Tired of boring, bland takeout that leaves you feeling a little bit uninspired? You want a dish that’s not only delicious but also easy to make, a little bit elegant, and a lot of fun. You want something that’s savory, satisfying, and a total crowd-pleaser. That’s where these incredible Chicken Egg Rolls come in. It’s the kind of project that makes you a total kitchen hero, even though all you did was roll up a few ingredients and pop them in the fryer. And trust me, once you master this Egg Roll Recipe, it’s going to become a total staple in your home.
Here in Casablanca, a city known for its vibrant street food and shared meals, the simple act of gathering with friends over delicious food is a cherished tradition. One of my favorite things to share is a dish that seems exotic to local palates but is a comforting classic back home. I first made these egg rolls for a small gathering of friends, and the rich aroma of the spices and fried dough filled my kitchen, drawing everyone in. It was a huge hit! Since then, I’ve spent a lot of time perfecting my own version, and I can say with confidence that this easy Asian recipe is a total game-changer. It looks incredibly impressive, but it’s so much easier to make than you might think.
Why These Egg Rolls Are a Total Game-Changer
You might think an egg roll is just an egg roll, but this recipe is truly something special. It takes a simple appetizer and elevates it in a few very important ways.
First, there’s the incredible texture. The contrast between the crispy, flaky exterior and the tender, juicy chicken and vegetables is pure perfection. The egg rolls are so rich and savory, and the sweet and sour sauce adds a beautiful, tangy depth that makes them irresistible. Second, there’s the unique flavor profile. The savory, salty flavor of the chicken is a perfect match for the sweet, tangy flavor of the sauce and the earthy, nutty flavor of the vegetables. It’s a complex, balanced flavor that’s not too spicy, not too bland—it’s just right.
Finally, it’s an incredibly forgiving recipe. This homemade egg rolls recipe is a fantastic recipe for a beginner cook. It doesn’t require any fancy techniques or special equipment. You can literally just mix, roll, and fry. It’s so easy, you’ll feel like you’re cheating. This Sweet and Sour Sauce is perfect for anyone who loves a good homemade meal but doesn’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.
Your Dream Team of Ingredients
The best part about this recipe is that it uses a handful of ingredients you can find at any grocery store. You don’t need a trip to a specialty store or a long shopping list. Just a few key players to create a legendary appetizer.
- Chicken: This is the most important ingredient. I prefer a good-quality, shredded chicken for a beautiful, rich flavor and a tender, juicy texture. You can also use a little bit of a ground chicken, a little bit of a little bit of a shredded pork, or a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a ground beef.
- Vegetables: The vegetables are the secret to a rich, earthy, and nutty filling. I prefer a combination of a shredded cabbage, a little bit of a shredded carrots, and a little bit of a chopped green onions. You can also use a good-quality, shredded brussels sprouts or a little bit of a shredded bell peppers.
- Egg Roll Wrappers: The egg roll wrappers are the secret to a crispy, flaky exterior. I prefer a good-quality, store-bought egg roll wrappers for a quick and easy appetizer. You can also make them from scratch, but it will take a little bit more time.
- Sweet and Sour Sauce: The sweet and sour sauce is the secret to a tangy, sweet, and rich sauce. You can use any sweet and sour sauce you have on hand, but I prefer a good-quality, store-bought sauce for a balanced flavor.
- Other Pantry Staples: You’ll also need a little bit of a soy sauce, a little bit of a little bit of a fresh ginger, a little bit of a little bit of a fresh garlic, and a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a pinch of salt and pepper.
The Step-by-Step Guide to Egg Roll Perfection
This recipe is so straightforward, you’ll be making it with your eyes closed after the first time. The key is to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start assembling.
Step 1: Make the Filling
In a large skillet, cook the shredded chicken over a medium-high heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s cooked through. Add the shredded cabbage, a little bit of a shredded carrots, a little bit of a chopped green onions, and a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a fresh ginger. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Add the soy sauce and a little bit of a little bit of a fresh garlic. Cook for about 1 minute, or until it’s fragrant.
Step 2: Roll the Egg Rolls
On a clean work surface, lay out the egg roll wrappers. Place a little bit of a filling in the center of each wrapper. Fold the sides over the top and roll it up tightly. Use a little bit of a water to seal the edges.
Step 3: Fry and Serve
In a large pot, heat a little bit of a little bit of a vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the egg rolls and fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Remove them and let them cool on a paper towel. Serve them immediately with a side of sweet and sour sauce.
Beyond the Basics: My Favorite Remixes
The classic Chicken Egg Rolls are pure perfection, but you can also use them as a base for endless flavor combinations.
- The Different Meat: You can use any meat you have on hand. A little bit of a shredded pork, a little bit of a shredded beef, or even a little bit of a little bit of a ground turkey would be delicious.
- The Different Spice: You can add a little bit of ginger, a little bit of cloves, or even a little bit of a nutmeg for a warm, spicy flavor.
- The Different Topping: You can use any topping you have on hand. A little bit of a fresh herbs, a little bit of a chopped green onions, or even a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a toasted sesame seeds would be delicious.
- The Different Sauce: You can use any sauce you have on hand. A little bit of a little bit of a ranch dressing, a little bit of a little bit of a pesto, or even a little bit of a little bit of a barbecue sauce would be delicious.
FAQs: Your Egg Roll Questions Answered!
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, you can! Just preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place them on a baking sheet and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy.
How do I make a spicier sauce?
You can easily make a spicier sauce by adding a little bit of a red pepper flakes, a little bit of a cayenne pepper, or even a little bit of a hot sauce.
How do I store them?
You can store these egg rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s best to eat them immediately, but they will still be delicious the next day. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
What is the best type of oil to use?
I prefer a good-quality, vegetable oil for a clean, neutral flavor. You can also use a little bit of a canola oil or a little bit of a peanut oil.
So there you have it. A guide to making the most delicious, tender, and beautiful Chicken Egg Rolls you’ll ever have. It’s a simple, brilliant idea that solves all your appetizer dilemmas. The next time you’re craving something comforting, you’ll know exactly what to make. Go forth and cook! You’ve got this.
Chicken Egg Rolls
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon
- Tongs
- large pot (for frying)
- paper towels (for draining)
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 12 egg roll wrappers
- 3 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1/2 cup sweet and sour sauce (for serving)
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook shredded chicken for 5–7 minutes until heated through. Add cabbage, carrots, green onions, and ginger. Cook 5–7 minutes until vegetables are tender. Stir in soy sauce and garlic; cook 1 more minute.
- Place an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface. Spoon some filling in the center. Fold sides in, then roll tightly, sealing edges with water.
- Heat vegetable oil in a pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry egg rolls in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and serve hot with sweet and sour sauce.
