Homemade Chinese Egg Rolls
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Few appetizers capture the joy of Chinese restaurant dining quite like a perfectly crisp egg roll. Golden, crunchy on the outside, and filled with savory cabbage, pork, and vegetables, they’re a bite of pure comfort. The good news? You can recreate that same flavor and texture at home with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
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I still remember the first time I made egg rolls from scratch on a rainy weekend. With leftover pork, cabbage, and carrots, I discovered how rewarding it was to fry up these golden beauties in my own kitchen. The aroma of garlic, soy, and sesame filling the air was enough to convince me: homemade is always better.
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Unlike frozen or takeout versions that lose their crispness quickly, these egg rolls stay shatteringly crunchy for hours. The secret lies in fresh vegetables, balanced moisture in the filling, and frying at the right temperature. Each roll is tightly wrapped, ensuring every bite delivers that irresistible crunch with a perfectly seasoned interior.
Whether for family dinners, Lunar New Year celebrations, or weekend appetizers, these egg rolls are easy to customize, freeze beautifully, and reheat like a dream. Once you try them, you’ll never go back to store-bought.
Ingredients
| Category | Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Filling | Vegetable oil | 1 tbsp | For sautéing |
| Ground pork (or chicken, beef, shrimp) | 1 lb | Protein base | |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves | Aromatic | |
| Fresh ginger, grated | 1 tsp | Adds warmth | |
| Carrots, shredded | 1 cup | Sweet crunch | |
| Green cabbage, finely shredded | 2 cups | Classic filling | |
| Bean sprouts (optional) | ½ cup | Authentic texture | |
| Green onions, sliced thin | 3 | Fresh flavor | |
| Soy sauce | 2 tbsp | Savory seasoning | |
| Oyster sauce (optional) | 1 tbsp | Rich depth | |
| Sesame oil | 1 tsp | Nutty aroma | |
| Salt | ½ tsp | Balance | |
| Black pepper | ¼ tsp | Mild spice | |
| Wrapping & Frying | Egg roll wrappers | 16 | For rolling |
| Egg, beaten | 1 | Seals wrappers | |
| Vegetable oil | — | For deep frying | |
| Dipping Sauce (optional) | Soy sauce | ¼ cup | Base |
| Rice vinegar | 1 tbsp | Tang | |
| Sugar | 1 tsp | Sweetness | |
| Chili flakes or hot oil | ½ tsp | Heat |
Instructions
1. Cook the Filling
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a skillet or wok over medium heat.
- Add ground pork, garlic, and ginger. Cook until browned, 5–6 minutes.
2. Add Vegetables
- Stir in cabbage, carrots, bean sprouts, and green onions.
- Sauté 3–4 minutes until softened but still crisp.
3. Season It
- Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper.
- Stir to coat evenly. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. Assemble the Egg Rolls
- Place a wrapper in diamond shape on a flat surface.
- Spoon 2 tbsp filling into the center.
- Fold bottom corner over filling, fold in sides, then roll tightly.
- Brush top corner with beaten egg to seal.
5. Fry the Egg Rolls
- Heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry 3–4 rolls at a time for 3–4 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and crisp.
- Drain on paper towels.
6. Serve
- Enjoy hot with dipping sauce of choice: sweet chili, soy-ginger, or spicy mustard.
