temperature will make them soggy.
• Skipping the cooling step for the filling can cause steam to make wrappers wet.

Helpful Tips

• Use fresh vegetables for the best flavor and crunch.
• Experiment with different proteins or keep it vegetarian.
• Ensure oil is hot enough before frying to achieve a crispy texture.
• Try adding herbs like cilantro or basil to the filling for an extra flavor boost.

FAQs

What are traditional fillings for egg rolls?

Traditional fillings often include a mix of cabbage, carrots, and meat such as pork or chicken. You can customize these based on your preferences.

Can I bake egg rolls instead of frying?

Yes, baking is a healthier alternative. Brush the rolls with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through for even cooking.

Are egg rolls gluten-free?

Traditional egg roll wrappers contain wheat, but you can find gluten-free alternatives at many grocery stores.

How do I make egg rolls crispy?

To achieve crispiness, ensure the oil is hot enough before frying and avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature.

Can I freeze uncooked egg rolls?

Yes, uncooked egg rolls can be frozen. Just make sure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.

Conclusion

Egg rolls are a delightful treat that can bring joy to any meal. With endless possibilities for fillings and dipping sauces, they are a versatile dish that everyone can enjoy. Try making them at home to experience the crispy, flavorful goodness that only homemade egg rolls can provide.

Egg Rolls

Crispy and flavorful egg rolls filled with a delicious mixture of vegetables and optional proteins, perfect as an appetizer or snack.

Print Pin Rate

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: Asian

Keyword: egg rolls, Asian appetizers, crispy snacks

Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes minutes

Servings: 10 servings

Calories: 150kcal

Ingredients

• 1 package egg roll wrappers
• 2 cups shredded cabbage
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup cooked chicken or tofu optional
• 2 green onions chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• Oil for frying

Instructions

• Prepare your filling by sautéing cabbage, carrots, garlic, and green onions in sesame oil until tender.
• Add cooked chicken or tofu, and stir in soy sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
• Remove the mixture from heat and let it cool slightly.
• Lay an egg roll wrapper on a flat surface, with a corner facing you.
• Place about 2 tablespoons of filling in the center of the wrapper.
• Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the sides.
• Roll the wrapper tightly away from you to form the egg roll.
• Seal the edge with a little water.
• Heat oil in a deep pan and fry the egg rolls until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.
• Remove from oil and drain on paper towels before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 150kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 7g | Fiber: 2g