Mother's Day Sale | 20% off any bundle of 2 items | 30% off any bundle of 2 items | Free shipping on orders over £79

Perfect Homemade Crispy Egg Rolls: Easy, Flavorful & Irresistible
|
Time to read 8 min
|
Time to read 8 min
20 min
10 min
8 egg rolls
Appetizer / Side
Chinese‑American
8 egg roll wrappers
½ lb (225 g) ground pork (or substitute ground chicken or turkey)
2 cups shredded green cabbage
½ cup shredded carrots
¼ cup thinly sliced green onions (about 2 stalks)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
2 Tbsp soy sauce
1 Tbsp oyster sauce
1 tsp sesame oil
1 Tbsp vegetable oil (for sautéing)
Oil for frying (canola or peanut oil)
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Prepare the Filling
In a large skillet over medium–high heat, warm 1 Tbsp vegetable oil. Add the ground pork and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until no longer pink, about 4–5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and ginger and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add Vegetables & Seasonings
Reduce heat to medium. Add the shredded cabbage, carrots, and green onions. Stir to combine, then add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are just tender, about 2–3 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Assemble the Egg Rolls
Place one egg roll wrapper on a clean work surface with one corner pointing toward you (like a diamond). Spoon about ⅓ cup of filling onto the lower third of the wrapper. Brush the top corner with beaten egg. Fold the bottom corner up over the filling, then fold in the two side corners. Roll tightly toward the egg‑washed corner, sealing the edge.
Fry Until Golden
In a large heavy‑bottomed pot or deep skillet, heat about 2 inches of oil over medium heat to 350 °F (175 °C). Fry the egg rolls in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crisp on all sides, about 2–3 minutes per batch. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a paper‑towel‑lined plate to drain.
Serve
Let the egg rolls rest 1–2 minutes, then serve hot with your favourite dipping sauces—sweet chili sauce, duck sauce, or soy sauce mixed with a dash of rice vinegar.
Enjoy your homemade crispy egg rolls —perfect as an appetizer, snack, or party finger food!
For more crowd‑pleasing dinners, give our Ultimate Crispy Orange Chicken a try for that perfect zesty takeout taste at home, dive into the Best Homemade General Tso’s Chicken Recipe for Crispy Sweet‑Spicy Flavor when you’re craving sweet and spicy comfort, or keep things ultra‑easy with the One‑Pan Ground Beef Taco Skillet Ready in 20 Minutes for a simple, delicious Tex‑Mex feast.
Egg rolls are a beloved appetizer and snack across Chinese‑American cuisine. They are celebrated for their golden, crispy exterior and savory, flavorful filling. While store‑bought varieties offer convenience, nothing beats the satisfaction of crafting the best homemade egg rolls right in your kitchen. This detailed guide will walk you through every step, from selecting the perfect ingredients to mastering the frying technique, to help you create crispy egg rolls with pork and vegetable filling , vegetarian egg roll recipes , and even healthier baked egg rolls . Packed with long‑tail keywords like “easy egg roll recipe,” “how to make egg rolls from scratch,” and “best egg roll recipe for beginners.”
Making egg rolls at home allows you to control every aspect of the recipe: the quality of ingredients, the balance of flavors, and the cooking method. Unlike frozen egg rolls that can become soggy or overly greasy, homemade ones deliver unmatched crispiness and freshness. By preparing egg rolls yourself, you can:
Use premium proteins such as lean ground pork, ground chicken, or even tofu
Adjust the seasoning to suit your taste—mild, spicy, or somewhere in between
Add vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and mushrooms for extra texture and nutrition
Experiment with dipping sauces, from classic sweet chili sauce to tangy duck sauce
Customize the size and shape to fit any occasion, whether a casual snack or an elegant appetizer
With this easy egg roll recipe , you’ll enjoy a crowd‑pleasing dish that rivals takeout and elevates your home cooking repertoire.
To assemble crispy egg rolls with pork and vegetables , gather the following:
Egg roll wrappers : 8 large, square wrappers (about 6–7 inches wide)
Protein : ½ pound ground pork (or substitute ground chicken, turkey, or crumbled tofu)
Vegetables :
2 cups shredded green cabbage
½ cup shredded carrots
¼ cup thinly sliced green onions
Aromatics & seasonings :
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
2 tablespoons low‑sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional for umami depth)
1 teaspoon sesame oil
Coating & frying :
1 egg, beaten (for sealing wrappers)
Vegetable oil (canola or peanut) for deep frying
Optional additions : mushrooms, bean sprouts, water chestnuts, chili garlic sauce
These ingredients form the basis of a versatile ground pork egg rolls recipe . You can adjust them based on dietary preferences or pantry availability.
Prepare the Filling
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium‑high heat. Add the ground pork and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink (about 4–5 minutes). Stir in the garlic and ginger, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant. Mix in the shredded cabbage, carrots, and green onions, then add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, until the vegetables are tender. Remove the filling from the heat and let it cool slightly.
