Ground Meat Eggrolls

Ground Meat Eggrolls Recipe from China | Ingredients & Instructions

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Ground Meat Eggrolls are a delicious and savory appetizer that are perfect for any occasion. These crispy eggrolls are filled with a flavorful mixture of ground meat, vegetables, and seasonings, then fried until golden brown. They are typically served with a dipping sauce on the side for added flavor.

History

Eggrolls have a long history and are believed to have originated in China. They are a popular dish in many Asian countries and have been adapted and modified in various ways over the years. Ground Meat Eggrolls are a variation of the traditional eggroll, using ground meat as the main filling ingredient.

Ingredients

Sauce

2 tbsp water
1 tbsp dry sherry
1 tbsp soy sauce
0.5 tsp cornstarch
0.13 tsp ground red pepper
0.13 tsp black pepper

Eggrolls

1 tbsp cooking oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp grated fresh ginger
2 cups finely chopped chinese cabbage or cabbage
4 green onions, thinly sliced (0.5 cup)
8 oz (227 g) lean ground beef or pork
1 x 4 oz (113 g) can mushroom stems and pieces, drained and finely chopped
cooking oil or shortening for deep-fat frying
12 egg roll wrappers or 72 wonton wrappers

How to prepare

Sauce

In a bowl, stir together the water, sherry, soy sauce, cornstarch, red pepper, and black pepper.
Set the mixture aside.

Eggrolls

Pour 1 tbsp of oil into a large skillet (add more oil as necessary during cooking).
Preheat the skillet over medium-high heat.
Stir-fry the garlic and ginger in the hot oil for 15 seconds.
Add regular cabbage (if using) and green onions.
Stir-fry for 1.5 to 2.5 minutes or until crisp-tender.
Remove the vegetables from the skillet.
Add the ground beef or pork; stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes or until no pink remains.
Drain off the fat.
Push the meat from the center of the skillet.
Stir the sauce.
Add the sauce to the center of the skillet.
Cook and stir until the sauce thickens and becomes bubbly.
Add the cooked vegetables, mushrooms, and Chinese cabbage (if using).
Stir all the ingredients together to coat them with the sauce.
Cook and stir for about 1 minute more or until heated through.
Remove the mixture from the skillet and let it cool.
In a wok or a 3 qt (2.84 liter) saucepan, heat 1.5 to 2 inches of cooking oil or shortening to 365°F (185°C).
Meanwhile, place the wonton wrapper with a point toward you.
Spoon 2 tsp of filling just below the center of the wrapper.
Fold the bottom point over the filling.
Then tuck it under the filling.
Roll the wonton wrapper once to cover the filling, leaving about 1 inch unrolled at the top of the wrapper.
Moisten the right-hand corner of the wrapper with a little water.
Grasp the right and left-hand corners of the wrapper.
Bring these corners toward you, below the filling.
Overlap the left-hand and right-hand corners.
Press the corners together securely to seal.
Fry the egg rolls or wontons, a few at a time, in the hot oil for 1 to 2.5 minutes or until golden brown, turning once.
Remove the fried rolls from the oil.
Drain them on a wok rack or on paper towels.
Keep them warm in a 300°F (149°C) oven while frying the remaining food.
Serve the egg rolls warm with sweet-and-sour dipping sauce, chili dipping sauce, or Chinese Mustard Sauce.

Variations

Substitute ground chicken or turkey for the ground pork for a lighter option.
Add diced water chestnuts or bamboo shoots for added crunch and texture.
Use spring roll wrappers instead of wonton wrappers for a thinner and crispier eggroll.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to finely chop the vegetables to ensure they cook evenly and are easy to roll in the eggroll wrappers.

- Be sure to drain off any excess fat after cooking the ground meat to prevent the eggrolls from becoming greasy.

- Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature when frying the eggrolls to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy.

Serving Suggestions

Ground Meat Eggrolls can be served as an appetizer or as a main dish with a side of rice or noodles. They pair well with a variety of dipping sauces such as sweet and sour sauce, chili sauce, or soy sauce.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-fry the vegetables and meat separately before combining them to ensure they are cooked evenly.

- Seal the eggrolls tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out during frying.

