There is something irresistibly satisfying about a perfectly crispy, golden egg roll filled with a savory, well-balanced mixture of pork, cabbage, and fresh vegetables. This Authentic Chinese Egg Rolls Recipe captures the essence of traditional flavors and textures, delivering crunchy exteriors and tasty interiors that will have everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re making them for a special dinner or just craving a comforting snack, these egg rolls showcase the perfect harmony of ingredients and technique that make homemade egg rolls truly unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the foundation for making these egg rolls shine. Each component is simple yet plays an important role, from adding crunch, flavor depth, to that unmistakable savory punch that defines this dish.
- 2 cups cabbage, shredded: Adds crisp texture and a mild sweetness to lighten the filling.
- 1 cup carrots, julienned: Brings a fresh crunch and vibrant color to the mix.
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped: Introduces a delicate sharpness and slight bite.
- 1/2 pound ground pork: Provides rich, hearty protein that carries the seasoning wonderfully.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Imparts savory umami and a bit of saltiness to taste.
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced: Adds an aromatic punch essential for authentic flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger, minced: Offers a subtle warmth and zestiness to balance the pork.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Deepens the savory profile with a slight sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Gives a mild spice finish that wakes up the palate.
- 10 egg roll wrappers: The crispy, golden shells that hold the delicious filling.
- 1 egg, beaten: Acts as glue for sealing the egg rolls perfectly.
- Oil for frying: Needed for achieving that perfect, golden crunch on the outside.
How to Make Authentic Chinese Egg Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pork
Start by heating a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the ground pork, breaking it apart with your spatula as it cooks. Cook until the pork is no longer pink, ensuring it’s fully done. This step is critical because the pork brings rich savory notes and the hearty base for the filling.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Remove any excess fat from the skillet and set the cooked pork aside. Using the same pan, add minced garlic and ginger. Sauté them just until fragrant, about 30 seconds, to release their vibrant aromas while keeping them fresh and bright.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
Add the shredded cabbage, julienned carrots, and chopped green onions to the skillet. Stir frequently and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, until the vegetables soften slightly yet retain some of their fresh crunch. This balance of texture is what makes this dish so delightful to bite into.
Step 4: Combine the Filling
Return the cooked pork to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in the soy sauce and oyster sauce, stirring everything so the flavors meld together uniformly. Season with salt and black pepper, then cook for an additional 2 minutes to marry the flavors perfectly before removing from the heat.
Step 5: Prepare to Roll
Let the filling cool for at least 10 minutes—this step keeps the wrappers from becoming soggy when you roll. Lay one egg roll wrapper on a clean, flat surface with a corner pointing toward you. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the filling onto the lower third of the wrapper, careful not to overfill.
Step 6: Roll and Seal
Fold the bottom corner of the wrapper up and over the filling, then fold in the sides snugly. Roll the wrapper tightly away from you toward the top corner, using a little beaten egg to seal the seam. Repeat this process with all wrappers and filling to prepare for frying.
Step 7: Fry to Perfection
Heat about 2 inches of oil in a large pan or wok to 350°F (175°C). Carefully lower the egg rolls into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry, turning occasionally, until each egg roll is golden brown and delectably crispy, about 4 to 5 minutes. Drain on paper towels to remove any excess oil.
How to Serve Authentic Chinese Egg Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like chopped green onions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds add a wonderful visual appeal and extra flavor boost. A little drizzle of hoisin sauce or a squeeze of fresh lime over the egg rolls right before serving can also elevate their taste.
Side Dishes
These egg rolls pair beautifully with simple steamed jasmine rice or fried rice to complete your meal. A side of hot and sour soup or a crisp Asian cucumber salad complements the warmth and texture contrast perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the egg rolls diagonally and stand them upright in a bamboo steamer or on a platter lined with banana leaves. Serving with a trio of dipping sauces—sweet chili, soy-ginger, and plum sauce—makes for an inviting display that encourages everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover egg rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they’re cooled completely before sealing to keep the wrappers from becoming soggy.
Freezing
If you want to make these ahead of time, assemble the egg rolls but skip frying. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be frozen up to 3 months, perfect for quick indulgence later.
