These Reuben Egg Rolls are a delicious twist on the classic Reuben sandwich, combining all the savory flavors of corned beef, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut wrapped in a crispy egg roll wrapper. Perfect for appetizers or a fun dinner, these egg rolls are sure to be a hit at your next gathering!
Ingredients:
- 12 egg roll wrappers
- ½ lb deli-sliced corned beef, diced finely
- 4 oz shredded Swiss cheese (or grated off the block)
- ½ cup sauerkraut, drained and squeezed
- 3-4 tbsp Thousand Island dressing (to mix in)
- 1 egg white, gently whisked
- About 5 cups of oil for frying
- Thousand Island dressing for dipping
Directions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients
Gently whisk the egg white in a small bowl and set it close to you. Dice the corned beef as finely as you can, squeeze the juices out of the sauerkraut, and grate the cheese if using a block.
2. Mix the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and some Thousand Island dressing. Mix until evenly incorporated.
3. Preheat the Oil
Start preheating the oil to 350°F over medium heat. Prepare a cooling rack by lining it with a couple of paper towels to soak up the excess oil.
4. Roll the Egg Rolls
Place an egg roll wrapper on a diamond. Spread about 2 tablespoons of Reuben filling in a line, leaving about an inch on each side. Gently fold the corner closest to you over the filling mixture and tuck it under the filling. Dip your fingers in egg white and run them along the edges of the wrapper to help seal the egg roll. Fold both side corners toward the center of the wrapper to resemble an open envelope, then carefully roll up the egg roll. Repeat with the remaining egg rolls while the frying oil heats up.
5. Fry the Egg Rolls
Fry the egg rolls in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry until golden brown, turning once the bottom side turns golden. It will take 4-5 minutes per batch. If the egg rolls are browning too quickly, the oil is too hot; if they are not browning fast enough, the oil is not hot enough. Maintain the oil temperature at 350°F.
6. Cool and Serve
Use long metal tongs to remove each egg roll from the pot and place them on the prepared cooling rack. Repeat until all egg rolls are cooked. Serve the egg rolls with Thousand Island dressing for dipping.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 10
Serving and Storage Tips :
Serving Tips
- Garnish for Extra Flavor: Add a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a dash of paprika on top of the egg rolls for extra flavor and a pop of color.
- Side Dish Suggestions: Pair these egg rolls with a light salad or some pickles to complement the rich flavors. A side of coleslaw can also add a refreshing crunch.
- Dipping Sauce Variety: While Thousand Island dressing is a classic choice, you can also serve these egg rolls with other dipping sauces like spicy mustard, horseradish sauce, or a creamy dill sauce for variety.
- Serving Presentation: Arrange the egg rolls on a platter with small bowls of different dipping sauces. This not only looks appealing but also allows guests to choose their favorite dip.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftover egg rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure they are completely cooled before refrigerating to maintain their crispiness.
- Freezing: For longer storage, place the cooled egg rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Reheating:
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the egg rolls on a baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps retain their crispiness.
- Air Fryer: Reheat in an air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through.
- Avoid Microwaving: Microwaving can make the egg rolls soggy, so it’s best to use the oven or air fryer for reheating.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare in Advance: You can assemble the egg rolls ahead of time and refrigerate them, uncooked, for up to 24 hours. This makes it easy to fry them fresh when you’re ready to serve.
- Batch Cooking: If making a large batch, you can fry the egg rolls in advance and freeze them. Reheat them directly from frozen in the oven or air fryer for a quick appetizer or meal.
Leftover Ideas
- Egg Roll Salad: Slice leftover egg rolls and serve them on top of a bed of mixed greens with a drizzle of Thousand Island dressing for a unique salad.
- Egg Roll Wraps: Use leftover egg rolls as a filling for wraps. Add some fresh veggies and an extra drizzle of dressing for a quick lunch option.
- Egg Roll Bowl: Crumble leftover egg rolls into a bowl and top with additional sauerkraut, corned beef, and cheese for a deconstructed version of the dish.
Variations :
1. Turkey Reuben Egg Rolls
- Ingredient Swap: Replace corned beef with deli-sliced turkey for a lighter option.
- Cheese Choice: Use Swiss cheese or try Gruyère for a slightly different flavor.
- Additional Flavor: Add a sprinkle of caraway seeds to the filling for a traditional rye bread flavor.
2. Pastrami Egg Rolls
- Protein Change: Substitute corned beef with pastrami for a smokier taste.
- Flavor Twist: Include a small amount of Dijon mustard in the filling for an extra tangy kick.
3. Vegetarian Reuben Egg Rolls
- Protein Substitute: Use tempeh or a plant-based deli meat alternative.
- Flavor Enhancement: Add extra vegetables like finely diced bell peppers and mushrooms.
- Sauce Adjustments: Ensure the Thousand Island dressing is vegetarian or make your own using vegan mayo and relish.
4. Spicy Reuben Egg Rolls
- Spice Up: Add finely chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling.
- Cheese Variation: Use pepper jack cheese instead of Swiss for added heat.
5. Mini Reuben Egg Rolls
- Size Change: Use smaller wonton wrappers instead of egg roll wrappers for bite-sized appetizers.
- Cooking Time: Reduce frying time to ensure even cooking without burning.
6. Air-Fried Reuben Egg Rolls
- Healthier Cooking: Prepare the egg rolls as directed but cook them in an air fryer at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Less Oil: This method uses less oil while still achieving a crispy texture.
7. Baked Reuben Egg Rolls
- Oven Method: Brush the egg rolls with a little oil or spray with cooking spray and bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, turning once halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Health-Conscious: A lower-fat option compared to deep frying.
8. Gluten-Free Reuben Egg Rolls
- Wrapper Alternative: Use gluten-free egg roll wrappers available in specialty stores or online.
- Ingredient Check: Ensure all other ingredients, including the Thousand Island dressing, are gluten-free.
9. Breakfast Reuben Egg Rolls
- Morning Twist: Add scrambled eggs to the filling along with the corned beef, cheese, and sauerkraut.
- Serve With: Offer with a side of hollandaise sauce or additional Thousand Island dressing for dipping.
10. Asian-Inspired Reuben Egg Rolls
- Flavor Fusion: Add a small amount of soy sauce and a pinch of ginger to the filling for an Asian twist.
- Dipping Sauce: Serve with a blend of Thousand Island dressing and a touch of sriracha for a spicy-sweet dip.
FAQs:
1. Can I bake Reuben egg rolls instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake Reuben egg rolls. Preheat your oven to 400°F, brush the egg rolls with a little oil or spray with cooking spray, and bake for 15-20 minutes, turning once halfway through, until golden and crispy.
2. What can I use instead of corned beef?
You can use pastrami, turkey, or even a plant-based deli meat alternative if you prefer a different protein.
3. How do I prevent the egg rolls from getting soggy?
To prevent sogginess, make sure to squeeze out excess moisture from the sauerkraut and other ingredients. Additionally, do not overfill the egg rolls and ensure the oil is at the correct temperature before frying.
4. Can I make these egg rolls in an air fryer?
Yes, you can make Reuben egg rolls in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning halfway through, until they are golden and crispy.
5. How do I store leftover egg rolls?
Store leftover egg rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
6. How do I reheat Reuben egg rolls?
To reheat, place the egg rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat them in an air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving to keep them crispy.