Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThe sizzling sounds and tantalizing aromas wafting from the kitchen instantly transport me to bustling street markets where Traditional Chinese Egg Rolls are expertly crafted. These delightful morsels are not just a snack; they embody a perfect harmony of crispy shell and savory filling that brings joy to every gathering, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a lively celebration. In this recipe, you’ll discover how easy it is to recreate this beloved classic right at home, complete with succulent ground pork, vibrant vegetables, and the irresistible crunch that makes egg rolls a crowd-pleaser. Plus, they’re freezer-friendly, allowing you to whip them out whenever a craving strikes. Who can resist those golden-brown bites that offer such satisfying comfort? Let’s dive into making your own batch of Chinese Egg Rolls—ready to roll? Why Are These Egg Rolls So Irresistible? Crispy Perfection: With their shatteringly crunchy exterior, these egg rolls redefine snack time. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch that will make you reach for more! Savory Filling: The combination of ground pork, fresh vegetables, and aromatic ginger creates a filling that’s bursting with flavor, ensuring every bite is a taste sensation. Quick & Easy: If you’re tired of fast food, this recipe is a lifesaver. In just a few simple steps, you can create a dish that is both delicious and impressive, perfect for any occasion. Freezer-Friendly: Prepare a stash to keep on hand! These egg rolls can be made ahead and frozen, so you’ll always have a savory snack ready to go. Versatile Options: Not a fan of pork? No problem! Substitute with chicken, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist. Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Serve these crispy delights at your next gathering, and watch as they disappear—everyone will be raving about your culinary skills! You can even try these with a dipping sauce, such as the one from Eggs Benedict Casserole, to add a delightful touch to your appetizers. Chinese Egg Rolls Ingredients For the Filling Ground Pork – Adds flavor and protein; you can substitute with chicken or tofu for a vegetarian option. Shredded Cabbage – The primary vegetable that brings crunch and moisture; feel free to swap with shredded carrots for a different texture. Green Onions – Provides a mild onion flavor to enhance the filling; chives work as a great substitute if you prefer. Ginger – Essential for authentic flavor, use fresh and minced for the best results. Garlic – Adds depth to the filling and is best when fresh and minced. For the Wrapping and Frying Egg Roll Wrappers – The iconic outer layer that ensures that delightful crispiness; using store-bought allows for easy assembly. Soy Sauce – Introduces saltiness and umami depth; opt for low-sodium soy sauce if watching your sodium intake. Sesame Oil – Imparts a nutty flavor to the filling; olive oil can be used as a substitute, but it won’t deliver the same taste. Get ready to create those delicious Chinese Egg Rolls that are sure to wow your taste buds! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Crispy Chinese Egg Rolls Step 1: Prepare the Filling In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a drizzle of sesame oil and cook 1 pound of ground pork until it’s browned, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in 1 cup of minced ginger and garlic, along with 2 cups of shredded cabbage. Sauté until the cabbage is tender and vibrant, roughly 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool down slightly. Step 2: Season the Mixture Once your filling has cooled for about 5 minutes, stir in 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and an additional drizzle of sesame oil to enhance the flavors. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined. Set aside the filling as you prepare to assemble your crispy Chinese egg rolls, ensuring the mixture is packed with savory goodness. Step 3: Assemble the Egg Rolls Take one egg roll wrapper and place it on a clean, dry surface, pointing one corner towards you. Spoon approximately 2 tablespoons of the filling onto the wrapper, then fold the bottom corner over the filling. Next, fold the sides inward and roll it tightly away from you, sealing the edge with a dab of water. Repeat this step until all filling is used. Step 4: Heat the Oil for Frying In a deep pan or fryer, pour in vegetable oil until it is about 2 inches deep and heat to 350°F (175°C). To test if the oil is ready, drop in a small piece of bread; if it sizzles and bubbles, you’re good to go. This high temperature is crucial for achieving that signature crispy texture of Chinese egg rolls. Step 5: Fry the Egg Rolls Carefully place 3-4 assembled egg rolls in the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides. Keep an eye on the temperature, adjusting the heat as necessary to maintain it for even cooking throughout. Step 6: Drain and Serve Once perfectly fried, use a slotted spoon to remove the egg rolls from the oil and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Let them cool slightly, then serve your crispy Chinese egg rolls hot, paired with your favorite dipping sauce for an irresistible appetizer or snack. Expert Tips for Crispy Chinese Egg Rolls Oil Temperature: Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying; test with a small piece of dough to avoid soggy wrappers. Filling Amount: Don’t overfill your wrappers to prevent tears during frying. A spoonful (about 2 tablespoons) is just right! Fry in Batches: Fry in smaller batches to maintain oil temperature, ensuring each egg roll cooks evenly and stays crispy. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ginger and garlic enhance flavor; avoid using pre-minced versions for the best taste in your Chinese egg rolls. Storage Tips: Allow fried egg rolls to cool completely before freezing; store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Dipping Sauce: Experiment with different dipping sauces to elevate your egg rolls! Soy sauce or sweet and sour sauce compliments them beautifully. Make Ahead Options These Crispy Traditional Chinese Egg Rolls are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during busy weeknights! You can prepare the filling (using ground pork, cabbage, and seasonings) up to 3 days in advance; simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Additionally, you can assemble the egg rolls and freeze them, which allows you to have them ready for frying up to 1 month later—just ensure to lay them flat on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag to prevent sticking. When you’re ready to enjoy, fry them straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to their cooking time. This way, you’ll end up with crispy, golden-brown egg rolls that taste just as fresh and delicious! What to Serve with Crispy Traditional Chinese Egg Rolls Elevate your egg roll experience with delightful pairings that enhance flavors and textures, transforming a simple snack into a memorable meal. Sweet and Sour Sauce: A classic choice that adds a tangy sweetness, perfectly balancing the savory flavors of the egg rolls. Soy Sauce: Simple yet effective, this umami-packed condiment amplifies the taste of your crispy bites, making each one even more addictive. Hot Mustard: For those craving a kick, a dollop of spicy mustard brings a punch that complements the egg rolls beautifully. Vegetable Stir-Fry: A colorful medley of steamed veggies, this dish adds a fresh contrast, bringing a vibrant crunch alongside the flaky egg rolls. Steamed Rice: Fluffy white or seasoned rice provides a neutral base that lets your egg rolls shine while adding heartiness to the meal. Chinese Chicken Salad: This refreshing salad loaded with peanuts and sesame dressing provides a crisp, vibrant side that pairs harmoniously with the rich flavors of egg rolls. Hot Tea or Ginger Ale: Quench your thirst with a warm cup of tea or a fizzy ginger ale that cuts through the richness while enhancing the dining experience. Mango Sticky Rice: For dessert, this tropical treat envelops creamy sweetness and sticky texture that rounds off your meal in a delightful manner. Indulging in these pairings will turn your crispy traditional Chinese egg rolls into a feast for the senses, ensuring everyone leaves the table satisfied. Variations & Substitutions for Chinese Egg Rolls Feel free to get creative and tailor these egg rolls to your taste buds for a delicious twist! Vegetarian: Substitute ground pork with seasoned tofu or tempeh for a satisfying plant-based option. Using fresh vegetables adds vibrant color and texture! Crunchy Twist: Add water chestnuts or mung bean sprouts to the filling for an extra crunch and refreshing bite. These additions create delightful surprises in each egg roll! Spice It Up: Incorporate crushed red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to introduce a spicy kick. Don’t be shy; turn up the heat to your liking! Flavor Infusion: Mix in other flavorful ingredients like cilantro or bok choy to enhance the filling with distinctive fresh notes. Bring a dash of freshness to every bite! Gluten-Free: Use rice paper wraps instead of traditional egg roll wrappers for a gluten-free version. They’ll fry beautifully while accommodating your dietary needs. Asian Fusion: Swap out soy sauce for teriyaki or hoisin sauce to create a sweet and tangy flavor that’s simply irresistible. Serve with a sesame dipping sauce for a heavenly combo! Savory Mix: Experiment with a combination of proteins—try using a mix of shrimp and ground pork for a delightful seafood twist. The flavors entwined together will tantalize your palate! Herb Aroma: Add a sprinkle of fresh mint or basil to the filling for a refreshing herbal twist; it will brighten the overall flavor of your egg rolls. And while you’re at it, why not enjoy them with a dipping sauce like the one from the delicious Eggs Benedict Casserole? It’s a perfect pairing that will leave everyone craving more! How to Store and Freeze Chinese Egg Rolls Fridge: Store leftover egg rolls in an airtight container, where they will keep well for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for a crispy texture. