Classic Chinese Egg Rolls (Crispy & Restaurant-Style)

QUICK FACTS:

⏲️ Prep Time: 30 minutes
🍳 Cook Time: 20 minutes
⌛ Total Time: 50 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 12-16 egg rolls
📊 Difficulty: Medium
💰 Cost: $12-15

DIETARY INFO:

• Contains: Gluten, eggs
• Can be made vegetarian with substitutions
• Not vegan-friendly

EQUIPMENT NEEDED:

• Large skillet or wok
• Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot
• Spider strainer or tongs
• Candy/oil thermometer
• Cutting board and sharp knife

Alternative: Air fryer or baking sheet for a healthier version

INGREDIENTS:

For the Filling:

• 450g/1lb ground pork (or chicken/turkey)
• 300g/3 cups shredded cabbage
• 120g/1 cup shredded carrots
• 4 green onions, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Assembly:

• 12-16 egg roll wrappers
• 1 egg, beaten (for sealing)
• Vegetable oil for frying

METHOD:

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook ground pork until no pink remains (8-10 minutes)
Add garlic and ginger, cook for 30 seconds until fragrant
Stir in cabbage, carrots, and green onions. Cook until vegetables soften (3-4 minutes)
Add soy sauce and sesame oil. Season with salt and pepper
Remove from heat and let cool completely
Place wrapper diamond-style with a corner pointing towards you
Add 3 tablespoons of filling near the bottom corner
Fold bottom corner over filling, then fold in sides
Roll tightly, sealing the top corner with egg wash
Heat oil to 350°F/175°C
Fry 3-4 rolls at a time until golden brown (3-4 minutes)

CRUCIAL TIPS:

Don’t overfill wrappers – they’ll burst while frying
Keep wrappers covered with damp cloth while working
Oil must maintain 350°F – use thermometer
Drain on paper towels immediately after frying

STORAGE & MAKE-AHEAD:

Uncooked rolls: Refrigerate up to 24 hours
Cooked rolls: Freeze up to 3 months
Reheat: 375°F oven for 10-12 minutes

VARIATIONS:

Vegetarian: Use mushrooms and tofu
Seafood: Substitute with chopped shrimp
Baked version: 400°F for 15-20 minutes
Air fryer: 375°F for 12-15 minutes

COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID:

Wet filling will make wrappers soggy
Loose rolling leads to oil seepage
Overcrowding the fryer reduces oil temperature
Not letting filling cool causes wrapper tears