Why You’ll Love This Homemade Egg Rolls Recipe
If you’re looking for a delicious and satisfying snack, you’ll love this homemade egg rolls recipe. These crispy bites are filled with a savory mixture that’s bursting with flavor.
I appreciate how easy they’re to make and customize, so I can tailor the filling to my taste. Plus, frying them to golden perfection adds that irresistible crunch!
They’re perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a cozy night in. Dipping them in your favorite sauce takes the experience to another level.
Trust me; once you try these, you’ll want to whip up a batch again and again!
Ingredients of Homemade Egg Rolls
Making homemade egg rolls is such a fun and rewarding culinary adventure. Trust me, you’ll feel like a kitchen superstar when you whip up these crispy delights. The ingredients are pretty straightforward, and you probably have most of them sitting in your pantry already.
Plus, there’s something incredibly satisfying about mixing and matching flavors to create your own perfect filling. Ready to gather what you need? Let’s plunge into the list of ingredients you’ll need to make these tasty treats!
Ingredients for Homemade Egg Rolls:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus 1 tablespoon
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Water (for batter and sealing)
- Peanut oil (for frying)
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1/4 cup butter
- 4 cups finely shredded cabbage (partially cooked)
- 1/2 cup minced green onion
- 1/2 cup minced celery
- 2 cups canned bean sprouts, drained
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 1 pinch sugar (for the filling)
Now, while these ingredients might seem pretty standard, don’t be afraid to get creative! You can easily swap the beef for ground chicken or turkey if that’s more your jam.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, toss in some mushrooms or carrots for an extra crunch. Also, if you’re not a fan of peanut oil, any neutral oil would work just fine for frying.
Just remember, the filling is where you can really express yourself. So, whether you want it spicier or loaded with veggies, it’s all up to you. Happy cooking!
How to Make Homemade Egg Rolls
Making homemade egg rolls is a delightful journey, and trust me, it’s easier than it sounds. To kick things off, we need to whip up that crispy wrapper. Grab 2 cups of all-purpose flour and sift it together with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and 1 teaspoon of salt. This is where the magic begins.
Now, mix in 1 beaten egg and 1 teaspoon of sugar. The key here is to gradually add water until you achieve a very thin batter. You want it to be smooth and runny, not too thick—think of it like pancake batter, but a bit thinner.
Now, here’s a fun part: take a pastry brush and grease a 6-inch skillet with peanut oil. Pour 4 tablespoons of your batter into the skillet and tilt it around so it spreads evenly over the bottom. Cook it over low heat until the edges start to peel away. When that happens, gently turn it over to cook the other side.
Once it’s done, carefully remove it from the pan and let it cool. Just like that, you’ve made your first egg roll wrapper.
Now onto the filling! In a skillet, brown 1 pound of lean ground beef in 1/4 cup of butter. The smell of sizzling beef is just divine, isn’t it? Once it’s nicely browned, toss in 4 cups of finely shredded, partially cooked cabbage, 1/2 cup of minced green onions, 1/2 cup of minced celery, and 2 cups of drained canned bean sprouts.
Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/8 teaspoon of pepper, and a pinch of sugar to tie all those flavors together. Cook the mixture for about 5 minutes, just enough to soften the veggies but still keep that crunch. After it’s cooked, drain any excess liquid and let it cool.
Now comes the fun part: assembling your egg rolls. Take a heaping tablespoon of your filling, place it in the center of each wrapper, and spread it out, keeping about 1/2 inch from the edges. Fold up the sides and roll it tightly, sealing the edges with a mixture of 1 tablespoon of flour and 2 tablespoons of water.
Finally, the moment we’ve all been waiting for—frying! Heat up your peanut oil in a deep pot until it reaches around 360°F. Carefully drop in your egg rolls, a few at a time, and fry them until they’re golden brown and crispy.
This is where it gets a little tricky—don’t walk away, or you might end up with some overly crispy (a.k.a. burnt) rolls. Once they’re done, let them drain on paper towels, and voila! You’ve just created a bunch of delicious homemade egg rolls.
Serve them up with your favorite dipping sauce, and get ready for some well-deserved compliments. Enjoy the crispy goodness; you’ve earned it.
Homemade Egg Rolls Substitutions & Variations
While the traditional egg roll is delicious, there’s no reason we can’t get creative with substitutions and variations to suit our tastes or dietary needs.
For a healthier twist, I often swap out ground beef for ground turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian option. You can mix in different veggies like carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms to add flavor and crunch.
If you need a gluten-free option, try using rice paper wraps instead of traditional wrappers.
I’ve even experimented with sweet fillings, like fruit and cream cheese, for a dessert version. The possibilities are endless, and it’s all about personal preference!
What to Serve with Homemade Egg Rolls
After getting creative with substitutions and variations for your egg rolls, it’s time to think about what to serve alongside them.
I love pairing my homemade egg rolls with a fresh Asian salad, tossed with crunchy vegetables and a tangy sesame dressing. You can also whip up some fried rice or steamed jasmine rice for a heartier side.
For dipping, sweet and sour sauce or spicy mustard really enhances the flavors. I sometimes serve them with a side of pickled vegetables, adding a nice crunch.
These combinations make for a delicious, satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy!
Additional Tips & Notes
To guarantee your homemade egg rolls turn out perfectly, I recommend prepping all your ingredients in advance. It makes the assembly process much smoother.
If you want extra crunch, try adding some shredded carrots or bell peppers to the filling. Don’t overfill the wrappers; a heaping tablespoon is just right.
When frying, keep the oil at 360°F for that perfect golden brown finish.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for crispiness.
Finally, serve with your favorite dipping sauces to elevate the flavors and enjoy every bite!