5 Easy Egg Roll Recipes You Must Try

Egg Roll History and Introduction

Egg rolls, a culinary delight, have a fascinating history steeped in cultural transitions. Originally introduced during the Chinese Migration to the United States in the mid-19th century, these tasty rolls were an adaptation of the traditional spring roll. As immigrants settled into their new homes, they modified their recipes to include local ingredients, giving birth to the unique taste of egg rolls we savor today.

This post will dive into five exquisite egg roll recipes that not only celebrate this fusion of cuisines but also showcase how versatile egg rolls can be. Whether you're a fan of classic flavors or seeking out new culinary adventures, these recipes promise a delicious journey through the world of egg rolls.

Classic Chicken Egg Rolls

Starting with a timeless favorite, the Classic Chicken Egg Rolls are the epitome of comfort food. Here’s how to make them:

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 2 cups shredded cabbage
• 1 carrot, finely julienned
• 4-5 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Egg roll wrappers
• Oil for frying

Steps:

1. Cook the Filling: Heat some oil in a pan and sauté the garlic until fragrant. Add the chicken, breaking it up as it cooks. When the chicken is halfway cooked, add the vegetables, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Cook until the vegetables are tender yet crisp.
2. Assemble: Lay out the egg roll wrappers, add about 2 tablespoons of filling to each, fold the bottom edge over the filling, roll tightly, tuck in the sides, and seal with a dab of water.
3. Fry: Heat oil in a deep fryer or pan to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the egg rolls in the hot oil and fry until they are golden brown and crispy.

🍳 Note: Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to prevent the egg rolls from absorbing too much oil.

Vegan Vegetable Egg Rolls

For our vegan friends, Vegan Vegetable Egg Rolls offer a delightful blend of colors and flavors. Here are the ingredients and steps:

• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup shredded zucchini
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• 1/2 cup finely chopped bell peppers
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• Egg roll wrappers
• Oil for frying

Steps:

1. Prepare the Filling: Sauté all vegetables in a wok or large skillet with sesame oil until they begin to soften. Add soy sauce and hoisin sauce, stir well.
2. Roll: Follow the same assembly process as with the chicken egg rolls.
3. Fry: Deep fry until they achieve a golden brown color.

🌱 Note: Use egg-free wrappers or make your own with a vegan-friendly dough for authentic vegan egg rolls.

Spicy Shrimp Egg Rolls

For those who love a bit of heat, Spicy Shrimp Egg Rolls will tantalize your taste buds with every bite:

• 1/2 pound of shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
• 1 jalapeño, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon chili sauce or sambal
• 1 cup shredded cabbage
• 1/4 cup julienned bell pepper
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• Egg roll wrappers
• Oil for frying

Steps:

1. Make the Filling: Cook shrimp until pink, then mix in the vegetables, chili sauce, and soy sauce. Cook until the vegetables are slightly tender.
2. Assemble and Fry: Roll and fry the egg rolls as described earlier.

Cheesy Beef Egg Rolls

Adding a twist with a savory and cheesy delight, Cheesy Beef Egg Rolls blend the robust flavors of beef with the comfort of melted cheese:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup diced onions
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• Egg roll wrappers
• Oil for frying

Steps:

1. Cook the Beef: Brown the beef with onions and garlic. Add tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce, then stir in the cheese until it melts.
2. Assemble: Place a spoonful of the beef mixture on each wrapper and follow the folding and sealing process.
3. Fry: Fry until they turn golden and crispy.

Sweet and Sour Pork Egg Rolls

Finally, for a fusion of sweet and tangy flavors, Sweet and Sour Pork Egg Rolls are a must-try:

• 1 pound pork loin, diced
• 1/2 cup diced pineapple
• 1/2 cup chopped red bell peppers
• 1/4 cup julienned carrots
• 2 tablespoons sweet and sour sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• Egg roll wrappers
• Oil for frying

Steps:

1. Prepare the Filling: Cook the pork until well done, then mix in pineapple, peppers, and carrots. Add sweet and sour sauce and rice vinegar for that perfect balance.
2. Assemble and Fry: Roll and fry as usual.

🍯 Note: Adjust the sweetness or sourness according to your taste by playing with the sauce proportions.

All these egg roll recipes showcase the diversity and adaptability of this beloved dish, suitable for various dietary preferences and flavor profiles. From the comforting classic to the bold and spicy, these recipes are a testament to the egg roll’s universal appeal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can egg rolls be made in advance?

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Yes, egg rolls can be made in advance and stored in the fridge or freezer. For fridge storage, keep them uncooked for up to a day or fry and reheat before serving. For freezing, wrap them tightly before frying to preserve freshness, then deep fry straight from the freezer.

What other fillings can I use?

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You can experiment with fillings like kimchi, mashed potatoes with cheese, or even a fusion of Indian flavors with spiced vegetables.

Are egg rolls healthy?

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While egg rolls can be deep-fried, making them higher in fat, you can opt for baking or air frying for a healthier version. Additionally, the choice of filling can significantly impact the nutritional profile of the dish.

To sum it up, egg rolls are a versatile treat that can be adjusted to fit any occasion or dietary need. From classic chicken to spicy shrimp or even sweet and sour pork, the recipes offered here provide a broad spectrum of flavors to explore. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, looking for a snack, or just trying to diversify your menu, egg rolls can offer a delightful experience for food lovers everywhere.