Egg rolls are one of my favorite crispy appetizers. I like how the golden, crunchy wrapper holds a savory filling of vegetables that taste fresh and comforting. They are fun to make at home, and the result is always much crispier and tastier than ordering takeout. I usually prepare them when I want something satisfying that also works well as a party snack or light meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I enjoy this recipe because it is versatile, flavorful, and simple to put together. I can use whatever vegetables I have on hand, and the combination of cabbage, carrots, and seasonings gives a delicious balance of crunch and flavor. I love how the outside is golden and crispy while the inside stays tender and savory. Making them at home also allows me to adjust the seasonings to my liking.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Egg roll wrappers
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Shredded cabbage
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Carrots, julienned or shredded
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Green onions, chopped
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Garlic, minced
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Fresh ginger, grated
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Soy sauce
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Sesame oil
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Cooking oil for frying
Directions
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I start by heating a little oil in a pan and cooking garlic and ginger until fragrant.
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I add the shredded cabbage, carrots, and green onions.
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I season with soy sauce and sesame oil, then cook until the vegetables are tender but still slightly crisp.
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I let the mixture cool before filling the wrappers.
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To wrap, I place a spoonful of filling on the bottom corner of the wrapper, fold the sides in, and roll it up tightly, sealing the edge with a dab of water.
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I heat oil in a skillet and fry the rolls in batches until golden and crispy.
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I drain them on paper towels and serve them hot with dipping sauce.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 12 egg rolls. I usually prepare them in 20–25 minutes and fry them in 10 minutes, so the whole recipe takes about 35 minutes from start to finish.
Variations
Sometimes I like to add mushrooms for a deeper flavor or bell peppers for extra sweetness. I can also bake or air fry the egg rolls if I want them lighter and with less oil.
storage/reheating
I store leftover egg rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I prefer using the oven or air fryer to keep them crispy. I avoid microwaving them because that makes them soft. If I want to keep them longer, I freeze uncooked rolls and fry or bake them directly from frozen.
FAQs
Can I bake egg rolls instead of frying?
Yes, I can bake them at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway, though they won’t be quite as crispy as fried ones.
What dipping sauces go well with egg rolls?
I like dipping them in sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, or even a homemade garlic-sesame dipping sauce.
Can I make egg rolls ahead of time?
Yes, I often assemble them in advance, keep them covered in the fridge, and fry them right before serving.
Can I freeze egg rolls?
Yes, I freeze them uncooked in a single layer, then transfer them to a bag. When I want them, I fry or bake them straight from frozen.
How do I keep the wrappers from tearing?
I make sure not to overfill them and keep a small bowl of water nearby to seal the edges. Rolling them tightly but gently helps prevent tearing.
Conclusion
Egg rolls are one of my favorite snacks to prepare because they’re crunchy, savory, and satisfying. I like that they are easy to customize with different vegetables and seasonings. Whenever I make them, they disappear quickly, making them a perfect treat for family meals or gatherings.
Print
Egg Rolls
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 egg rolls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy homemade egg rolls filled with fresh vegetables, garlic, and ginger. These golden rolls are perfect as an appetizer, party snack, or light meal.
Ingredients
- 12 egg roll wrappers
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 cup carrots, julienned or shredded
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
- Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger, and cook until fragrant.
- Add cabbage, carrots, and green onions. Stir-fry until vegetables are tender but still slightly crisp.
- Season with soy sauce and sesame oil. Stir well and remove from heat. Let the mixture cool.
- Place one egg roll wrapper on a clean surface with a corner facing you. Add about 2 tablespoons of filling near the bottom corner.
- Fold the bottom corner over the filling, tuck in the sides, and roll tightly. Seal the edge with a little water. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
- Heat oil in a skillet or deep pan. Fry egg rolls in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 2–3 minutes per side.
- Remove and drain on paper towels. Serve hot with dipping sauce of choice.
Notes
- Do not overfill wrappers to prevent tearing.
- Keep a small bowl of water nearby to seal edges securely.
- For a lighter version, bake at 400°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway, or air fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes.
- To store, refrigerate in an airtight container up to 3 days or freeze uncooked egg rolls for later.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 egg roll
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg