When it comes to appetizers or snacks that are sure to please a crowd, crispy golden brown egg rolls are always a winning choice. There’s something about that satisfying crunch on the outside, combined with the savory filling inside, that makes them impossible to resist. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a fun family dinner, or craving a quick snack, these egg rolls are the perfect solution.
This recipe is super versatile, allowing you to customize the filling to your preference. Whether you prefer classic beef, a leaner chicken option, or even a veggie-packed filling, this recipe will work beautifully. The crispy, golden shell and flavorful filling strike a perfect balance, making each bite something to look forward to.
One of my favorite parts about these egg rolls is how easy they are to make. It’s all about getting that perfect crispy shell and ensuring the filling has the right balance of flavors and textures. While deep frying is the traditional method, I’ll also share a baking alternative for those who prefer a slightly lighter version of this classic dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the recipe steps, let’s take a quick look at the ingredients you’ll need to make these crispy egg rolls.
For the filling:
-
1 pound ground beef (or chicken, shrimp, or a combination of vegetables)
-
1 cup finely shredded cabbage
-
½ cup shredded carrots
-
¼ cup chopped green onions
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 tablespoon soy sauce
-
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
-
1 teaspoon sesame oil
-
½ teaspoon ground ginger
-
Salt and pepper to taste
For the egg rolls:
-
10-12 egg roll wrappers
-
Water (for sealing)
-
Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil works best)
These ingredients are simple, but they come together beautifully to create that signature flavor you love in egg rolls. The soy sauce and oyster sauce give the filling a rich umami flavor, while the sesame oil and ginger add a hint of warmth and complexity. You’ll also notice the fresh crunch of cabbage, carrots, and green onions, which make the filling both flavorful and satisfying.
Now that we’ve got the ingredients covered, let’s jump into the first steps of making these crispy golden brown egg rolls!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Filling
The first step in making these egg rolls is to cook the filling. Begin by heating a small amount of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. Garlic always makes a great base for any savory dish, and it really infuses the filling with flavor from the start.
Next, add the ground beef (or chicken) to the skillet. Cook the meat, breaking it up into small crumbles as it browns. Make sure to cook it fully through—no pink bits allowed! Once the meat is cooked, drain any excess fat that has accumulated in the skillet to keep the filling from becoming too greasy.
Now, it’s time to add the vegetables. Stir in the shredded cabbage, carrots, and chopped green onions. You want to cook these just long enough for them to soften slightly, around 2-3 minutes. The goal is to keep them crisp, not mushy, so they still have a bite and some texture once wrapped in the egg roll wrapper.
Season the filling with soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, ground ginger, and a little salt and pepper. These seasonings will give the filling a delicious depth of flavor, perfectly complementing the savory beef (or whatever protein you choose). Stir everything together, making sure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
Once the filling is ready, set it aside to cool to room temperature. This is an important step because you don’t want the warm filling to start melting the egg roll wrappers when you’re assembling them.
2. Assemble the Egg Rolls
Assembling the egg rolls is the fun part! Lay out the egg roll wrappers on a clean, flat surface, and make sure they’re positioned in a diamond shape, with one corner pointing towards you. Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the cooled filling in the center of each wrapper. Don’t overstuff the egg rolls—this will make them harder to seal and fry.
Now, fold the bottom corner of the wrapper up over the filling. Then, fold in the two side corners to create a neat little pocket. Roll it up tightly, but be careful not to roll too tight, or the wrapper might tear. Once you get to the top corner, moisten it with a bit of water, which will help seal the egg roll closed. Repeat this process with the remaining egg roll wrappers and filling.
At this point, you should have a batch of neatly rolled and sealed egg rolls ready to fry. How satisfying is that?
3. Fry the Egg Rolls
Now comes the fun (and slightly messy) part—frying! Heat about 2 inches of oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. It’s crucial to get the oil hot enough to fry the egg rolls, but not so hot that they burn before getting crispy. A great way to check if the oil is ready is to drop a small piece of the egg roll wrapper into the oil. If it sizzles right away, you’re good to go.