Set Up Your Rolling Station
Lay an egg roll wrapper on a clean work surface in a diamond orientation (one corner pointing toward you). Have a small bowl of beaten egg nearby to use as an adhesive.
Fill and Fold the Wrapper
Spoon about ⅓ cup of the cooled filling onto the lower third of the wrapper. Brush the top corner with a beaten egg. Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then snugly fold the two side corners toward the center. Roll the wrapper upward, sealing the top corner firmly. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
Heat the Oil Properly
Pour enough oil into a deep Dutch oven or large heavy‑bottomed pot to reach about 2 inches deep. Heat over medium heat until a thermometer reads 350°F (175 °C). If you don’t have a thermometer, test by dipping the handle of a wooden spoon into the oil—bubbles should form steadily around it.
Fry Until Golden‑Brown
Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, carefully lower 2–3 egg rolls into the hot oil. Fry for 2–3 minutes per side, turning occasionally with tongs, until the wrappers are crisp and golden brown. Transfer cooked egg rolls to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
Serve Hot with Dipping Sauce
Let the egg rolls rest for 1‑2 minutes, then serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces, such as sweet chili sauce, duck sauce, or soy sauce mixed with a splash of rice vinegar and chili oil.
To avoid soggy wrappers , make sure your filling is not too wet. After cooking, drain any excess liquid or allow the filling to cool slightly before wrapping.
Maintain oil temperature : Monitor the heat to keep it between 350°F and 360°F. Too hot, and the wrappers will burn; too cool, and they’ll absorb excess oil and become greasy.
Seal tightly : Press out any air pockets when folding wrappers to prevent leakage during frying. Use enough egg wash to seal the edges securely.
Work quickly . Egg roll wrappers dry out rapidly. Cover unused wrappers with a damp towel or plastic wrap to maintain pliability.
Batch prep : Assemble all egg rolls in advance and store them on baking sheets covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator. Fry just before serving for maximum crispiness.
While the classic ground pork and vegetable egg rolls are undeniably delicious, you can easily customize the recipe with:
Chicken and cheese egg rolls : Use cooked, shredded chicken and cheddar cheese for a fusion twist
Vegetarian egg rolls : Substitute tofu, mushrooms, and bean sprouts for meat, and use mushroom‑based sauces for umami
Shrimp egg rolls : Chop cooked shrimp and combine with cabbage, water chestnuts, and Chinese five‑spice powder
Spicy jalapeño egg rolls : Add diced jalapeños and pepper jack cheese to the filling for a Tex‑Mex flair
Baked or air‑fried egg rolls : Lightly brush assembled egg rolls with oil and bake at 425 °F for 12–15 minutes, or air‑fry at 400 °F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway
Each of these egg roll recipe variations addresses popular search queries like “vegetarian egg roll recipe,” “air fryer egg rolls,” and “shrimp egg roll recipe.”
The right dipping sauce can take your egg rolls from good to extraordinary. Consider offering:
Classic sweet chili sauce
Homemade duck sauce (apricot jam, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic)
Soy‑vinegar dip (soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, chili flakes)
Peanut sauce (peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, garlic, sriracha)
Mixing and matching sauces encourages experimentation and satisfies diverse taste preferences.
Refrigerator : Store cooked egg rolls in an airtight container lined with paper towels for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes to restore crispness.
Freezer : Freeze uncooked, assembled egg rolls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a zip‑top bag for up to 3 months. Fry directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the cooking time.
Meal prep : Prepare filling and wrappers ahead of time, then wrap and freeze. Fry or bake as needed for effortless weeknight dinners.
What’s the difference between an egg roll and a spring roll?
Egg rolls use thicker, wheat‑based wrappers and are deep‑fried, resulting in a heartier, crunchier exterior. Spring rolls typically feature thin rice wrappers and may be served fresh or lightly fried.
Can I make egg rolls gluten‑free?
Yes, seek out gluten‑free egg roll wrappers made from rice flour, substitute tamari for soy sauce, and ensure all sauces (oyster, hoisin) are certified gluten‑free.
How do I prevent egg rolls from exploding in the oil?
Seal wrappers tightly, remove air pockets, and maintain proper oil temperature. Don’t overfill wrappers; fry in small batches to avoid temperature drops.
Is it safe to reuse frying oil?
Oil can be reused if it remains clear and free of debris. Strain through a fine sieve or cheesecloth and store in a clean, airtight container. Discard if it smells rancid or darkens significantly.
Hot and sour soup or wonton soup make comforting starters.
Fried rice or lo mein turns egg rolls into a complete Chinese‑American feast.
Steamed or stir‑fried vegetables add color and nutrients.
Cold cucumber salad provides a refreshing contrast.
Combining egg rolls with complementary dishes creates a well‑rounded meal that delights any crowd.