Tired of takeout? Learn how to make the ultimate crispy, flavorful, and easy egg rolls right in your own kitchen! This step-by-step recipe will guide you to homemade perfection that rivals your favorite local restaurant.
Imagine a delicious, Asian-inspired dinner spread: golden-brown egg rolls, savory Easy Lo Mein, tangy Sweet and Sour Chicken, or hearty Beef and Broccoli. Now, imagine making those crispy egg rolls yourself, impressing everyone with your culinary skills. It’s easier than you think!
For a long time, the idea of making egg rolls at home seemed incredibly daunting. The thought of deep-frying, the precise art of rolling, and achieving that perfect crispy texture felt like a task best left to professional chefs. But then I decided to take the plunge and try making them myself. What I discovered was a delightful surprise: homemade egg rolls are not only achievable for the home cook, but they are also surprisingly simple and incredibly rewarding.
Once you master this basic recipe, a world of egg roll possibilities opens up! You can experiment with different fillings and flavors. Why not try these popular twists like Cheeseburger Eggrolls, Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls, or even unique Avocado Egg Rolls?
Why Homemade Egg Rolls?
Beyond the satisfaction of creating something delicious from scratch, making egg rolls at home offers several advantages:
- Control over Ingredients: You choose the freshest vegetables and quality meats, avoiding any unwanted additives or excessive sodium often found in restaurant versions.
- Customizable Flavors: Adjust the spices to your liking! Want more ginger? Go for it! Prefer a different meat? The choice is yours.
- Dietary Adjustments: Easily accommodate dietary needs, such as using lean ground chicken or turkey, or increasing the vegetable content.
- Freshness and Crispness: There’s nothing quite like a freshly fried egg roll, still warm and wonderfully crispy, straight from your kitchen.
- Fun Family Activity: Rolling egg rolls can be a fun activity to do with family and friends, making meal prep an enjoyable experience.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Egg Rolls
While you can certainly get creative with fillings, this recipe focuses on classic, simple ingredients that deliver maximum flavor. You only need a few key items to make these delicious homemade egg rolls a reality.
- Ground Pork: This is my preferred choice for its rich flavor and texture, which is quintessential to many traditional egg rolls. However, don’t hesitate to substitute with ground beef, ground chicken, or even ground turkey for a lighter alternative. Ensure the meat is cooked thoroughly and crumbled finely.
- Ground Ginger: A staple in Asian cuisine, ground ginger adds a warm, spicy, and aromatic depth that truly elevates the egg roll filling. You likely have this in your spice cabinet already, making it super convenient. Freshly grated ginger can also be used for a more pungent flavor.
- Garlic Powder: Just like ginger, garlic powder is an easy way to infuse essential savory notes into your filling. It’s a pantry workhorse! If you have fresh garlic on hand, a tablespoon or two of finely minced fresh garlic would be an excellent addition.
- Vegetable Oil for Frying: You’ll need about a quart of neutral-flavored oil suitable for deep-frying. Vegetable oil is common and works perfectly, but peanut oil, canola oil, or sunflower oil are also great choices due to their high smoke points and mild taste.
- All-Purpose Flour: This isn’t for the filling itself, but rather to create a simple paste with water. This “glue” is crucial for sealing your egg rolls tightly, preventing the filling from escaping and the wrappers from unraveling during frying.
- Coleslaw Mix: This is a fantastic time-saver! Pre-shredded cabbage and carrots eliminate the need for chopping, significantly speeding up your prep time. Look for it in the produce section of your grocery store. If you prefer, you can certainly shred your own cabbage and carrots for a fresher touch.
- Egg Roll Wrappers: The foundation of any great egg roll! These thin, square wrappers are usually found in the refrigerated section of most major grocery stores, often near the produce, tofu, or refrigerated salad dressings. Sometimes they might be located in the deli section. Ensure you get egg roll wrappers, not spring roll wrappers, as egg roll wrappers are thicker and fry up crispier.
Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Delicious Egg Rolls
Making egg rolls might seem intricate, but by following these simple steps, you’ll be enjoying crispy, homemade perfection in no time.
