The best part about homemade egg rolls is how versatile they are. You can fill them with anything you like, making each batch a personal masterpiece. From crispy pork and tender shrimp to a medley of vibrant veggies, there’s no limit to the combinations you can create. The moment you roll up the filling in that delicate, crunchy wrapper and fry them to golden perfection, the kitchen fills with the most mouthwatering aroma—it’s like a warm, savory hug for your senses. I love experimenting with different seasonings and sauces too. A little splash of soy sauce, a dash of sesame oil, or even some fresh ginger can make all the difference in enhancing the flavors. The crispy texture on the outside combined with the tender, flavorful filling inside creates a delightful contrast that keeps everyone coming back for more. Plus, it’s the perfect snack or appetizer for a family gathering or dinner party, sparking conversation and bringing everyone to the table. It’s such a fun dish to prepare and share with loved ones!
Key Ingredients in Homemade Egg Rolls
When it comes to crafting the perfect egg roll, every ingredient plays a vital role in achieving that balance of crispy exterior and flavorful filling. Here’s a breakdown of the key players that come together to create this delicious dish:
* Cabbage (shredded)
The cabbage adds a satisfying crunch and a subtle sweetness to the filling. It also helps to bind the other ingredients together while maintaining that signature texture in every bite.
* Carrots (shredded)
Carrots provide a natural sweetness and a vibrant color to your egg rolls. They also offer a slight crunch, making them a great complement to the cabbage.
* Onions (finely chopped)
Onions bring a rich, savory depth to the filling. They caramelize slightly when cooked, adding a hint of sweetness and a soft, juicy texture.
* Cooked chicken (shredded)
Chicken is the perfect protein to add heartiness to your egg rolls. It’s tender and absorbs all the flavorful seasonings, offering a savory bite that pairs wonderfully with the veggies.
* Soy sauce
Soy sauce is a must for giving your egg rolls that salty umami kick. It deepens the overall flavor and ties all the ingredients together with its rich, savory notes.
* Garlic powder
Garlic powder is a quick way to add that comforting garlic aroma and subtle depth to your filling, without the hassle of fresh garlic. It’s a flavor booster that enhances everything in the mix.
* Ground ginger
Ginger adds a bit of warmth and a hint of spiciness that really makes your egg roll filling sing. It’s a classic ingredient that gives your dish an authentic, aromatic touch.
* Black pepper
A pinch of black pepper helps to balance the flavors and adds a mild heat that elevates the overall taste without overpowering the other ingredients.
* Egg roll wrappers
The crispy exterior of the egg roll wrapper is what makes each bite so satisfying. These delicate, thin wrappers crisp up perfectly when fried, creating that irresistible crunch on the outside.
* Egg (beaten)
The beaten egg acts as a binding agent, sealing the edges of the wrapper so the filling stays securely inside. It also adds a golden sheen when fried.
* Vegetable oil (for frying)
Vegetable oil is used for frying the egg rolls to perfection, ensuring they turn out crispy and golden brown. It has a neutral flavor that lets the filling shine while providing the right frying temperature.
Each ingredient comes together to create the ideal egg roll experience. I love how they all bring something special to the table—whether it’s the sweetness from the carrots or the umami from the soy sauce. It’s these little details that make homemade egg rolls stand out!
How to Make Homemade Egg Rolls
1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the shredded cabbage, carrots, and chopped onions to the skillet.
3. Stir occasionally, cooking the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes until softened.
4. Add the shredded chicken to the skillet and mix it with the vegetables.
5. Pour in the soy sauce, and stir to combine all the ingredients evenly.
6. Add the garlic powder, ground ginger, and black pepper, and stir again to incorporate the spices.
7. Continue cooking the mixture for another 3-5 minutes, ensuring everything is well-mixed and heated through.
8. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the mixture cool for a few minutes.
- Place a clean cutting board or flat surface in front of you.
10. Lay out the egg roll wrappers on the surface, one at a time.
11. Spoon a small amount of the cooled filling into the center of each wrapper.
12. Be sure not to overfill the wrapper, as it may burst during frying.
13. Fold the sides of the wrapper in towards the center, then roll the egg roll tightly from the bottom upwards.
14. Seal the top edge of the wrapper with a little beaten egg, pressing gently to ensure it sticks.
15. Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large frying pan or wok over medium-high heat.
