Chinese egg rolls are a popular appetizer that perfectly combines crispy, crunchy textures with savory, flavorful fillings. Often served as a starter at Chinese restaurants or as a snack at home, egg rolls are a crowd-pleaser that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They are easy to make and are always a hit at gatherings, parties, and family dinners.
The filling for Chinese egg rolls typically consists of shredded cabbage, carrots, and sometimes bean sprouts, all seasoned with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for a flavorful base. Ground pork, chicken, or shrimp are often added for protein, although vegetarian versions with tofu are also popular. The mixture is lightly sautéed until the vegetables are tender and the meat is cooked through, creating a savory and slightly crunchy filling that’s ready to be rolled up.
Once the filling is prepared, the next step is wrapping it in egg roll wrappers. These thin, square wrappers are filled with the vegetable and meat mixture, then tightly rolled and sealed with a bit of water to ensure they stay closed while frying. The egg rolls are deep-fried in hot oil until golden brown and crispy, giving them that irresistible crunch on the outside while the inside stays warm and flavorful.
Chinese egg rolls are best served hot, straight from the fryer. They’re typically paired with dipping sauces like sweet and sour sauce, soy sauce, or duck sauce, which complement the savory flavors of the filling and add an extra layer of sweetness or tang.
While egg rolls are traditionally deep-fried, they can also be baked for a lighter version, though they won’t have the same crispy exterior. For a healthy twist, try using whole wheat wrappers or adding extra vegetables for more crunch and flavor.
Whether you’re preparing them for a family dinner or a special occasion, Chinese egg rolls are sure to impress with their delicious combination of flavors and textures. They are a simple, satisfying dish that never fails to please.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground pork lean
- 2 cups cabbage shredded
- 1 cup carrots shredded
- 1 teaspoon ginger freshly grated
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 24-pack egg roll wrappers
- 2-3 cups vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the pork until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the shredded cabbage, carrots, and ginger to the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes until vegetables are softened.
- Stir in the soy sauce and remove the mixture from the heat. Allow the filling to cool slightly.
- Place about 2 tablespoons of filling in the center of an egg roll wrapper. Fold in the sides and roll tightly, sealing the edges with a little water.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy skillet to about 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the egg rolls in the hot oil until golden brown, about 3-5 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Nutrition
These egg rolls were a hit at my family gathering! Tasted just like the ones from my fave Chinese restaurant!
These are okay, but I think they need more flavor. Maybe add garlic next time?
These were amazing! My kids loved them. Will definitely make again!
Whats an egg roll? I thought they were just fried tortillas filled with meat? confused…
Egg rolls are totally different! They’re filled with veggies and meat, wrapped and fried. Not just tortillas. You’ll love them if you try! 😊
Meh, they were ok. I think I prefer store-bought ones.
Yummy! But why do people use ginger? It doesn’t need it. Just more soy sauce for flavor!
I think ginger adds a nice kick! But more soy sauce sounds good too. Everyone has their own taste, I guess.
Crispy and tasty! Just like the ones at the restaurant, but cheaper. I’ll definitely make again!
I made these for a party and everyone loved them! They disappeared quick!
I used chicken instead of pork, still tasted great! Thx!
Why do you have to use soy sauce? Can’t I just use ketchup instead? 🤔
So easy, made these for my fam and they gobbled them up. Will make again!
How do I fry them without making a mess? My kitchen was a disaster!
I tried making these but they turned into a disaster. They fell apart in the oil!
Sounds like you might’ve overfilled them! Try using less filling next time.
I love Chinese food, and these taste so good! My family devoured them in no time.
These egg rolls were fantastic! Super crunchy and filled with flavor.
I made these too and they were a hit! Perfect crunch and the dipping sauce was a nice touch.
It was good, but I think too much ginger. I prefer a milder taste.
So good! Made them for a party and they were gone in minutes. Everyone loved them!
Easy to follow! I used chicken instead of pork because that’s what I had. Still turned out great!
Great job substituting chicken! I’m glad it turned out well for you. I love how flexible this recipe is!
Egg rolls! Yum! ✨
Is it really traditional to add ginger? I thought it’s mostly soy and veggies. Not sure if I’ll try this.
Yum! But I ain’t got the time. So I’ll prob buy from the store.
Nah, store ones don’t taste same! It’s not that hard to do this recipe, just give it a shot! You won’t regret it!
I get it! Store-bought can still be tasty. But if you have even 30 mins, try makin’ em fresh! They’re so much better!
Honestly, this tastes better than the frozen ones. I served with sweet chili sauce and it was gone fast. Only complaint: too delicious.
My grandma used to make these when I was a kid! Brings back memories. Thanks for the recipe!
These egg rolls are amazing! So crispy and flavorful. Will definitely make again!
Weird but I don’t have ginger so I just skipped it. Still tasted okay.
These came out super crispy and the filling was flavorful. I used a little extra ginger and it really popped. Followed the temps and they didn’t get greasy—nice recipe!
Glad yours turned out crispy! Extra ginger is the move—mine always needs a little more than the recipe says.
I tried these once and they got kinda greasy. Maybe I didn’t drain the fat like you did—also my wrappers tore a bit 😅 Any trick to keep them from ripping?
These are way better than store-bought! I used chicken instead of pork and it turned out great!
Will definitely make these again! Only thing I need is more sauce!
These egg rolls are amazing! They remind me of my grandma’s recipe. Will definitely make these again!
I’m so glad you enjoyed them! Grandma’s recipes always have that special touch! What sauce do you like to dip them in?
These egg rolls are just ok. Would rather do takeout. 🤷♂️
I don’t know, they look good! Maybe you just didn’t season them enough? 🤔
Takeout is way better, but making them at home is fun! You might like it more next time.