Here’s a detailed recipe for homemade egg rolls, including step-by-step instructions and answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) to ensure success, even if you’re making them for the first time.
🥢 Homemade Egg Rolls Recipe
📝 Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground pork (or chicken, shrimp, or a veggie mix)
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- ½ cup chopped green onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated (or 1 tsp ground ginger)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional but recommended)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for sautéing)
For Wrapping:
- 1 pack egg roll wrappers (usually 20–25 sheets; found in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores)
- 1 egg, beaten (for sealing)
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil (enough for deep frying — about 3–4 cups)
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Make the Filling
- Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add ground pork. Cook until no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add garlic, ginger, cabbage, carrots, and green onions. Stir-fry for about 4–5 minutes, until vegetables are softened.
- Add soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, and black pepper.
- Cook for another 1–2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Let the filling cool completely before wrapping.
2. Wrap the Egg Rolls
- Place an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface like a diamond (corner facing you).
- Spoon about 2 tablespoons of filling near the bottom corner.
- Fold the bottom corner over the filling.
- Fold in the sides tightly.
- Roll up toward the top corner. Brush a little beaten egg on the top corner to seal.
- Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
3. Fry the Egg Rolls
- Heat 2–3 inches of oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully place egg rolls in the hot oil, a few at a time — don’t overcrowd.
- Fry for about 3–5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove and drain on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate.
4. Serve
- Serve hot with sweet and sour sauce, duck sauce, soy sauce, or spicy mustard.
🧠 FAQs
❓ Can I bake or air fry egg rolls?
Yes!
- Baked: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place rolls on a baking sheet, brush with oil, and bake for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Air Fryer: Spray rolls lightly with oil. Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
❓ Can I freeze egg rolls?
Absolutely. Freeze them before frying for best results:
- Arrange rolled (but uncooked) egg rolls on a tray.
- Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag.
- Fry directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to cooking time.
❓ Can I make these vegetarian?
Yes. Replace meat with extra vegetables (like mushrooms, bean sprouts, or tofu). Follow the same steps.
❓ What’s the difference between egg rolls and spring rolls?
- Egg Rolls: Thicker, flour-based wrapper; deep-fried; typically American-Chinese.
- Spring Rolls: Thinner wrapper (rice or wheat); can be fried or fresh; more common in Vietnamese/Thai/Chinese cuisines.
❓ What dipping sauces go best?
- Sweet and sour sauce
- Soy sauce with garlic and chili
- Hoisin sauce
- Spicy peanut sauce
- Thai sweet chili sauce
Would you like a printable version or want to adjust the recipe for a crowd, vegetarian version, or allergy-friendly version?