Carefully lower the egg rolls into the hot oil, but be sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry them in batches if necessary to keep the oil temperature steady and ensure they cook evenly. Fry each egg roll for about 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally to make sure they’re golden brown and crispy on all sides.
Once they’re done, use a slotted spoon to remove the egg rolls from the oil, letting the excess oil drain off. Place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any remaining oil.
And just like that, you’ve got perfectly crispy golden brown egg rolls! They’re hot, crunchy, and waiting to be dipped in your favorite sauce.
Serving Suggestions
These crispy egg rolls are best served immediately while they’re still hot and crispy. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce, like classic sweet and sour sauce, soy sauce, or a tangy chili sauce for an extra kick. If you’re feeling adventurous, try pairing them with a creamy peanut sauce or hoisin sauce for a unique twist.
Feel free to experiment with different fillings, too. You can swap the ground beef for ground beef, chicken, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Adding a few extras like mushrooms, water chestnuts, or bamboo shoots will elevate the texture and make them even more interesting.
How to Make Crispy Golden Brown Egg Rolls:
Now that we’ve got our egg rolls assembled, it’s time to dive into the finishing touches that will help ensure your crispy golden brown egg rolls come out perfectly every time. Whether you’re frying or baking, this section will guide you through the process and give you some tips to achieve that ideal crispy exterior and flavorful filling.
4. Serve the Egg Rolls
After frying your egg rolls to a perfect golden brown, the next step is all about serving them! But before you do, let’s talk about the best ways to enjoy these crispy delights.
The egg rolls should be served immediately while they’re still hot and crispy. This is when they’re at their peak of flavor and texture, and they really shine when paired with the right dipping sauce. Here are a few of my favorite dipping sauce options:
-
Sweet and Sour Sauce: This classic choice adds a tangy-sweet contrast to the crispy egg rolls. It’s a crowd-pleaser and a flavor combination that never gets old.
-
Soy Sauce: If you’re a fan of more savory and umami flavors, soy sauce is an excellent option. You can even add a few drops of sesame oil or chili oil to give it an extra kick.
-
Spicy Chili Sauce: For those who love a little heat, a sweet chili sauce with a touch of spice is a perfect dip. It balances the richness of the egg rolls with its zesty bite.
And, of course, you could always experiment with other sauces or even try different dips like hoisin sauce or peanut sauce for a unique twist!
Baking Your Egg Rolls
If you’re not keen on frying but still want that crispy texture, you can opt to bake the egg rolls instead. This method cuts down on the oil and results in a lighter version of the classic fried egg roll, though it still delivers great crunch and flavor. Here’s how to bake your egg rolls:
-
Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it nice and hot before baking.
-
Prepare the egg rolls for baking: Arrange your assembled egg rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. For an extra crispy texture, lightly brush the egg rolls with a bit of oil before baking. This helps achieve that golden, crunchy exterior. You can use vegetable oil or olive oil, depending on your preference.
-
Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the egg rolls for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure they brown evenly on all sides. Keep an eye on them as baking times can vary depending on the size and thickness of your egg rolls.
Once they’re golden and crispy, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. While they won’t be quite as indulgent as their fried counterparts, baked egg rolls still have that satisfying crunch and make a fantastic option for those looking to cut down on oil.
Frying Tips for Perfect Egg Rolls
If you’ve chosen to fry your egg rolls, it’s important to follow a few key tips to ensure you get the crispiest, most delicious results. Here are some tips I’ve picked up over the years to get egg rolls just right:
-
Use the Right Oil: The oil you choose for frying makes a big difference. Vegetable oil or canola oil is ideal because they have a high smoke point, meaning they can get really hot without burning. Avoid using olive oil for frying, as it has a lower smoke point and can impart an off flavor.
-
Test the Oil Temperature: Getting the oil temperature just right is crucial. Too hot and your egg rolls will burn on the outside before cooking through. Too cold and they’ll absorb too much oil, making them greasy. To test the temperature, drop a small piece of the wrapper into the oil. If it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.
