Oh, boy, do I have a treat for you today! I can’t get enough of these Easy Chinese Egg Rolls! Growing up, my family would often order takeout on Friday nights, and egg rolls were always a must-have. The crunchiness of the outer wrap contrasted with the savory filling made them irresistible. Nowadays, I love making them at home, where I can customize the ingredients to my heart’s content. Plus, there’s something so satisfying about biting into a freshly fried egg roll and knowing I made it myself!
Whether you’re prepping for a fun get-together, a cozy night in, or simply want to impress your friends with your culinary skills, these egg rolls are the way to go. As we dive into the recipe, I can assure you: they’re easier to make than they sound! You’ll be munching on crispy, golden deliciousness in no time. Just grab your apron, and let’s roll!
What’s in Easy Chinese Egg Rolls?
Alright, let’s break down our star players in this egg roll extravaganza:
Ground Pork (or Chicken): This is the base of our filling, giving it a rich and savory flavor. I usually go for pork, but chicken is a great option if you want something leaner.
Green Cabbage: Finely shredded for that perfect crunch! Cabbage is packed with vitamins and is a fantastic way to add volume to our filling.
Carrots: Julienned for a little bit of sweetness and color. They add a lovely crunch, which you know I’m all about!
Bean Sprouts (optional): These little guys add a delightful crunch and a fresh flavor to the mix. Definitely optional, but if you love them, toss them in!
Green Onions: Finely sliced for an added zing. These guys help elevate the flavor profile of our filling.
Garlic: Minced for that aromatic punch — because who doesn’t love garlic?
Fresh Ginger: Just a touch will add incredible warmth and zest to the filling.
Soy Sauce & Sesame Oil: The dynamic duo that brings the umami flavor. These are staples in many Asian dishes, and they absolutely work wonders here.
Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that tie everything together. Always adjust to your personal taste.
Egg Roll Wrappers: The magic blanket that wraps everything up! You can find these in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores.
Oil for Frying: Choose vegetable or peanut oil for frying. Peanut oil has a higher smoke point which is fantastic for deep-frying.
Optional Dipping Sauce: Sweet and sour sauce, soy sauce, or hoisin sauce — because dipping is half the fun!
Is Easy Chinese Egg Rolls Good for You?
Let’s get real for a minute — while these egg rolls are a delicious treat, moderation is key!
Ground Pork: Offers protein and flavor, but be mindful of the fat content. Lean chicken is a great alternative for a healthier option.
Green Cabbage & Carrots: Both are nutrient-rich veggies providing fiber, vitamins, and minerals that are great for your digestion and overall health.
Bean Sprouts: Packed with vitamins and antioxidants, these add a great crunch and boost nutrition.
The frying part is where things get a tad indulgent. Deep frying does add calories and a bit of fat, so you might want to limit your intake if you’re watching those macros. However, what’s life without a crispy, golden egg roll every now and then? Plus, you can always opt to air-fry or bake them for a lighter version that still delivers on crunch!
Ingredients List
This recipe serves about 12 egg rolls:
– 1 lb ground pork (or chicken)
– 2 cups green cabbage, finely shredded
– 1 cup carrots, julienned
– 1/2 cup bean sprouts (optional)
– 2 green onions, finely sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
– 1 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Egg roll wrappers (about 12)
– Oil for frying (vegetable or peanut oil)
– Optional dipping sauce (sweet and sour sauce, soy sauce, or hoisin sauce)
How to Make Easy Chinese Egg Rolls?
Grab your chef’s hat and let’s get cooking!
1. In a large skillet or wok, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the ground pork and start cooking until it browns, breaking it up with a spatula. Make sure to drain any excess fat.
2. Next, stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and green onions. Allow it to cook for about a minute until you can smell that amazing aroma wafting through your kitchen.
3. Toss in the shredded cabbage, julienned carrots, and bean sprouts (if using). Cook everything together for about 3-4 minutes, just until your veggies are tender but still crisp.
4. Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well and then get it off the heat to cool slightly. We want to avoid burning our wrappers!
5. Now comes the fun part! Take an egg roll wrapper and lay it on a clean surface with one corner pointing towards you. Grab 2-3 tablespoons of the filling and place it in the center of the wrapper.
6. Fold that bottom corner over the filling, snug it up, then fold in those two side corners. Roll it up tightly to seal, using a little water on the edges to secure everything tight. Repeat until they’re all rolled up!
7. In a deep pan or fryer, heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add a few egg rolls at a time and fry until they’re golden brown and crispy — about 3-4 minutes, rotating them occasionally for even color.
8. Once they look deliciously golden, remove them and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
9. Serve your egg rolls hot with your favorite dipping sauce. Trust me, it’s the best part! Enjoy!
Rolling in Deliciousness
A few personal tips here before you dive in! You can definitely play around with the filling. Love shrimp? Toss some in! Want to make it vegetarian? Replace the meat with tofu or mushrooms!
And if you want to save time, feel free to prep the filling a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to roll!
Now, go ahead and whip up a batch of these Easy Chinese Egg Rolls. I can’t wait for you to try them! They are such a crowd-pleaser, and I would love to hear your thoughts. Tag me if you post pictures; I want to see your crispy creations! Happy cooking!
