Homemade egg rolls are a delicious and versatile dish that can be made to suit a variety of tastes. Whether you’re craving a crispy snack, appetizer, or a fun dinner, these egg rolls deliver all the savory goodness you love in every bite. The filling is packed with a mixture of savory ground meat (or tofu for a vegetarian option), crunchy cabbage, and flavorful seasonings, all wrapped up in a golden, crispy shell. These egg rolls are easy to make and perfect for customizing with your favorite ingredients, making them a great choice for any occasion.
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground pork, chicken, or turkey (or tofu for a vegetarian option)
- 2 cups coleslaw mix (or shredded cabbage and carrots)
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced (or 1 tsp ground ginger)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Egg Rolls:
- 10-12 egg roll wrappers
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
- Water, for sealing
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Filling:
- Heat a bit of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground meat (or tofu) and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. If using tofu, make sure to crumble it into small pieces as it cooks to mimic the texture of ground meat.
- Add the minced garlic, ginger, and coleslaw mix to the pan. Stir everything to combine and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in the chopped green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil (if using), salt, and black pepper. Cook for another minute, then remove from heat. Allow the filling to cool slightly before using it in the egg rolls.
2. Assemble the Egg Rolls:
- Lay an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface with one corner facing you (like a diamond shape).
- Place about 2 tablespoons of the filling in the center of the wrapper.
- Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the sides tightly. Continue rolling the wrapper up to seal it, using a bit of water along the top edge to ensure it sticks.
- Repeat this process with the remaining wrappers and filling until all egg rolls are assembled.
3. Fry the Egg Rolls:
- In a deep skillet or pot, heat about 2 inches of oil over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C). You can use a thermometer to check the temperature or test the oil by dropping in a small piece of the wrapper—if it bubbles and crisps up immediately, the oil is ready.
- Carefully add the egg rolls in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the egg rolls for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to turn them for even cooking.
- Once cooked, remove the egg rolls and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
4. Serve:
- Serve the hot, crispy egg rolls with your favorite dipping sauces such as soy sauce, sweet and sour sauce, or duck sauce. Enjoy them as an appetizer or as part of a meal!
Tips:
- You can customize the filling by adding other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or bean sprouts for extra flavor and texture.
- For a healthier option, bake the egg rolls at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 10-12 egg rolls
These homemade egg rolls are a perfect balance of crunchy texture and savory flavor. Whether you’re making them for a gathering, a weeknight dinner, or just because you want a delicious treat, they’re sure to be a hit. Enjoy!
