If you have been craving that perfectly crisp, golden exterior combined with a savory and satisfying filling, then this Authentic Chinese Egg Rolls Recipe is the answer you’ve been waiting for. Bursting with fresh cabbage, carrots, savory ground pork, and seasoned with a balance of garlic, ginger, soy, and oyster sauce, these egg rolls are a beloved takeout classic made completely from scratch. Whether you’re new to egg roll making or seeking a tried-and-true homemade version, this recipe brings warmth, crunch, and flavor right to your kitchen with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering straightforward, fresh ingredients is all you need to create an irresistible egg roll filling that’s full of layers in taste and texture. Each element serves a purpose—crisp vegetables lend crunch and color, pork adds richness, and the sauces bring that familiar savory punch.
- 2 cups cabbage, shredded: Adds a refreshing crunch and mild sweetness.
- 1 cup carrots, julienned: Gives a slight earthiness and bright color to the filling.
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped: Provides a subtle sharpness and fresh aroma.
- 1/2 pound ground pork: Adds a hearty, savory base that ties everything together.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Brings umami depth and saltiness.
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced: Infuses the filling with warm, aromatic flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger, minced: Offers a subtle spicy brightness.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Enhances the savory notes with a rich complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the seasoning perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick of heat.
- 10 egg roll wrappers: The crisp canvas for all that delicious filling.
- 1 egg, beaten: Used to seal the wrappers, ensuring everything stays tucked inside.
- Oil for frying: Essential for achieving that golden, crunchy exterior.
How to Make Authentic Chinese Egg Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Ground Pork
Start by heating your skillet or wok over medium heat and adding the ground pork. Break it apart as it cooks until it turns fully opaque. This forms the rich meaty base of our filling, essential for deep savory flavor.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
After removing excess fat and setting the pork aside, add minced garlic and ginger to the same skillet. Sauté these fragrant bits briefly to release their spicy, warm aromas—this step transforms your filling from ordinary to irresistible.
Step 3: Cook Vegetables
Next, toss in the shredded cabbage, julienned carrots, and chopped green onions. Stir frequently so the veggies soften just enough to maintain a satisfying crunch. This harmony between tender and crisp is part of what makes the Authentic Chinese Egg Rolls Recipe stand out.
Step 4: Combine Pork and Sauces
Return the cooked pork to the skillet and pour in the soy sauce and oyster sauce, stirring everything together. Season with salt and pepper, then cook for a couple more minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 5: Let the Filling Cool
It’s important to give the filling at least 10 minutes to cool down before rolling. This prevents the egg roll wrappers from becoming soggy or tearing when you fill and roll them.
Step 6: Roll the Egg Rolls
Lay one wrapper with a corner pointed at you, spoon about 2 tablespoons of filling onto the lower third, fold over the bottom corner, tuck in the sides, and roll tightly. Use a little beaten egg to seal the final edge; this little trick keeps those egg rolls perfectly intact during frying.
Step 7: Fry Until Golden and Crispy
Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and carefully lower egg rolls into the pan without overcrowding. Fry them, turning occasionally, until their exterior is beautifully golden brown and delightfully crispy. Drain on paper towels and prepare for the best part—eating!
How to Serve Authentic Chinese Egg Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like thinly sliced green onions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds can add a fresh, nutty note and bright color, making your egg rolls look as good as they taste.
Side Dishes
Egg rolls pair wonderfully with lighter sides such as steamed jasmine rice, a crisp Asian slaw, or perhaps a bowl of hot and sour soup. These complement the richness and texture of the rolls without overwhelming the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the egg rolls sliced into bite-sized pieces on a platter with a variety of dipping sauces like sweet chili, hoisin, or classic soy sauce. It’s perfect for gatherings or festive dinners where everyone can dig in and share.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover egg rolls (though they rarely last long), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them crisp can be tricky, but reheating in the oven helps.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked egg rolls by placing them on a baking sheet in a single layer until firm. Then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, fry or bake directly from frozen – just add a couple more minutes to cooking time.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-out-of-the-fryer crispness, reheat leftover egg rolls in a preheated oven or toaster oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that satisfying crunch intact.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the ground pork for finely chopped mushrooms, tofu crumbles, or shredded cabbage and carrots alone. Just adjust the seasoning and maybe add some hoisin or vegetarian oyster sauce to deepen the flavor.
