Crispy Homemade Egg Rolls

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love making these Crispy Homemade Egg Rolls because they’re packed with flavor and are so much better than store-bought or take-out versions. The crispy, golden exterior contrasts perfectly with the tender, flavorful filling. You can customize the filling to your liking, whether you prefer pork, chicken, or a veggie-only option. Plus, making egg rolls from scratch is easier than it seems, and the results are so much more satisfying! They’re perfect for dipping in soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce. They’re the ideal combination of crunch, flavor, and satisfaction.

Ingredients

For the egg roll filling:

• 1 lb ground pork (or chicken, beef, or tofu)

• 2 cups cabbage, shredded

• 1 cup carrots, julienned or shredded

• 1/2 cup shiitake mushrooms or button mushrooms, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce

• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce

• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper

• 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil

• 2 green onions, sliced

• 1/2 cup bean sprouts (optional)

For assembling:

• 12 egg roll wrappers (available at most grocery stores)

• 1-2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Filling: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the ground pork (or chicken, beef, or tofu) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is fully browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

2. Add the garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the shredded cabbage, carrots, mushrooms, and bean sprouts (if using). Cook for another 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and the cabbage has softened.

3. Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, ground ginger, white pepper, and sesame oil. Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Remove the mixture from heat and let it cool slightly.

4. Once the filling has cooled, stir in the sliced green onions. Taste the filling and adjust seasoning if needed.

5. Assemble the Egg Rolls: Place one egg roll wrapper on a clean, flat surface with one corner facing you (like a diamond shape). Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the filling near the corner closest to you. Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the sides to create a tight roll. Wet the top corner with a little water to seal the egg roll shut.

6. Repeat the process with the remaining wrappers and filling. You should have about 12 egg rolls.

7. Fry the Egg Rolls: In a large, deep skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You’ll want enough oil to submerge the egg rolls halfway.

8. Once the oil is hot (around 350°F or 175°C), carefully add the egg rolls, a few at a time, to the oil. Fry for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden-brown and crispy.

9. Remove the egg rolls from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Repeat with the remaining egg rolls.

10. Serve the crispy homemade egg rolls hot with your favorite dipping sauce, like soy sauce or sweet chili sauce.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 12 egg rolls, perfect for 4-6 people. It takes about 20 minutes to prep and another 15 minutes to fry, so you can have crispy egg rolls ready in just 35 minutes.

Variations

• Vegetarian Egg Rolls: If you prefer a vegetarian version, simply omit the meat and increase the amount of cabbage, carrots, and mushrooms. You can also add more bean sprouts or even tofu for a protein-packed filling.

• Spicy Egg Rolls: Add a bit of sriracha, chili paste, or finely chopped fresh chilies to the filling for some extra heat.

• Baked Egg Rolls: If you prefer a lighter option, you can brush the egg rolls with a little oil and bake them in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through until they’re golden and crispy.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover egg rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes or until the outside becomes crispy again. You can also reheat them in an air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes.

If you want to freeze the egg rolls before frying, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1 hour. Then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. When you’re ready to fry, there’s no need to thaw them—just fry them directly from frozen, but increase the cooking time by a couple of minutes.

FAQs

Can I use spring roll wrappers instead of egg roll wrappers?

While you can use spring roll wrappers, egg roll wrappers are thicker and will give you that desired crispy crunch. Spring roll wrappers are thinner and may not hold up as well when frying.

How do I make sure the egg rolls don’t explode when frying?

Make sure to seal the egg rolls tightly with water, and avoid overstuffing them. It’s also important that the oil is hot enough (around 350°F) to ensure they cook quickly and evenly without absorbing too much oil.

Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Yes! The filling can be made up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge, then assemble and fry the egg rolls when you’re ready to serve.

Can I bake the egg rolls instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake them! Brush the egg rolls lightly with vegetable oil and bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

Can I freeze the egg rolls before frying?

Yes! After assembling the egg rolls, freeze them on a baking sheet for 1 hour to prevent them from sticking together. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. When ready to fry, cook them directly from frozen, but add an extra 2-3 minutes to the frying time.

Conclusion

Crispy Homemade Egg Rolls are the perfect combination of crunchy and savory. The flavorful filling wrapped in a golden, crispy exterior is so satisfying, and making them from scratch is surprisingly easy. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, snack, or part of a main meal, these egg rolls are sure to be a hit every time. Try this recipe, and I’m sure you’ll never look at store-bought egg rolls the same way again!