- Fry the eggrolls in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan and ensure they cook evenly.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use ground chicken or turkey instead of ground pork for a leaner option.

- Substitute tamari or coconut aminos for soy sauce for a gluten-free alternative.

- Use rice paper wrappers for a lighter and gluten-free version of the eggrolls.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before assembling and frying the eggrolls.

- Freeze the assembled but uncooked eggrolls for up to 1 month, then fry them straight from the freezer when ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Ground Meat Eggrolls on a platter with a variety of dipping sauces for guests to choose from. - Garnish the eggrolls with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for added color and flavor. - Arrange the eggrolls on a bed of lettuce leaves for a decorative presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve the Ground Meat Eggrolls with a side of steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

- Pair the eggrolls with a light and refreshing salad to balance out the richness of the dish.

- Serve the eggrolls with a side of stir-fried vegetables for added texture and flavor.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover eggrolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat the eggrolls in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

- Alternatively, reheat the eggrolls in a skillet over medium heat until crispy and hot.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Ground Meat Eggrolls contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Ground Meat Eggrolls contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Ground Meat Eggrolls contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Ground Meat Eggrolls contains approximately 12 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Ground Meat Eggrolls are a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

Ground Meat Eggrolls contain soy and wheat allergens.

Summary

Ground Meat Eggrolls are a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They are also rich in essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Ground Meat Eggrolls are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer or main course. With a flavorful filling of ground meat, vegetables, and seasonings, these crispy eggrolls are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy the savory flavors in every bite.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Ground Meat Eggrolls. It was a hot summer day, and I was rummaging through an old box of recipes that had been passed down through generations in my family. As I flipped through the yellowed pages, stained with splatters of various ingredients, my eyes landed on a faded piece of paper with the title "Ground Meat Eggrolls" scrawled at the top.

I had never made eggrolls before, let alone ones filled with ground meat. As I read through the instructions, I could almost taste the savory filling and crispy shell. It seemed like a daunting task, but I was determined to master this new recipe and add it to my repertoire of dishes.

I decided to start by gathering all the ingredients listed on the recipe: ground meat, cabbage, carrots, onions, garlic, soy sauce, and eggroll wrappers. I made a trip to the local market to pick up everything I needed, feeling a sense of excitement building inside me as I envisioned the finished product.

Back in my kitchen, I began by sautéing the ground meat in a hot skillet until it was browned and cooked through. The aroma of the sizzling meat filled the air, making my stomach growl in anticipation. I then added the finely chopped cabbage, carrots, onions, and garlic to the skillet, stirring them together with the meat until they were tender.

Next, I poured in a generous amount of soy sauce, allowing it to infuse the mixture with its savory flavor. The smell of the soy sauce mingling with the other ingredients was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to taste the final product.

With the filling ready, I set up my workstation with a stack of eggroll wrappers, a bowl of water for sealing them, and a pan of hot oil for frying. I carefully spooned a portion of the filling onto each wrapper, rolling them up tightly and sealing the edges with water to prevent any leakage.

As I dropped the eggrolls into the hot oil, they sizzled and bubbled, turning a golden brown color as they cooked. The scent of frying food wafted through the kitchen, drawing in my family members who had been lured by the delicious aroma.

When the eggrolls were finally cooked to perfection, I removed them from the oil and placed them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess grease. The crispy shells crackled beneath my fingers as I picked one up and took a bite, savoring the combination of flavors and textures.

My family eagerly gathered around the table, eager to try the Ground Meat Eggrolls that I had spent the afternoon preparing. With each bite, their faces lit up with delight, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in my newfound culinary creation.

From that day on, Ground Meat Eggrolls became a staple in our household, a dish that we would often request for special occasions and family gatherings. The recipe had become a part of my own culinary journey, a testament to the joy of exploring new flavors and techniques in the kitchen.

As I look back on that summer day when I first discovered the recipe for Ground Meat Eggrolls, I am grateful for the sense of curiosity that led me to try something new. It was a reminder that the world of cooking is vast and endless, full of potential for delicious discoveries and culinary adventures. And I am excited to continue exploring and sharing my love for food with those around me, one recipe at a time.