📝 About This Recipe
Experience the quintessential crunch of the ultimate Asian fast food staple, featuring a shatteringly crisp, bubbly shell and a savory, aromatic interior. These egg rolls are packed with a colorful medley of tender-crisp cabbage, carrots, and seasoned ground pork, all elevated by the deep umami of ginger and toasted sesame. Perfect as a high-energy snack or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, they bring the vibrant energy of a bustling night market right into your home kitchen.
🥗 Ingredients
The Savory Filling
- 1/2 pound Ground Pork (can substitute with ground chicken or turkey)
- 4 cups Green Cabbage (shredded very finely)
- 1 cup Carrots (shredded or julienned)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Ginger (grated)
- 3 pieces Green Onions (thinly sliced)
- 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1 teaspoon Toasted Sesame Oil
- 1 tablespoon Oyster Sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Granulated Sugar
Assembly and Frying
- 14 pieces Egg Roll Wrappers (thawed if frozen)
- 1 Egg (beaten with 1 tsp water for egg wash)
- 4 cups Vegetable Oil (for deep frying)
- 1 teaspoon Cornstarch (to help dry the filling)
Sweet and Sour Dipping Sauce
- 1/4 cup Apricot Preserves
- 2 tablespoons Rice Vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Ketchup
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
In a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, add a tablespoon of oil and brown the ground pork until fully cooked, breaking it into very small crumbles.
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2
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pork, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
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3
Toss in the shredded cabbage and carrots. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables have wilted slightly but still retain a bit of texture.
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4
Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and sesame oil. Sprinkle with cornstarch and mix well; the cornstarch absorbs excess moisture to prevent soggy rolls.
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5
Remove the mixture from the heat and stir in the sliced green onions. Transfer the filling to a large rimmed baking sheet and spread it out to cool completely.
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6
Once the filling is cool, tilt the baking sheet slightly to drain any excess liquid that may have pooled at the bottom.
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7
Place one egg roll wrapper on a clean surface in a diamond orientation (one corner pointing toward you).
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8
Place approximately 3 tablespoons of filling in the lower center of the wrapper, shaping it into a log about 4 inches long.
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9
Fold the bottom corner over the filling and tuck it under tightly. Fold in the left and right sides toward the center.
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10
Brush the top remaining corner with the egg wash, then roll the wrapper upward tightly to seal it completely.
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11
Heat 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
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12
Carefully slide 3-4 egg rolls into the hot oil. Fry for 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are deep golden brown and bubbly.
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13
Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack set over paper towels to keep the bottoms from getting greasy.
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14
Whisk together the dipping sauce ingredients in a small bowl and serve alongside the hot egg rolls.
💡 Chef's Tips
Always let your filling cool completely before wrapping, as steam from hot filling will tear the delicate wrappers. Don't overstuff the rolls; too much filling makes them difficult to seal and prone to bursting in the oil. Keep your unused wrappers covered with a damp paper towel while working to prevent them from drying out and cracking. Use a thermometer to maintain the oil temperature at 350°F; if the oil is too cool, the rolls will be greasy, and if it's too hot, the outside will burn before the inside is hot. For a vegetarian version, double the cabbage and add chopped shiitake mushrooms for a meaty texture.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve with a side of hot Chinese mustard for a spicy kick that cuts through the richness. Pair with a chilled Jasmine green tea or a crisp lager to balance the savory flavors. Serve alongside a bowl of hot Egg Drop Soup or Hot and Sour Soup for a complete meal. Offer a variety of dipping sauces including Sweet Chili sauce and Spicy Mayo. Arrange on a platter with fresh cilantro sprigs and pickled radish for a beautiful presentation.