Egg Rolls

by

If you’re craving the satisfying crunch and savory goodness of egg rolls, look no further than this homemade recipe. Perfect for appetizers, snacks, or as part of a meal, these crispy egg rolls are a delightful treat for any occasion.

Ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 (16-ounce) package tri-color coleslaw mix
  • 3 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 (16-ounce) package egg roll wrappers
  • Vegetable oil for frying

Directions:

  1. Prepare the Filling:
    • Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the coleslaw mix and sauté until limp.
    • Incorporate the shredded chicken into the saucepan and sauté for an additional 2–3 minutes, ensuring the mixture is well combined. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from heat.
  2. Assemble the Egg Rolls:
    • Lay out an egg roll wrapper in a diamond shape. Place 1/4–1/3 cup of the coleslaw and chicken mixture horizontally across the middle of the wrapper.
    • Fold the left and right sides of the wrapper towards the center, then roll up from the bottom to enclose the filling. Seal the edges with a little water to secure the roll.
  3. Fry the Egg Rolls:
    • Pour vegetable oil into a medium frying pan, filling it with about 3/4 inch of oil. Heat over medium-high heat until it reaches 350–375°F.
    • Carefully place the assembled egg rolls in the hot oil, working in batches if necessary. Fry until they turn golden brown on both sides, ensuring even cooking.
  4. Serve and Enjoy:
    • Once golden and crispy, remove the egg rolls from the oil and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
    • Serve the egg rolls warm, accompanied by your favorite dipping sauce for an extra burst of flavor.

Nutritional Information:

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Servings: 16 egg rolls

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

  • Dipping Sauces: Serve your homemade egg rolls with a variety of dipping sauces such as sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, or plum sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
  • Garnishes: Sprinkle chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or toasted sesame oil over the egg rolls before serving to add visual appeal and enhance the flavor profile.
  • Accompaniments: Pair your egg rolls with other Chinese-inspired dishes like fried rice, stir-fried vegetables, or lo mein noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage Tips:

  • Refrigeration: Store any leftover egg rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in the oven or an air fryer to maintain their crispiness.
  • Freezing: If you want to freeze the egg rolls for future use, allow them to cool completely after frying. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, making sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing. Frozen egg rolls can be stored for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, bake them in the oven from frozen until heated through and crispy.

Variations:

  • Vegetarian Option: Substitute the shredded chicken with tofu or diced mushrooms for a flavorful vegetarian version of these egg rolls. Add extra vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or water chestnuts to enhance the texture and taste.
  • Pork Egg Rolls: Replace the shredded chicken with ground pork seasoned with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce for a classic pork egg roll. You can also mix in finely chopped cabbage and carrots for added crunch.
  • Shrimp Egg Rolls: Swap out the chicken for cooked shrimp, either chopped or left whole, for a delicious seafood twist. Enhance the flavor with ingredients like garlic, ginger, and a touch of sesame oil.
  • Spicy Variation: For a spicy kick, mix some sriracha sauce or chili paste into the coleslaw and chicken filling. You can also add sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for an extra heat boost.
  • Asian Fusion: Experiment with different flavor profiles by incorporating ingredients like teriyaki sauce, hoisin sauce, or Thai curry paste into the filling. Top the egg rolls with a drizzle of sweet and sour sauce or peanut sauce for a unique Asian fusion twist.
  • Healthy Option: For a lighter alternative, bake the egg rolls instead of frying them. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

FAQs:

  1. Can I use store-bought coleslaw mix for this recipe?
    • Yes, using pre-packaged coleslaw mix is convenient and works well in this recipe. However, you can also make your own coleslaw mix by shredding cabbage and carrots.
  2. Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
    • Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the chicken with tofu, pork, shrimp, or even a combination of your favorite proteins for variety.
  3. Can I make the egg rolls ahead of time?
    • Yes, you can assemble the egg rolls ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to fry them. Alternatively, you can freeze them for longer storage.
  4. Do I need to thaw the egg roll wrappers before using them?
    • Yes, it’s best to thaw the egg roll wrappers according to the package instructions before using them. Thawed wrappers are easier to work with and less likely to tear.
  5. What oil is best for frying the egg rolls?
    • Vegetable oil or peanut oil are commonly used for frying egg rolls due to their high smoke points. However, you can use any neutral-flavored oil suitable for frying.
  6. How do I know when the oil is hot enough for frying?
    • You can test the oil temperature by dropping a small piece of egg roll wrapper into the oil. If it sizzles and bubbles immediately, the oil is hot enough for frying.
  7. Can I bake the egg rolls instead of frying them?
    • Yes, you can bake the egg rolls in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
  8. What dipping sauces pair well with these egg rolls?
    • Sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, plum sauce, or even a homemade peanut sauce are delicious options for dipping these egg rolls.
  9. How do I store leftover egg rolls?
    • Store any leftover egg rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or freeze them for longer storage.

With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can create these delicious homemade egg rolls that are sure to impress friends and family alike. Enjoy the delightful combination of crispy wrappers and flavorful chicken coleslaw filling with every bite!