Egg rolls are a timeless favorite, offering a perfect balance of crunchy exteriors and savory fillings. This ultimate egg roll recipe ensures a crispy, golden outside and a flavorful, satisfying interior. Whether served as an appetizer, snack, or main dish, these egg rolls are guaranteed to impress. Packed with fresh ingredients and accompanied by a homemade dipping sauce, they are perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground pork or chicken (or a mix of both)
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup cooked shrimp (optional), chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 12 egg roll wrappers
- 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 egg (for sealing wrappers)
Instructions:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground pork or chicken. Cook until browned, breaking up the meat as it cooks. If you’re using shrimp, add them to the pan at this point.
- Add minced garlic and ginger to the skillet, stirring frequently until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Stir in shredded cabbage and carrots. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
- Add the green onions, soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, black pepper, and sugar. Mix well and cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Remove the filling mixture from the skillet and let it cool to room temperature. This step is crucial to ensure the egg rolls don’t become soggy when wrapped.
- Once the filling has cooled, set up your egg roll assembly station. Lay out the egg roll wrappers on a clean surface, positioning each one in a diamond shape with one corner pointing toward you.
- Place 2 tablespoons of the filling in the center of each wrapper. Be careful not to overfill, as this can make the egg rolls difficult to seal.
- To seal the egg rolls, lightly beat the egg and brush a small amount on the edges of the wrapper. Fold the bottom corner of the wrapper over the filling, then fold in the side corners. Roll the egg roll tightly towards the top corner, ensuring the edges are sealed. Repeat for the remaining egg rolls.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large, heavy-bottomed pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the egg rolls in batches, avoiding overcrowding, for about 4-5 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Using tongs or a slotted spoon, remove the egg rolls from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Serve the egg rolls hot with a dipping sauce of your choice, such as sweet chili sauce or soy sauce mixed with a little rice vinegar and sesame oil.
Conclusion: These homemade egg rolls offer an unbeatable combination of crispy, golden wrappers and a flavorful filling packed with savory ingredients. The added customization options allow you to tailor the filling to your taste, whether you prefer a mix of meat and vegetables or a vegetarian version. Perfect for sharing at parties, family dinners, or as a tasty snack, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!