What kind of oil is best for frying egg rolls?
Choose a high smoke point oil like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil. These oils can heat up to the high temperature needed (around 350°F) without burning, ensuring crispy egg rolls.
How do I prevent the egg roll wrappers from tearing?
Handle wrappers gently, keep them covered with a damp cloth while working, and avoid overfilling. Using the beaten egg as glue also helps keep everything sealed tight during frying.
Is it possible to bake egg rolls instead of frying?
Yes! Brush or spray them lightly with oil, place on a baking sheet, and bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 15-20 minutes until golden and crisp, turning halfway through.
What dipping sauces go best with these egg rolls?
Traditional favorites include sweet and sour sauce, duck sauce, or a spicy chili-garlic sauce. Soy sauce with a splash of rice vinegar and chili oil is great for those who love a little heat.
Final Thoughts
Making this Authentic Chinese Egg Rolls Recipe at home is such a rewarding experience—you get to enjoy all the crunchy goodness and flavorful filling with the pride of having made it yourself. Whether serving them as an appetizer, snack, or part of a bigger meal, these egg rolls bring warmth and smiles every single time. I absolutely encourage you to dive in, have fun rolling, frying, and savoring each bite—it might just become your new favorite homemade treat!
Print
Authentic Chinese Egg Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 10 egg rolls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
These Authentic Chinese Egg Rolls are crispy, golden-fried appetizers filled with a savory mixture of ground pork, cabbage, carrots, and green onions, seasoned with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and oyster sauce. Perfect as a snack or party appetizer, these egg rolls offer a deliciously crunchy exterior with a flavorful, tender filling.
Ingredients
Filling
- 2 cups cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Wraps and Assembly
- 10 egg roll wrappers
- 1 egg, beaten
- Oil for frying (about 2 inches in a pan)
Instructions
- Preheat Skillet: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium heat to prepare for cooking the filling components.
- Cook Pork: Add the ground pork to the skillet and cook it thoroughly, breaking it apart with a spatula until no pink remains.
- Drain Fat: Remove any excess fat from the skillet to avoid greasy filling, then transfer the cooked pork to a plate for later use.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for about 30 seconds until they release their fragrances.
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate the shredded cabbage, julienned carrots, and chopped green onions into the skillet.
- Cook Vegetables: Stir frequently and cook the vegetables for 4-5 minutes until they soften slightly but maintain some crunch for texture.
- Combine Pork and Vegetables: Return the cooked pork to the skillet and mix it with the vegetables thoroughly.
- Season Filling: Add soy sauce and oyster sauce to the skillet, stirring to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Final Seasoning: Season with salt and black pepper to taste, then cook for another 2 minutes to blend flavors well.
- Cool Filling: Remove the skillet from heat and let the filling rest and cool for at least 10 minutes, making it easier to handle during wrapping.
- Prepare Wrappers: Lay one egg roll wrapper on a flat surface with one corner pointing towards you to begin assembly.
- Add Filling: Spoon roughly 2 tablespoons of the cooled filling onto the lower third of the wrapper, ensuring not to overfill.
- Fold Wrapper: Fold the bottom corner of the wrapper up over the filling, then fold in both side corners snugly.
- Roll and Seal: Roll the wrapper tightly away from you, sealing the top corner with a bit of beaten egg to secure the roll.
- Repeat Wrapping: Continue wrapping the remaining egg rolls with the remaining filling and wrappers.
- Heat Oil: Pour about 2 inches of oil into a large pan or wok and heat it over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C) for frying.
- Fry Egg Rolls: Carefully place a few egg rolls into the hot oil at a time, avoiding overcrowding. Fry, turning occasionally, until each roll is golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes.
- Drain Egg Rolls: Remove the fried egg rolls with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve: Serve the hot, crispy egg rolls immediately with your favorite dipping sauce for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- Be sure to cool the filling before wrapping to prevent the wrappers from becoming soggy or tearing.
- Maintain oil temperature around 350°F to achieve crispy egg rolls without absorbing excess oil.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when frying to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Egg roll wrappers can be found in most Asian grocery stores or in the refrigerated section of some supermarkets.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground pork with tofu or finely chopped mushrooms.