- Cook the Pork Filling: Begin by heating a medium skillet over medium heat. Add your ground pork and break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once the pork is halfway cooked and beginning to lose its pink color, sprinkle in the ground ginger and garlic powder. Stir well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed and infuse the meat. Continue cooking until the pork is no longer pink and is thoroughly cooked through. Drain any excess grease and set the cooked pork aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Frying Oil: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or a Dutch oven (which is excellent for maintaining consistent oil temperature), pour in your vegetable oil. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350-375°F (175-190°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping a tiny piece of wrapper into it; it should sizzle immediately and turn golden brown within seconds.
- Assemble the Egg Roll Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled cooked pork with the coleslaw mix. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together thoroughly, ensuring the pork and vegetables are well integrated.
- Prepare the Flour Paste: In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and water until a smooth, thick paste forms. This will be your “glue” for sealing the egg rolls.
- Roll the Egg Rolls (Detailed Instructions Below): Lay one egg roll wrapper on a clean work surface with one corner pointing towards you, forming a diamond shape. Place about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of the pork and coleslaw mixture in the center of the wrapper, closer to the bottom corner. Fold that bottom corner up tightly over the filling. Next, fold the left and right corners towards the center, overlapping slightly. Continue to roll the wrapper upwards, keeping the filling snug, until you reach the top corner. Dip your finger or a pastry brush into the flour paste and apply a thin layer to the final top corner of the wrapper. Press gently to seal the egg roll securely. Repeat this process with the remaining wrappers and filling.
- Fry to Golden Perfection: Once your oil is hot and the egg rolls are rolled, carefully place 3-4 egg rolls into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Fry them for 2-3 minutes per side, turning occasionally with a slotted spoon or tongs, until they achieve a beautiful golden brown color and are wonderfully crispy. Since the filling is already cooked, you are primarily focused on crisping up the wrapper.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the fried egg rolls from the oil using a slotted spoon and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels or a wire rack to drain any excess oil. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce. Our absolute favorite is a homemade Sweet and Sour Sauce!
Mastering the Art of Rolling Egg Rolls
The rolling technique is often perceived as the most challenging part, but it’s actually quite simple once you get the hang of it. Think of it like rolling a tight burrito!
- Position Your Wrapper: Lay an egg roll wrapper flat on a clean, dry surface. Position it so that one of the corners points directly towards you, creating a diamond shape.
- Add the Filling: Place about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of your prepared filling mixture in the center of the wrapper, forming a log shape that’s slightly off-center towards the corner closest to you. Be careful not to overfill, as this makes it difficult to roll tightly and can lead to tears or bursting during frying. Leave enough space on the sides for folding.
- Fold the Bottom Corner: Take the corner of the wrapper that is pointing towards you and fold it up tightly over the filling. Tuck the corner underneath the filling to create a snug start to your roll.
- Fold the Side Corners: Next, take the left corner and fold it inwards towards the center. Immediately follow by folding the right corner inwards. These two side folds should neatly overlap the filling, creating a neat package. The key here is to keep everything tight as you fold, gently pressing the filling to ensure no air pockets.
- Continue Rolling Upwards: With the bottom and sides folded, continue to roll the entire package upwards, away from you, towards the top corner of the wrapper. Maintain firm but gentle pressure to keep the roll tight and compact.
- Seal with Flour Paste: As you reach the final top corner, moisten it with a dab of your flour and water paste. This acts as a powerful adhesive. Finish rolling, pressing the sealed corner firmly against the roll to secure it completely. Ensure there are no open seams or holes where the delicious filling could escape during frying. Now your egg roll is perfectly rolled and ready for frying!
Tips for the Crispiest Egg Rolls
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: Fry egg rolls in batches to maintain the oil temperature. Overcrowding will cause the oil temperature to drop, leading to greasy, soggy egg rolls instead of crispy ones.
