How to Make Egg Rolls (+15 Easy Recipes!)

Who can resist the crispy, savory delight of a freshly fried egg roll? These crunchy pockets of flavor are a beloved staple in many Asian cuisines, and for good reason! With their golden-brown exterior and a tasty filling that bursts with flavor, egg rolls are perfect for appetizers, snacks, or even a full meal. Best of all, they’re surprisingly simple to make at home, turning your kitchen into a mini restaurant and impressing your friends and family with your culinary skills.

Learning how to make egg rolls from scratch is not only delicious but also a fun cooking project that you can enjoy with your loved ones. In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make the perfect egg rolls. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner looking to try something new, rolling up these savory treats is both satisfying and rewarding.

How to Make Egg Rolls: 8 Tips and Essentials

1. Choose the Right Wrappers – The foundation of any good egg roll is the wrapper. Look for thin, square-shaped egg roll wrappers in the refrigerated section of your grocery store, usually near the tofu or in the Asian food aisle. If you can’t find them, spring roll wrappers can also work, but they might not give you the same crispy texture. Make sure to keep the wrappers covered with a damp cloth while you work, as they can dry out quickly.
2. Prep Your Filling – The classic egg roll filling typically includes a mix of vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and bean sprouts, often paired with protein such as ground pork, chicken, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. The key to a great filling is to cut all your ingredients into thin, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
3. Cool the Filling Completely – Once your filling is cooked, let it cool completely before you start assembling your egg rolls. Using hot filling can steam up the wrappers, making them soggy and difficult to handle. Spread the filling out on a baking sheet to speed up the cooling process. This step might require a little patience, but it’s worth it for that perfect, crispy texture.
4. Don’t Overstuff – It’s tempting to pile in as much filling as possible, but overstuffing can lead to tearing or bursting while frying. A good rule of thumb is to use about two tablespoons of filling per egg roll. Place the filling in a neat line near the bottom corner of the wrapper, leaving enough space to fold in the sides.
5. Master the Rolling Technique – To achieve perfectly rolled egg rolls, place the wrapper in a diamond shape with one corner pointing toward you. Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the sides, and roll it up tightly. Seal the top corner with a dab of water or a beaten egg to keep everything in place. This step may take a little practice, but you’ll get the hang of it quickly!
6. Use a Deep Fry Thermometer – Frying your egg rolls at the correct temperature is crucial for achieving that signature crunch without a greasy texture. Heat your oil to about 350°F (175°C). Using a deep fry thermometer can help you maintain the right temperature throughout the frying process. If the oil is too hot, the egg rolls will brown too quickly on the outside while remaining undercooked inside. Too cool, and they’ll absorb excess oil, becoming soggy.
7. Drain on Paper Towels – After frying, place the egg rolls on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. This keeps them crisp and delicious, rather than greasy. If you want to take it a step further, you can even stand them up on a wire rack over a baking sheet for optimal draining.
8. Freeze for Later – If you’re making a big batch of egg rolls, consider freezing some for later. To freeze, lay uncooked egg rolls on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. You can fry them straight from the freezer; just add an extra minute or two to the frying time. This way, you’ll always have a quick, homemade snack ready when the craving strikes!

How to Make Egg Rolls: 15 Beginner Recipes

1. Egg Rolls | The Woks of Life – If you want to make egg rolls that taste just like the ones from your favorite Chinese takeout, this is the recipe for you. Use Taiwanese flat cabbage for an extra crunchy texture.
2. Air Fryer Egg Rolls | Delish – These air fryer egg rolls are a healthier alternative as they use less oil than the traditional deep-fried recipe. But don’t worry, they’ll still come out nice and crispy.
3. Mary’s Very Authentic Egg Rolls | Mel’s Kitchen Cafe – This recipe stays away from the traditional egg rolls wrappers. Instead, it uses spring roll wrappers for a light and crispy finish.
4. Best Egg Rolls | Allrecipes – If you have some on hand, sprinkle the finished egg rolls with sesame seeds. Then dip them in your favorite sauce.
5. Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls | Umamiology – These egg rolls have all the elements of your favorite chicken wings. They’re stuffed with shredded chicken, pepper jack cheese, and a tangy Buffalo sauce.
6. Cheesecake Egg Rolls | Delish – Egg rolls don’t have to be savory. You must top this sweet version with a little powdered sugar.
7. Egg Roll in a Bowl | Once Upon a Chef – OK, so this is not your traditional ‘egg roll,’ but this recipe requires less prep and is gluten free.
8. Southwest Egg Rolls | Tastes Better from Scratch – Fry them, bake them, or use your air fryer. This version has chicken, shredded cheese, black beans, corn, bell peppers, and spices.
9. Homemade Egg Rolls | I am Homesteader – Ground pork and a variety of veggies are mixed together to create the filling. Then they’re served up with soy or sweet chili sauce.
10. Big Mac Egg Rolls | Fed by Sab – The classic flavor of a Big Mac but in egg roll form. Bonus – they’re healthier because they don’t have the bun and all of the additives.
11. Meatball Sub Egg Rolls | Dinners, Dishes, & Desserts – Everything you love about a meatball sub, stuffed into an egg roll. There are meatballs of course, marinara sauce, and plenty of mozzarella cheese.
12. Jalapeno Popper Egg Rolls | Bites with Bri – These egg rolls are crispy, crunchy, and totally irresistible. A side of ranch is the perfect dipping sauce.
13. Banana Egg Rolls | Delicious Little Bites – We just had to include another sweet egg roll recipe. Kids and adults alike will love this peanut butter and banana version for dessert or as a snack.
14. Chicken Parm Egg Rolls | Delish – Comfort food at its best. To make this recipe even easier, choose frozen chicken tenders to cut down on prep time.
15. Loaded Breakfast Egg Rolls | Butter Be Ready – Yes, you CAN have egg rolls for breakfast. They’re stuffed with chopped bacon and avocado, cheddar cheese, potatoes, and breakfast sausage.

Learning how to make egg rolls is not only a delicious experience but also a fun and creative one. With these tips and essentials, you’re well on your way to mastering the art of the egg roll.

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