Introduction
Egg rolls are a popular appetizer in Chinese-American cuisine, beloved for their crispy exterior and
flavorful filling. Making egg rolls at home allows you to enjoy them fresh and customize the
ingredients to your liking. Here’s a comprehensive recipe to help you create the best egg rolls, perfect
for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the filling:
1 lb (450g) ground pork or chicken
2 cups shredded cabbage
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1 cup shredded carrots
1 cup bean sprouts
3 green onions, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
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1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon grated ginger
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
For the egg rolls:
20 egg roll wrappers
1 egg, beaten (for sealing)
Oil for frying
Instructions
Prepare the filling:
Cook the meat: In a large skillet or wok, cook the ground pork or chicken over medium heat until
fully cooked, breaking it up into small pieces.
Add vegetables: Add the cabbage, carrots, bean sprouts, and green onions to the skillet. Cook for
about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Season the filling: Stir in the garlic, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, ginger, black pepper, and
salt. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Remove from heat and let it
cool slightly.
Assemble the egg rolls:
Prepare the wrappers: Place an egg roll wrapper on a clean, dry surface with one of the corners
pointing towards you (like a diamond shape).
Add the filling: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the filling onto the center of the wrapper.
Fold and roll: Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the sides, and roll up tightly. Brush
a little beaten egg on the top corner to seal the egg roll. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and
filling.
Fry the egg rolls:
Heat the oil: In a large, deep skillet or pot, heat about 2 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C).
Fry the egg rolls: Carefully place a few egg rolls in the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the
skillet. Fry for 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
Drain and serve: Remove the egg rolls with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve hot
with your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips for Success
Prevent sogginess: Ensure the filling is not too wet by draining any excess liquid before wrapping.
Seal well: Make sure the egg rolls are sealed tightly to prevent them from bursting open during
frying.
Maintain oil temperature: Keep the oil temperature consistent to ensure even frying. Too low, and
the egg rolls will absorb too much oil; too high, and they will brown too quickly on the outside
without cooking through.
Conclusion
Making egg rolls at home can be a fun and rewarding experience. With this recipe, you’ll achieve
perfectly crispy and delicious egg rolls every time. Enjoy them as an appetizer, snack, or even a main
dish, and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills!
