The Best Homemade Egg Rolls

Ingredients:

1 pound ground pork

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp vegetable oil

2 tbsp soy sauce

1 tbsp sesame oil

1 tsp ground ginger

2 cups shredded cabbage

1 small carrot, shredded

1 package (25 7-inch square) egg roll wrappers

2 tbsps flour

2 tbsps water

1 quart peanut or vegetable oil, for frying

your favorite Asian dipping sauce

Instructions:

Step 1:

Cook the pork and garlic in the vegetable oil until the pork is no longer pink.

Stir in the soy sauce, sesame oil, and ground ginger.

Set aside to slightly cool.

Step 2:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the pork mixture with the shredded carrots and cabbage.

In a small bowl, make a paste out of the flour and water.

Step 3:

Lay out an egg roll wrapper with a corner pointed towards you.

Place 1/4 cup of the pork and vegetable mixture into the center of the wrapper.

Brush the corner farthest from you with the flour paste.

Fold the corner closest to you up over the mixture.

Fold the left and right corners in towards the center, then tightly roll.

The flour paste will help seal the egg roll.

Repeat until all of the filling is used. (I ended up with 13 egg rolls total.)

Step 4:

Fry the egg rolls in the peanut oil (just a few at a time) until they are golden brown.

Remove to a paper towel-lined plate.

Serve with your favorite Asian dipping sauce.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 13 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different protein instead of ground pork?

Yes, you can customize the filling by using ground chicken, turkey, beef, or even tofu if you prefer a vegetarian option.

Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the protein you choose.

What’s the purpose of the flour and water paste?

The flour and water paste acts as a sealing agent to secure the edges of the egg roll wrappers and prevent the filling from spilling out during frying.

It helps create a tight seal to keep the egg rolls intact.

Can I prepare the egg rolls ahead of time and fry them later?

While it’s best to fry the egg rolls soon after assembling them to maintain their texture, you can refrigerate them for a short time before frying.

If you need to store them longer, freeze the assembled, uncooked egg rolls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container.

Fry directly from the freezer without thawing, adding a couple of extra minutes to the frying time.

What dipping sauces go well with these egg rolls?

Traditional Asian dipping sauces like sweet and sour sauce, plum sauce, soy-based sauces, and even a mix of soy sauce and rice vinegar make great accompaniments to these egg rolls.

You can also try experimenting with spicy sauces or even a peanut sauce for a unique flavor profile.

Can I bake these egg rolls instead of frying them?

While frying gives egg rolls their characteristic crispy texture, you can bake them in a preheated oven at around 375°F (190°C) on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Brush the egg rolls with a bit of oil before baking, and turn them over halfway through for even browning.

Keep in mind that baked egg rolls may not achieve the same level of crispiness as fried ones.

Can I use other vegetables in the filling besides cabbage and carrot?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, bean sprouts, or even spinach.

Just make sure to finely chop or shred them so they cook evenly and blend well with the other ingredients.

What can I substitute for ground pork if I prefer a different protein?

If you’d like to use a different protein, ground chicken, turkey, or even a meat substitute like tofu can be great alternatives.

Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the protein is fully cooked.

Is there a gluten-free option for the egg roll wrappers?

Yes, you can often find gluten-free egg roll wrappers in specialty or health food stores.

These wrappers are typically made from rice flour or other gluten-free flours.

Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for using the gluten-free wrappers.