- Monitor Oil Temperature: A consistent oil temperature is key. Use a deep-fry thermometer to keep the oil between 350-375°F (175-190°C). If the oil is too cool, egg rolls absorb too much oil; if too hot, they burn quickly on the outside before heating through.
- Drain Properly: After frying, immediately transfer egg rolls to a wire rack set over paper towels. This allows air to circulate and excess oil to drip away, preventing the bottom from becoming soggy.
- Fresh Wrappers: Ensure your egg roll wrappers are fresh and pliable. Dry or cracked wrappers will be difficult to roll and more prone to breaking during frying. Keep them covered with a damp cloth while you work to prevent them from drying out.
Storage and Reheating Homemade Egg Rolls
While egg rolls are best enjoyed fresh, you can store and reheat them to enjoy later:
- Refrigeration: Cooked egg rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing (Cooked): To freeze cooked egg rolls, allow them to cool completely. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat egg rolls in an oven or air fryer.
- Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place egg rolls on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes (20-25 minutes if frozen), or until heated through and crispy.
- Air Fryer: Reheat in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes (8-12 minutes if frozen), shaking the basket halfway through.
Avoid microwaving, as this will make them soggy.
Serving Suggestions for Your Easy Egg Rolls
These crispy homemade egg rolls are fantastic on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a variety of Asian-inspired dishes and dipping sauces. Here are some ideas to complete your meal:
- Classic Dipping Sauces: Sweet and Sour Sauce (highly recommended!), duck sauce, hot mustard, or a simple soy sauce with a dash of rice vinegar and sesame oil.
- Main Courses: Serve alongside other popular takeout favorites you can make at home, such as Pressure Cooker Cashew Chicken, General Tso’s Chicken, or Orange Chicken.
- Noodle or Rice Dishes: Complement with Easy Lo Mein, fried rice, or a simple steamed white or brown rice.
- Lighter Options: Pair with fresh Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps for a balanced meal.
- Unique Pairings: For adventurous eaters, try them with Kung Pao Chicken or Daddy Wu’s Chinese Chicken.
Recommended Kitchen Tools for Egg Roll Success
You don’t need a professional deep fryer to make amazing egg rolls. I personally find a Dutch oven to be ideal for frying. Its heavy construction helps maintain a consistent oil temperature, which is crucial for perfectly crispy results without making your egg rolls greasy. A good slotted spoon or spider for safely removing the egg rolls from the hot oil is also essential, along with a reliable kitchen thermometer to monitor oil temperature.
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Easy Homemade Egg Rolls
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Ingredients
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 quart vegetable oil for frying
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon water
- 3 cups coleslaw mix
- 12 egg roll wrappers
Instructions
- In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook the pork, breaking it up as it cooks. When it is halfway cooked, sprinkle the ground ginger and garlic powder over the pork and stir to coat the meat evenly. Continue to cook until the pork is no longer pink. Set aside.1 lb ground pork, 1 teaspoon ground ginger, 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- In another large heavy pot (such as a Dutch oven), heat oil to 375ºF (190°C) over medium-high heat.1 quart vegetable oil
- While the oil is heating, combine the flour and water in a small bowl until they form a smooth paste. In a separate large bowl, combine the coleslaw mix and the cooked pork mixture. Mix it all together thoroughly.1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon water, 3 cups coleslaw mix
- Lay out one egg roll wrapper with a corner pointed toward you. Place about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of the pork mixture on the egg roll paper, closer to the bottom corner. Fold that bottom corner up tightly over the filling. Fold the left and right corners towards the center, then continue to roll the wrapper upwards. Brush a bit of the flour paste on the final top corner to help seal the egg roll securely. Repeat for all wrappers and filling.12 egg roll wrappers
- Carefully place the rolled egg rolls into the heated oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. Turn them occasionally until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Remove the egg rolls from the oil with a slotted spoon and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels or a wire rack to drain any excess oil. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Recipe Notes:
Nutrition information provided as an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the counts. Any nutritional information should only be used as a general guideline.
The nutritional value for the frying oil is based on a retention of 10% after cooking. Cooking time and temperature can cause this number to change.