16. Test the oil by dropping a small piece of wrapper in; if it bubbles and sizzles, the oil is ready.
17. Carefully place the prepared egg rolls into the hot oil, a few at a time, making sure not to crowd the pan.
18. Fry the egg rolls for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
19. Once golden and crispy, remove the egg rolls from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
20. Allow the egg rolls to cool for a minute before serving.
Serving Suggestions for Homemade Egg Rolls
* Pair with a dipping sauce
A bowl of sweet and sour sauce, soy sauce, or even a bit of spicy sriracha can take your egg rolls to the next level. The flavors of these sauces complement the crispy exterior and savory filling, adding a burst of tangy or spicy goodness with every bite.
* Serve with a side of slaw
For a refreshing contrast, serve your egg rolls alongside a crisp, tangy Asian-style slaw. The crunchy veggies and zesty dressing are the perfect balance to the rich, fried egg rolls. It’s a combo that feels light and satisfying all at once!
* Enjoy as a snack or appetizer
Egg rolls are a great option for snacking or serving as a starter at your next gathering. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner or a party with friends, these little bites are always a hit, sparking conversation and getting everyone excited for the meal ahead.
How to Store Homemade Egg Rolls
If you happen to have leftovers (though that’s rare in my house!), storing your homemade egg rolls properly will help keep them fresh and delicious for later.
* Refrigeration
To store your egg rolls in the fridge, let them cool completely after frying. Then, place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. They’ll last for about 3-4 days in the fridge. Just keep in mind, they might lose a bit of their crunch. But don’t worry, we’ve got a solution for that!
* Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze your egg rolls. After they’ve cooled completely, lay them flat on a baking sheet and freeze them for about 1-2 hours until they’re firm. Once frozen, transfer them into a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just pop them straight into a hot oil pan (no need to thaw!) and fry them to crispy perfection.
* Reheating
To get that crispy texture back, I recommend reheating your egg rolls in the oven or air fryer. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. The air fryer works great too! Just set it to 375°F for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through. This way, you’ll enjoy them just as crispy as when they were freshly fried.
Conclusion
There you have it! Homemade egg rolls are such a fun and rewarding dish to make, aren’t they? With the perfect balance of crispy, savory, and a hint of sweetness, they’re bound to impress everyone at the table. Whether you’re filling them with chicken, shrimp, or a veggie-packed mix, the possibilities are endless. I hope this guide has given you some inspiration to get in the kitchen and create your own batch of these mouthwatering bites.
Don’t forget, you can always print this article below and save it for later use. And if you do try out the recipe, I’d absolutely love to hear how it went! If you have any questions or need a little help along the way, feel free to drop a comment or share your thoughts. Cooking is always more fun when we’re sharing it together! Happy cooking!
Homemade Egg Rolls
Description
Crispy, golden-brown egg rolls bursting with savory filling—tender pork, crunchy veggies, and a hint of garlic and ginger. Each bite offers the perfect balance of crunch and flavor, making them irresistible and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
-
Add the shredded cabbage, carrots, and chopped onions to the skillet.
-
Stir occasionally, cooking the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes until softened.
-
Add the shredded chicken to the skillet and mix it with the vegetables.
-
Pour in the soy sauce, and stir to combine all the ingredients evenly.
-
Add the garlic powder, ground ginger, and black pepper, and stir again to incorporate the spices.
-
Continue cooking the mixture for another 3-5 minutes, ensuring everything is well-mixed and heated through.
-
Remove the skillet from the heat and let the mixture cool for a few minutes.
-
Place a clean cutting board or flat surface in front of you.
-
Lay out the egg roll wrappers on the surface, one at a time.
-
Spoon a small amount of the cooled filling into the center of each wrapper.
-
Be sure not to overfill the wrapper, as it may burst during frying.
-
Fold the sides of the wrapper in towards the center, then roll the egg roll tightly from the bottom upwards.
-
Seal the top edge of the wrapper with a little beaten egg, pressing gently to ensure it sticks.
-
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large frying pan or wok over medium-high heat.
-
Test the oil by dropping a small piece of wrapper in; if it bubbles and sizzles, the oil is ready.
-
Carefully place the prepared egg rolls into the hot oil, a few at a time, making sure not to crowd the pan.
-
Fry the egg rolls for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
-
Once golden and crispy, remove the egg rolls from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
-
Allow the egg rolls to cool for a minute before serving.
Note
- Be sure to drain excess moisture from the cabbage and carrots before cooking to avoid soggy egg rolls.
- If you want a crunchier texture, consider adding a handful of bean sprouts or water chestnuts to the filling.
- Feel free to swap the chicken for shrimp, pork, or tofu for a different flavor profile.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of rice vinegar or sesame oil to the filling mixture.
- When frying, don't overcrowd the pan to maintain the oil's temperature and ensure even crisping.
