Egg Rolls

Authentic Chinese Egg Rolls Recipe - Discover the Taste of China

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 45 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 10

Introduction

Egg rolls are a popular appetizer in Chinese cuisine, typically filled with a mixture of vegetables, meat, and sometimes shrimp. These crispy, savory treats are perfect for parties or as a snack.

History

Egg rolls are believed to have originated in China, where they were traditionally made with pork and cabbage. As the dish spread to other parts of the world, variations with different fillings emerged, including shrimp, chicken, and vegetables.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) chinese cabbage (napa)
2 stalks of celery
0.5 lb (227 g) cooked shrimp
0.5 lb (227 g) cooked pork or chicken livers
10 water chestnuts
0.33 cup bamboo shoots
1 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar
a generous dash of pepper
0.5 tsp light soy sauce
0.25 tsp sesame oil
1 beaten egg
10 egg roll skins
3 cups of oil

How to prepare

Preparation

Boil the cabbage and celery until they are very tender.
Drain the vegetables and squeeze out any excess water.
Shred the vegetables very finely and set them aside to drain further.
Parboil the shrimp and either fry or bake the pork.
Mince both the shrimp and pork.
Shred the water chestnuts and bamboo shoots.
Mix all the ingredients except for the egg together.
Beat the egg.
Wrap the filling in egg roll skins and seal them with the beaten egg.

Cooking

Heat the oil in a wok or deep fat fryer to 375°F (191°C) and drop in the egg rolls.
When the skin turns a light golden brown, remove the egg rolls from the oil and drain them. (At this point, restaurants refrigerate them and finish the cooking process as needed).
When the egg rolls are cool, drop them again into the hot oil and fry them until they turn golden brown.

Variations

Try using different meats such as beef or duck in place of the shrimp and chicken livers.
Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the filling for added flavor and nutrition.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to drain the vegetables well before mixing them with the other ingredients to prevent the filling from becoming too watery.

- Be careful not to overfill the egg roll skins, as this can cause them to burst during frying.

- Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature and ensure that the egg rolls cook evenly and become crispy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the egg rolls with a side of sweet and sour sauce or soy sauce for dipping.

Cooking Techniques

Deep frying is the traditional method for cooking egg rolls, but they can also be baked in the oven for a healthier option.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have napa cabbage, you can use regular cabbage or bok choy as a substitute. You can also omit the shrimp and chicken livers for a vegetarian version of the dish.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the filling for the egg rolls ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble and fry them.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the cooked egg rolls on a platter and garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for a decorative touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Egg rolls pair well with other Chinese dishes such as fried rice, lo mein, or stir-fried vegetables.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover egg rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of egg rolls contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of egg rolls contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of egg rolls contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of egg rolls contains approximately 10 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Egg rolls are a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

Egg rolls may contain allergens such as shellfish, soy, and wheat.

Summary

Egg rolls are a tasty appetizer that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They also offer a variety of vitamins and minerals, making them a nutritious choice for a snack or meal.

Summary

Egg rolls are a delicious and versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Whether you enjoy them as an appetizer or a main course, these crispy treats are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a treasured one. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the art of cooking from my mother. We had a family friend who was of Chinese descent, and she would often come over to our house to share her delicious recipes with us.

One day, she brought over the ingredients for egg rolls and showed us how to make them from scratch. I watched with fascination as she expertly rolled out the dough, filled it with a flavorful mixture of meat and vegetables, and fried them to a perfect golden brown. The aroma that filled the kitchen was like nothing I had ever smelled before - a tantalizing blend of savory and sweet that made my mouth water.

As I tasted my first bite of the crispy, delicious egg roll, I knew that I had to learn how to make them myself. I begged our family friend to teach me the recipe, and she graciously agreed. Over the coming weeks, I practiced making egg rolls over and over again, tweaking the ingredients and perfecting the technique until I had mastered the art of making them just like our friend had shown us.

Since then, egg rolls have become a staple in our family gatherings. I make them for every special occasion, from birthdays to holidays, and they are always a hit with everyone who tries them. Over the years, I have added my own twist to the recipe, incorporating different ingredients and flavors to create a unique spin on this classic dish.

One of the things I love most about making egg rolls is the versatility of the recipe. You can fill them with any combination of ingredients you like, from traditional pork and cabbage to more exotic options like shrimp and broccoli. I have even experimented with vegetarian versions, using tofu and mixed vegetables as the filling.

I have also learned that the key to a perfect egg roll lies in the technique. Rolling them tightly and sealing them properly is essential to ensuring that they fry up crispy and delicious. I have spent many hours in the kitchen honing my skills, learning how to fold the wrappers just right and fry them to a perfect golden brown.

One of the things that I have come to appreciate most about cooking is the way it brings people together. Whenever I make egg rolls for my family and friends, it always sparks conversation and laughter as we gather around the table to enjoy this delicious meal together. It reminds me of the bond that food creates between people, and the joy that comes from sharing a homemade meal with those you love.

As I grow older, I often think back on that day when I first learned to make egg rolls and how it sparked my love for cooking. It is a memory that I will always cherish, a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting connections. And whenever I make a batch of egg rolls, I am transported back to that moment in time, when I first discovered the joy of cooking and sharing delicious meals with others.