Reheating
To reheat, bake frozen or refrigerated egg rolls in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through and crisp again. Alternatively, refry them quickly in hot oil for a fresh-from-the-wok crunch.
FAQs
Can I substitute the pork with another protein?
Absolutely! Ground chicken or turkey work well for a lighter version, while finely diced shrimp or tofu can offer delicious alternatives, keeping the authentic flavor balance intact.
What if I can’t find egg roll wrappers?
Spring roll wrappers can be used in a pinch, though they are thinner and result in a lighter crunch. You can also find frozen egg roll wrappers in most Asian grocery stores or the frozen section of larger supermarkets.
Is it necessary to fry the egg rolls? Can they be baked instead?
Frying gives you the iconic crispy texture that is hard to beat, but baking is a healthier option that still releases good crunch when brushed lightly with oil and baked at a high temperature.
How do I avoid soggy egg rolls?
Ensuring the filling is cooled before wrapping and not overfilling the wrappers are key tips. Also, frying at the right temperature and not overcrowding the pan helps maintain crispiness.
What dipping sauces complement this Authentic Chinese Egg Rolls Recipe?
Traditional soy-based sauces, sweet chili sauce, or hot mustard are classic choices. For a creative spin, try a garlic-ginger dipping sauce or a tangy plum sauce to enhance the flavors even more.
Final Thoughts
Making this Authentic Chinese Egg Rolls Recipe at home is such a rewarding experience, especially when you bite into that crispy shell bursting with savory, well-seasoned filling. It’s a recipe that brings warmth, joy, and a bit of celebration to any meal. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to keep these golden delights on repeat!
Print
Authentic Chinese Egg Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 20m
- Cook Time: 0h 15m
- Total Time: 0h 35m
- Yield: 10 egg rolls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This authentic Chinese Egg Rolls recipe delivers a crispy, golden exterior filled with a savory mixture of ground pork, cabbage, carrots, and green onions, flavored with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and oyster sauce. Perfect as a delightful appetizer or snack, these egg rolls are fried to perfection for a crunchy bite every time.
Ingredients
Filling
- 2 cups cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Wraps
- 10 egg roll wrappers
- 1 egg, beaten (for sealing)
For Frying
- Oil for frying (about 2 inches deep)
Instructions
- Heat the Skillet: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium heat to prepare for cooking the filling.
- Cook the Ground Pork: Add the ground pork to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until fully cooked and no longer pink.
- Drain Excess Fat: Remove any excess fat from the skillet and transfer the cooked pork to a plate.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Vegetables: Add shredded cabbage, julienned carrots, and chopped green onions to the skillet.
- Cook Vegetables: Stir frequently and cook for 4-5 minutes until vegetables soften slightly but maintain some crunch.
- Combine Meat and Veggies: Return cooked pork to the skillet with vegetables.
- Add Sauces: Pour soy sauce and oyster sauce into the skillet, stirring to combine evenly.
- Season: Add salt and black pepper to taste, and cook for another 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Cool the Filling: Remove skillet from heat and let the filling cool for at least 10 minutes before wrapping.
- Prepare Wrappers: Lay one egg roll wrapper on a clean, flat surface with one corner pointing toward you.
- Fill the Wrapper: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of cooled filling onto the lower third of the wrapper, avoiding overfilling.
- Fold the Wrapper: Fold the bottom corner up over the filling, then fold in the sides tightly.
- Roll and Seal: Roll the wrapper away from you tightly, sealing the top corner with a little beaten egg.
- Repeat: Repeat the filling and rolling process with the remaining wrappers and filling.
- Heat Oil: Heat about 2 inches of oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- Fry Egg Rolls: Carefully lower egg rolls into hot oil in batches, avoiding overcrowding.
- Cook Until Golden: Fry, turning occasionally, for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain Excess Oil: Remove egg rolls from oil and place on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Serve: Serve the egg rolls immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Ensure the filling is cooled before wrapping to prevent wrappers from getting soggy.
- Do not overfill the wrappers to avoid bursting during frying.
- Maintain oil temperature at around 350°F for perfect crispiness.
- You can substitute ground pork with ground chicken or turkey if preferred.
- Use fresh vegetables to retain crunch and freshness.
- If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can use hoisin sauce as an alternative.
