Easy Homemade Egg Rolls
If you love crispy, golden-brown egg rolls packed with flavorful fillings, then this easy homemade egg roll recipe is for you! Whether you’re serving them as a side dish or an appetizer, these egg rolls have a perfectly crunchy wrapper and a savory, well-seasoned filling that’s just like your favorite takeout—maybe even better!
This recipe is not only simple and delicious but also customizable, so you can make them vegetarian, gluten-free, or even baked instead of fried. Keep reading to learn how to make perfect egg rolls every time, with step-by-step instructions, expert tips, and serving ideas!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Better than takeout: Fresh, crispy, and packed with flavor!
✔ Easy to make: Simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions.
✔ Customizable: Choose your favorite protein or make it vegetarian.
✔ Perfect for meal prep: Make ahead and freeze for quick snacks!
The Secret to Crispy Egg Rolls
The crispy wrapper is what makes egg rolls so irresistible. Here are some key tips to get that signature crunch:
- Use fresh egg roll wrappers: Older wrappers can dry out and crack when rolling.
- Seal them tightly: Loose wrappers can let oil in, making them greasy instead of crispy.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Frying too many at once drops the oil temperature, making them soggy.
- Drain on a wire rack: Instead of stacking them on paper towels, place them on a wire rack so they stay crisp.
How to Make the Best Egg Roll Filling
A perfect egg roll filling should be well-seasoned, slightly crunchy, and not too wet. Too much moisture can make your wrappers soggy before frying.
Here’s how to get it just right:
- Sauté your filling first to release excess moisture.
- Use finely shredded vegetables for better texture.
- Let the filling cool before rolling so it doesn’t steam the wrapper.
Choosing the Right Protein for Your Egg Rolls
Egg rolls can be made with pork, chicken, shrimp, beef, tofu, or even just vegetables. Here’s how each protein affects the flavor:
- Pork: Traditional and rich, adds a slightly sweet, savory depth.
- Chicken: Light and lean, pairs well with soy sauce and ginger.
- Shrimp: Slightly sweet and fresh, great with cabbage and sesame oil.
- Tofu: Absorbs flavors well, making it a great vegetarian option.
How to Fold Egg Rolls Like a Pro
Rolling egg rolls might seem tricky at first, but with this method, you’ll get perfectly sealed rolls every time!
1️⃣ Place the wrapper: Lay it like a diamond with a corner pointing toward you.
2️⃣ Add filling: Place 2 tbsp of filling near the bottom corner.
3️⃣ Fold the bottom corner up: Cover the filling, then tuck it snugly.
4️⃣ Fold in the sides: Bring in both left and right corners tightly.
5️⃣ Roll up: Roll tightly toward the top.
6️⃣ Seal with egg wash: Brush the top corner with beaten egg and press to seal.
💡 Pro Tip: Keep your extra wrappers covered with a damp towel so they don’t dry out while rolling!
Best Ways to Cook Egg Rolls
1️⃣ Traditional Frying (Crispiest!)
- Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry egg rolls 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
2️⃣ Baking (Healthier Option!)
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Brush egg rolls with oil and bake for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway.
3️⃣ Air Frying (Best of Both Worlds!)
- Spray egg rolls with oil.
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.
What to Serve with Egg Rolls
Egg rolls are delicious on their own, but they pair perfectly with dipping sauces and other Chinese-inspired dishes!
Dipping Sauce Ideas:
🥢 Sweet chili sauce – Classic and tangy with a hint of heat.
🥢 Soy sauce – Simple and salty for an umami boost.
🥢 Hoisin sauce – Thick, slightly sweet, and great with pork.
🥢 Spicy mustard – For a bold, zesty kick.
Pair With These Dishes:
🍜 Easy Lo Mein Noodles
🍚 Chicken Fried Rice
🥡 Sesame Garlic Green Beans
Storage & Reheating Tips
Egg rolls store beautifully and are great for meal prep!
🧊 Refrigerate: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
🔥 Reheat: Use an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
❄ Freeze: Freeze uncooked egg rolls for up to 3 months. Fry directly from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make egg rolls ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the egg rolls and store them uncooked in the fridge for up to 24 hours or freeze them for later frying.
Why are my egg rolls soggy?
Too much moisture in the filling or frying at low temperature can make them soggy. Always drain excess liquid before rolling and fry at 350°F (175°C).
Can I make these egg rolls vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just leave out the meat and add extra veggies or tofu for a delicious plant-based version.
Easy Homemade Egg Rolls
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- ½ lb ground pork or shredded chicken, shrimp, or tofu
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- ½ cup carrots julienned
- ½ cup bean sprouts optional
- 2 green onions thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger grated
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Egg Rolls
- 12 egg roll wrappers
- 1 egg beaten (for sealing)
- Vegetable oil for frying
For Dipping Sauces
- Sweet chili sauce
- Soy sauce
- Hoisin sauce
Instructions
Prepare the Filling
- Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add ground pork (or protein of choice) and cook until browned.
- Stir in cabbage, carrots, bean sprouts, green onions, garlic, and ginger. Cook for 3-4 minutes.
- Add soy sauce, sesame oil, and black pepper. Mix well, then remove from heat and let cool.
Assemble the Egg Rolls
- Lay an egg roll wrapper flat, with a corner pointing toward you.
- Place 2 tbsp filling on the lower third of the wrapper.
- Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the sides.
- Brush the top corner with beaten egg, roll up tightly, and seal.
- Repeat for all wrappers.
Fry the Egg Rolls
- Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry 3-4 egg rolls at a time, turning, until golden brown (3-4 minutes).
- Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Repeat with remaining egg rolls.
Serve & Enjoy
- Serve hot with sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, or hoisin sauce.
- Enjoy your crispy homemade egg rolls!
Notes
- Best Wrapper Choice: Use fresh egg roll wrappers from the refrigerated section of the grocery store. Avoid old or dry wrappers, as they can crack when rolling.
- Prevent Soggy Egg Rolls: Cook the filling beforehand to remove excess moisture, and let it cool before assembling the rolls. Too much moisture makes the wrappers soggy before frying.
- Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the egg rolls up to 24 hours in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator until ready to fry.
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Freezing Instructions:
- Before Cooking: Arrange uncooked egg rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight bag and store for up to 3 months. Fry straight from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the cook time.
- After Cooking: Let them cool completely before freezing. Reheat in an air fryer (375°F for 5-7 minutes) or an oven (400°F for 10-12 minutes) to maintain crispiness.
- Oil Temperature for Frying: The ideal frying temperature is 350°F (175°C). If the oil is too hot, the wrappers will burn before the inside is fully cooked. If too cool, the rolls will absorb excess oil and become greasy.
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Healthier Alternatives:
- Baked Egg Rolls: Brush with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Air Fryer Egg Rolls: Lightly spray with oil and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Dipping Sauce Ideas: Serve with sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, or spicy mustard for extra flavor.
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Customizations & Variations:
- Vegetarian Egg Rolls: Use tofu or add more vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers.
- Spicy Version: Add chili flakes or sriracha to the filling for a kick.
- Cheeseburger Egg Rolls: Swap in ground beef, cheddar cheese, and diced pickles for a fun twist!
This easy homemade egg roll recipe delivers everything you love about restaurant-style egg rolls—crispy shells, savory fillings, and that addictive crunch! Whether you’re making them for a party, family dinner, or just a quick snack, these egg rolls will impress every time.
If you love this recipe, don’t forget to share it on Pinterest or Instagram and tag me @homewithjanashow! Let me know in the comments—what’s your favorite way to enjoy egg rolls? 🥢😊