-
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When frying, always cook the egg rolls in batches. Overcrowding the pan can lower the temperature of the oil, causing the egg rolls to cook unevenly and absorb too much oil. It’s better to fry in smaller batches to ensure they cook to perfection.
-
Drain Excess Oil: Once the egg rolls are fried, it’s essential to drain off any excess oil. Place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any leftover oil. This will keep the egg rolls crispy and prevent them from being too greasy.
-
Turn the Egg Rolls: As the egg rolls fry, be sure to turn them occasionally with tongs or a slotted spoon. This helps ensure they cook evenly on all sides and get that perfect golden-brown color.
Making Egg Rolls Ahead of Time
One of the best parts about egg rolls is that you can make them ahead of time. If you’re planning a party or a big dinner, you can assemble the egg rolls earlier in the day, store them in the fridge, and fry them right before you’re ready to serve. Here’s how you can prep them in advance:
-
Assemble the Egg Rolls: Follow the steps for assembling the egg rolls, but stop short of frying them. Lay the egg rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they don’t touch each other.
-
Chill Before Frying: Cover the egg rolls with plastic wrap and refrigerate them for up to 2 hours. This helps them hold their shape when frying and makes it easier to handle them.
-
Fry When Ready: When you’re ready to serve, just heat the oil and fry the egg rolls as directed. Since they’ve been chilled, they might need a few extra minutes in the oil to ensure they’re crispy and heated through.
This step is perfect for those looking to streamline the cooking process and still serve fresh, crispy egg rolls at the perfect moment.
Additional Tips for the Best Egg Rolls
-
Try Different Fillings: While the classic beef or chicken filling is a crowd favorite, don’t be afraid to get creative. Add mushrooms, water chestnuts, or bamboo shoots for extra crunch. You can also try ground beef, shrimp, or tofu for different flavor profiles.
-
Make Your Own Dipping Sauces: While store-bought dipping sauces work well, making your own can take your egg rolls to the next level. A simple mix of soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil creates a quick and delicious dip, or you can try a spicy sriracha-based sauce for a little heat.
-
Serve With Fresh Herbs: For a bright and fresh contrast to the richness of the egg rolls, serve them with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro or a few slices of fresh chili for a pop of color and flavor.
Crispy Golden Brown Egg Rolls:
We’re nearing the end of this crispy journey! By now, you should have everything you need to make the perfect batch of golden brown egg rolls. But before you get cooking, I know there are a few questions that might still be on your mind. Let’s dive into some of the most common queries about egg rolls and clear up any lingering uncertainties. After that, we’ll wrap up with a few final thoughts and tips for serving these irresistible treats.
FAQ Section
1. Can I make egg rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you absolutely can! As mentioned earlier, egg rolls can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours before frying. This is a great option if you’re prepping for a party or busy night. If you’re really looking to get ahead, you can also freeze them. Just place the assembled egg rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze them in a single layer. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag for storage. When you’re ready to fry, you can cook them straight from the freezer (just add a couple of extra minutes to the frying time).
2. Can I bake egg rolls instead of frying them?
Yes, baking is a great alternative if you’re looking for a lighter version of these crispy egg rolls. To bake, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), and arrange the assembled egg rolls on a baking sheet. Lightly brush them with oil to help them crisp up, and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through. You won’t get quite the same level of crispiness as frying, but it’s a fantastic option for a healthier take.
3. How do I know when the oil is hot enough for frying?
You want the oil to be hot enough that the egg rolls fry quickly but don’t burn. A great way to test the oil temperature is by dropping a small piece of the egg roll wrapper into the oil. If it sizzles immediately, your oil is ready! If you don’t have a thermometer, this simple test will do the trick.
4. What other fillings can I use for egg rolls?
The beauty of egg rolls is their versatility! While beef or chicken is traditional, feel free to get creative with your fillings. You can use shrimp, ground beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Add extra veggies like mushrooms, bamboo shoots, or water chestnuts for added texture. The possibilities are endless, so don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite ingredients.
5. Can I make egg rolls with store-bought wrappers?
Yes, using store-bought egg roll wrappers is a time-saving option, and they work just as well as homemade wrappers. You can usually find them in the refrigerated section of your grocery store near the tofu or Asian ingredients. Just make sure they’re fresh, and follow the assembly and frying steps as usual.
6. Can I freeze leftover egg rolls?
Definitely! If you have leftover egg rolls (which is rare because they’re so good), you can freeze them. Place the cooled, fried egg rolls on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, bake them in a 400°F (200°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again.
7. What should I serve with my egg rolls?
Egg rolls are delicious on their own, but they’re even better when paired with a great dipping sauce. Aside from the classic sweet and sour or soy sauce, you could try pairing them with spicy chili sauce, peanut sauce, or hoisin sauce. For a complete meal, serve them alongside fried rice, noodle dishes, or a crisp, fresh salad.
Conclusion: Enjoy Your Crispy Golden Brown Egg Rolls!
There you have it—everything you need to make the best crispy golden brown egg rolls! Whether you fry or bake them, these egg rolls are bound to be a hit at any gathering or as a delicious snack for yourself. I’ve shared plenty of tips and tricks to help ensure they turn out perfectly every time, from the filling to the frying process (or baking, if you prefer).
As you make your egg rolls, don’t be afraid to get creative with your fillings and sauces. The great thing about egg rolls is that they’re so customizable. You can adjust the flavor profile to suit your tastes, making them the perfect appetizer or side dish for just about any occasion.
Now it’s your turn—grab those egg roll wrappers, fill them with your favorite ingredients, and get frying or baking. I’d love to hear how your egg rolls turn out, so don’t forget to share your experience or any fun variations you try. Enjoy your crispy, crunchy treats, and happy cooking!
Print
Crispy Golden Brown Egg Rolls
Description
These crispy golden brown egg rolls are a delightful appetizer or snack that delivers a satisfying crunch and flavorful filling in every bite. The outer shell is perfectly crisp, while the inside is packed with savory ingredients, making them irresistible. Whether filled with traditional beef, chicken, or a combination of vegetables, these egg rolls are the perfect balance of texture and flavor. Best served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce or soy sauce for an extra layer of deliciousness.
Ingredients
For the filling:
1 pound ground beef (or chicken, shrimp, or a combination of vegetables)
1 cup finely shredded cabbage
½ cup shredded carrots
¼ cup chopped green onions
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
½ teaspoon ground ginger
Salt and pepper to taste
For the egg rolls:
10–12 egg roll wrappers
Water (for sealing)
Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil works best)
Instructions
Prepare the Filling
In a large skillet, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant. Add the ground beef (or chicken) and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up into small crumbles. Drain any excess fat.
Stir in the shredded cabbage, carrots, and green onions, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened but still crisp. Season with soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, ginger, salt, and pepper to taste. Let the mixture cool to room temperature before assembling the egg rolls.
Assemble the Egg Rolls
Place an egg roll wrapper on a flat surface, with one corner facing you like a diamond shape. Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the cooled filling in the center of the wrapper. Fold the bottom corner up over the filling, then fold in the two side corners. Roll tightly, sealing the top corner with a little water to ensure it stays closed. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
Fry the Egg Rolls
In a large pot or deep skillet, heat about 2 inches of oil over medium-high heat. Test the temperature of the oil by dropping a small piece of the wrapper in—it should sizzle immediately.
Carefully lower the egg rolls into the hot oil, cooking in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry the egg rolls for about 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides. Use a slotted spoon to remove the egg rolls and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate.
Serve
Serve the crispy golden brown egg rolls immediately while they are hot and crispy. Pair with your favorite dipping sauce, such as sweet and sour sauce, soy sauce, or a spicy chili sauce for added flavor.
Notes
If you prefer to bake the egg rolls instead of frying, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the assembled egg rolls on a baking sheet, and brush them lightly with oil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Feel free to get creative with the fillings! You can substitute the ground beef with ground beef, chicken, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Adding some mushrooms, water chestnuts, or bamboo shoots will provide extra texture and flavor to the filling.
