Chinese egg rolls are a popular appetizer or snack enjoyed in many parts of the world. These crispy, savory delights are filled with a flavorful mixture of ground pork, vegetables, and aromatic seasonings, then deep-fried to golden perfection. Here’s a detailed recipe to help you make classic Chinese egg rolls at home.
Ingredients
- 12 egg roll wrappers
- 1 pound ground pork
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 4 scallions, thinly sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, finely grated
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
- Cook the Pork:
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground pork and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon until it is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Aromatics:
- Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pork.
- Stir-fry for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Vegetables:
- Add the shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, and sliced scallions to the skillet.
- Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened.
- Season:
- Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and white pepper.
- Mix well to combine all the ingredients and coat them with the sauce.
- Thicken the Filling:
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry.
- Pour the slurry into the skillet and stir continuously until the filling thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
- Cool the Filling:
- Remove the skillet from heat and let the filling cool completely before assembling the egg rolls.
Step 2: Assemble the Egg Rolls
- Prepare the Wrappers:
- Lay an egg roll wrapper on a clean, flat surface with one corner pointing towards you, creating a diamond shape.
- Add Filling:
- Place about 2 tablespoons of the cooled filling in the center of the wrapper.
- Shape the filling into a small log, leaving enough space on all sides to fold the wrapper.
- Fold the Wrapper:
- Fold the bottom corner of the wrapper up over the filling.
- Fold the left and right corners towards the center, covering the filling completely.
- Roll the wrapper tightly towards the top corner, ensuring the filling is enclosed and the roll is tight.
- Seal the Wrapper:
- Moisten the top corner of the wrapper with a little water to seal the egg roll.
- Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
Step 3: Fry the Egg Rolls
- Heat the Oil:
- Pour vegetable oil into a deep fryer or a large, deep skillet to a depth of about 2 inches.
- Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the Egg Rolls:
- Carefully add a few egg rolls to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
- Fry the egg rolls in batches for 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Drain the Egg Rolls:
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the egg rolls from the oil.
- Place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Serve:
- Serve the egg rolls hot, with your favorite dipping sauce such as sweet and sour sauce, soy sauce, or plum sauce.
Tips and Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground pork with a mixture of finely diced tofu or mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
- Protein Alternatives: You can also use ground chicken, turkey, or shrimp in place of the pork.
- Storage: Uncooked egg rolls can be frozen. Lay them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the frying time.
- Baking Option: For a healthier option, brush the assembled egg rolls with a little oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Classic Chinese egg rolls are a versatile and delicious appetizer that can be enjoyed by everyone. This recipe provides a perfect balance of savory pork, fresh vegetables, and aromatic seasonings, all encased in a crispy wrapper. Whether you fry or bake them, these egg rolls are sure to be a hit at your next gathering or family meal. Serve them with a variety of dipping sauces to enhance their flavor and enjoy the delightful crunch and taste of homemade egg rolls.