Egg Rolls
Egg rolls are a beloved dish, known for their crispy exterior and flavorful filling. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, these delectable rolls are filled with vegetables, meat, or a combination of both, all wrapped in a thin pastry and fried to golden perfection. Whether served with sweet and sour sauce or soy sauce, egg rolls are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings!
Ingredients
– 1 package of egg roll wrappers
– 2 cups shredded cabbage
– 1 cup shredded carrots
– 1 cup cooked chicken or shrimp (optional)
– 2 green onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– Oil for frying
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes about 12 egg rolls. Preparation time is approximately 20 minutes, and cooking time is around 10 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each egg roll (approximately 1 piece) contains about 150 calories, 7g protein, 10g carbohydrates, 9g fat, and 2g fiber, making it a satisfying snack for one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage, carrots, cooked chicken or shrimp, green onions, and garlic.
- Add soy sauce and sesame oil to the mixture, stirring well to combine.
- Place an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface, with one corner pointing towards you.
- Spoon 2 tablespoons of the filling onto the center of the wrapper.
- Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the sides.
- Roll the wrapper tightly away from you, sealing the top corner with a little water.
- Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat.
- Once hot, carefully place a few egg rolls in the oil, frying until golden brown (about 3-4 minutes).
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Serve hot with your choice of dipping sauce.
Alternative Ingredients
You can easily customize egg rolls by using tofu for a vegetarian option or adding different vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms. Alternatively, try using different meats or even seafood to suit your taste.
Serving and Pairings
Egg rolls pair wonderfully with sweet and sour sauce, soy sauce, or even a spicy dipping sauce. They can also be served alongside fried rice or a light salad for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover egg rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They can be reheated in an oven to regain their crispiness, or microwaved for a quick snack. Egg rolls can also be frozen before frying for later use.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overfilling the wrappers can lead to breakage during frying.
- Not sealing the edges properly may cause the filling to escape.
- Using oil that isn’t hot enough can result in soggy rolls.
- Frying too many rolls at once can lower oil temperature.
- Skipping the draining step can make the rolls greasy.
Helpful Tips
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- Experiment with different sauces for dipping.
- Let the filling cool before wrapping to avoid sogginess.
- Keep the egg rolls covered while preparing to prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I make egg rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and wrap the egg rolls ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator or freeze them for later frying.
What oil is best for frying egg rolls?
Peanut oil is often recommended for frying due to its high smoke point and flavor, but vegetable or canola oil works well too.
Can I bake egg rolls instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake egg rolls by brushing them with oil and placing them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes.
What can I use instead of egg roll wrappers?
You can use spring roll wrappers or even make your own dough if you prefer a homemade option.
Are egg rolls gluten-free?
Traditional egg roll wrappers contain gluten, but you can find gluten-free wrappers at specialty stores or make them from rice paper.
Conclusion
Egg rolls are a delightful treat that can be customized to fit any taste. Whether enjoyed as a snack or as part of a larger meal, they are sure to please. With this recipe, you can create crispy, flavorful egg rolls that will impress your family and friends!
Egg Rolls
Ingredients
- 1 package of egg roll wrappers
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup cooked chicken or shrimp optional
- 2 green onions chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage, carrots, cooked chicken or shrimp, green onions, and garlic.
- Add soy sauce and sesame oil to the mixture, stirring well to combine.
- Place an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface, with one corner pointing towards you.
- Spoon 2 tablespoons of the filling onto the center of the wrapper.
- Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the sides.
- Roll the wrapper tightly away from you, sealing the top corner with a little water.
- Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat.
- Once hot, carefully place a few egg rolls in the oil, frying until golden brown (about 3-4 minutes).
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Serve hot with your choice of dipping sauce.
