Description

If you’ve been on the search for a comforting, satisfying dish that encapsulates the flavors of Asian cuisine, look no further than homemade egg rolls. These delightful crispy parcels are not just any appetizer—they're a blend of tradition, creativity, and scrumptiousness that can transform any meal into a festive occasion. Originating from Chinese cuisine, egg rolls are a beloved favorite in many households and restaurants alike. Imagine biting into a crunchy exterior that gives way to a warm, savory filling of tender vegetables and juicy meat, all mingling together in perfect harmony.

What sets this egg roll recipe apart is the fresh, quality ingredients used to create the filling, which includes ground pork and a medley of vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and mushrooms. Wrapped in delicate egg roll wrappers and fried to golden perfection, these mini delights are an irresistible treat that’s bound to win hearts and stir appetites at any gathering. Whether you’re planning an intimate family dinner or a lively party, these homemade egg rolls will elevate your culinary experience and ignite your love for cooking. So grab your apron, and let’s embark on this exciting cooking journey together!

Ingredients

• For the filling:
• 1 package of vermicelli rice noodles
• 4 cups of green cabbage, thinly sliced
• 8 ounces of brown or white mushrooms, thinly sliced
• 1 pound of ground pork
• 2 medium carrots, grated
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil, plus 2 additional tablespoons for sautéing
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt, plus another 1/2 teaspoon for seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
• For assembly:
• 40-45 egg roll wrappers (easily found in the freezer section of your grocery store)
• 1 egg, beaten (for sealing the wrappers)
• Oil for frying (enough to fill the Dutch oven about 2 inches deep)
• For serving:
• Sweet chili sauce (to elevate your egg rolls to a whole new level)

Preparation Method

*Step 1: Prepare the Vermicelli Noodles*
Begin by soaking the vermicelli rice noodles. Place them in a large bowl and cover with hot water. It's essential to use forks to gently separate the noodles and allow them to soak for about 5-7 minutes until they become tender but still firm. Be cautious not to over-soak as they will continue to cook once removed from the water.

Once the noodles are tender, drain them in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. This step is crucial for maintaining the right texture. After rinsing, use kitchen scissors to cut the noodles into approximately one-inch pieces, then transfer them to a clean mixing bowl.

*Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables*
With the noodles taken care of, it’s time to prep the vegetables. Start with the cabbage—using a serrated knife, thinly slice the cabbage, making sure to keep the pieces uniform for consistent cooking.

Next, take your mushrooms, slice them thinly, and pat them dry on paper towels to remove excess moisture. This ensures that they sauté nicely, avoiding a mushy texture.

For the carrots, grate the peeled vegetables using a matchstick slicer or a box grater to get your desired thin strips. Finally, finely chop the onion, then set all your prepared vegetables aside in a bowl, ready to mingle with the other ingredients.

*Step 3: Cooking the Pork*
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add in the ground pork, breaking it apart with your spatula as it cooks. Season it with 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Allow the pork to cook until it's browned, which usually takes around 6-8 minutes. Once done, transfer the cooked pork into the bowl with the prepared noodles.

*Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables*
Using the same skillet (don’t forget those delicious cooked pork drippings), heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, grated carrots, and sliced mushrooms. Sauté these vegetables for about 5-6 minutes until they become softened and aromatic. Lastly, add the sliced cabbage into the mix and cook until the cabbage wilts down, about 3-4 minutes. This will enhance the flavors and textures in your filling.

*Step 5: Combine the Filling*
With your vegetables perfectly sautéed, transfer them to the mixing bowl containing the noodles and pork. To season the mixture, add 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. Give everything a good mix, making sure all ingredients are evenly combined, and set the filling aside to cool slightly.

*Step 6: Assemble the Egg Rolls*
Now comes one of the most enjoyable parts—putting everything together! Get your assembly line ready: a clean surface, a small bowl with water, and your egg roll wrappers.

Take one egg roll wrapper and lay it out in a diamond shape with the pointed end facing you. Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the filling mixture onto the lower part of the wrapper, making sure to leave enough space along the edges.

Next, fold the bottom point over the filling and tuck it in gently. Fold the sides over the filling and then, while holding the sides in place, roll the wrapper toward the top point, sealing tightly. For a secure seal, brush the top point with a little beaten egg before finishing your roll.

Continue this process with the remaining wrappers and filling until everything is used up. It’s okay if you feel a little clumsy at first; practice makes perfect!

*Step 7: Fry the Egg Rolls*
With your egg rolls assembled, it’s time to fry them to golden perfection! In a large Dutch oven, heat enough oil to fill it about 2 inches deep. Heat the oil over medium-high heat—this is crucial for achieving that wonderfully crispy texture. To check if the oil is ready, you can drop in a small piece of bread—if it bubbles and sizzles, your oil is good to go.

Carefully add a few egg rolls at a time into the hot oil, being mindful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes or until they're golden brown and crispy, flipping occasionally for even cooking. Once cooked, carefully remove them from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

*Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!*
These homemade egg rolls are best served hot and fresh! Prepare a small dish of sweet chili sauce for dipping—it adds a beautiful sweetness that perfectly complements the savory filling of your egg rolls.

Tips and Conclusion

Want to switch things up? Consider trying different protein options like chicken, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian version! You can also add more variety to the filling by incorporating other vegetables like bean sprouts, green onions, or bell peppers. For hosting a special occasion, these egg rolls can even be made ahead of time and frozen. Just freeze them uncooked, and when you're ready to serve, fry them straight from the freezer—no need to thaw!
Creating your own homemade egg rolls is not only a gratifying culinary experience but also a delicious way to bring friends and family together. The combination of the crunchy exterior and flavorful filling is sure to tantalize taste buds and spark conversation at the dining table.

Once you’ve mastered these egg rolls, you might be inspired to explore other Asian-inspired recipes on our site, such as savory dumplings, crispy spring rolls, or fragrant fried rice. Don’t forget to share your experience with us—snap a picture of your egg rolls and tag us! We hope you enjoy making, sharing, and devouring these temptingly delicious treats as much as we do. Happy cooking!