Chinese egg rolls are a beloved appetizer in Chinese-American cuisine, known for their crispy golden exterior and savory filling. Traditionally, these rolls are filled with a mixture of ground pork, shredded cabbage, and other vegetables, seasoned with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. The filling is wrapped in a thin wheat flour wrapper and deep-fried until crispy. Despite their name, egg rolls do not typically contain egg in the filling. They are often served with dipping sauces like sweet and sour or soy sauce, making them a popular choice for parties and gatherings.
Ingredients:
1 lb ground pork
2 cups shredded cabbage
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1/4 cup chopped green onions
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
12 egg roll wrappers
1 egg, beaten (for sealing)
Oil for frying
Directions:
Prepare the Filling: In a large skillet or wok, cook the ground pork over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat. Add the garlic and ginger, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant. Stir in the cabbage, carrots, and green onions, cooking until the vegetables are tender, about 3–4 minutes. Season with soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and white pepper. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool to room temperature.
Assemble the Egg Rolls: Place an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface with one corner pointing towards you. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the cooled filling onto the lower third of the wrapper. Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll tightly to the top corner. Brush the top corner with the beaten egg to seal the edge. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
Fry the Egg Rolls: Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully lower the egg rolls into the hot oil, a few at a time, and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3–5 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Serve: Allow the egg rolls to cool slightly before serving with your choice of dipping sauces.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: Approximately 169 kcal
Protein: 10g
Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: 315mg