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze uncooked egg rolls on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They will last up to 3 months. Reheating: When ready to enjoy frozen egg rolls, fry them directly from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the cooking time for perfect crispiness. Cooling: Allow fried egg rolls to cool completely before placing them in the fridge or freezer to prevent condensation and maintain their crunch. Crispy Traditional Chinese Egg Rolls Recipe FAQs How do I select the best egg roll wrappers? Absolutely! When choosing egg roll wrappers, look for ones that are fresh and have a slightly moist texture. If they have dark spots or tears, avoid them. Store-bought wrappers usually work well, but feel free to look for brands that specify they’re made from high-quality flour for the best results. How should I store leftover egg rolls? Very easy! Place any leftover egg rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes for that crispy texture to return. Can I freeze homemade egg rolls? Of course! To freeze, assemble your egg rolls without frying, then lay them on a baking sheet. Once they’re firm, transfer to a zip-top bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, fry them straight from the freezer, adding about 1-2 extra minutes to the cooking time for crispy perfection. What can I do if my egg rolls keep tearing? No worries! If you’re experiencing tearing, make sure you’re not overfilling the wrappers—2 tablespoons of filling per egg roll is perfect. Additionally, you can moisten the edges of the wrappers lightly with water to help seal them better and prevent tearing. Are these egg rolls suitable for my family with allergies? Very considerate! If your family has allergies, you can customize your fillings. For gluten-free diets, look for gluten-free soy sauce. If your family is vegetarian, use crumbled tofu or cooked lentils instead of ground pork. Always double-check the ingredient labels to ensure they meet your dietary needs. What’s the best way to reheat fried egg rolls? To maintain that delightful crunch, I recommend reheating the fried egg rolls in the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), then place the egg rolls on a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes until they’re heated through. This method keeps them crispy and delicious, just like when they were fresh! Crispy Chinese Egg Rolls That Will Wow Your Taste Buds These Chinese Egg Rolls are a perfect harmony of crispy shell and savory filling, ideal for gatherings and freezer-friendly. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsTotal Time 35 minutes mins Servings: 10 egg rollsCourse: AppetizersCuisine: ChineseCalories: 220 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? Filling1 lb Ground Pork can substitute with chicken or tofu2 cups Shredded Cabbage can substitute with shredded carrots2 pieces Green Onions chives can be used as a substitute1 cup Fresh Ginger minced for best flavor1 clove Garlic fresh and mincedWrapping and Frying10 pieces Egg Roll Wrappers store-bought for easy assembly2 tbsp Soy Sauce low-sodium if desired2 tbsp Sesame Oil olive oil can be used as a substitute0.5 gallon Vegetable Oil for frying Equipment Large skilletDeep pan or fryerslotted spoonMixing Bowl Method PreparationIn a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a drizzle of sesame oil and cook the ground pork until browned, about 5-7 minutes.Stir in the minced ginger and garlic, along with the shredded cabbage, and sauté until tender, about 3-4 minutes.Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.SeasoningOnce filling has cooled, stir in soy sauce and an additional drizzle of sesame oil.Mix well until all ingredients are combined and set aside.AssemblyTake one egg roll wrapper, spoon approximately 2 tablespoons of filling, fold the bottom corner over, then fold the sides inward and roll tightly.Seal the edge with a dab of water and repeat until all filling is used.FryingHeat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C).Carefully fry 3-4 egg rolls at a time for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy.Adjust heat as necessary for even cooking.ServingRemove from oil with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain.Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce. Nutrition Serving: 1egg rollCalories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 10gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg NotesEnsure oil is hot enough before frying to avoid soggy wrappers. Store leftover egg rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze uncooked for up to 3 months. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
