Golden, crispy, and packed with flavor – Ground Pork Egg Rolls are a mouthwatering recipe that’s easy to make and impossible to resist!
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The Irresistible Allure of Pork Egg Rolls: A Homemade Delight
When it comes to Asian cuisine, few dishes hold as much universal appeal as pork egg rolls. These delectable treats, often found on the appetizer menus of your favorite Chinese restaurants, have a crispy exterior that gives way to a savory and flavorful filling.
Whether you call them pork egg rolls, egg rolls, or egg rolls pork, one thing is certain – they are incredibly satisfying.
The Art of Rolling Egg Rolls
Have you ever wondered how those perfectly rolled egg rolls are made? The process of creating these delicacies is an art in itself. Learning how to roll egg rolls is an essential skill for achieving that ideal balance of crispiness and tenderness.
Making homemade egg rolls allows you to customize the ingredients to suit your taste preferences. In this blog post, I’ll show you step-by-step how to roll egg rolls like a pro!
Crispy Perfection
The hallmark of great pork egg rolls is the irresistible crunch of the outer shell. Achieving that level of crispiness takes practice, but it’s well worth the effort. Getting that golden-brown, crispy texture is key to a satisfying egg roll experience.
Endless Flavor Possibilities
Egg rolls are a canvas for flavor experimentation. While the classic pork filling is beloved, you can get creative with your ingredients. From vegetarian options to unique meat combinations, the possibilities are endless. Homemade egg rolls give you the freedom to explore different flavors and find your own signature style.
Pork egg rolls, egg rolls, egg rolls pork – no matter how you say it, these delectable treats are a beloved staple of Asian cuisine. Learning the art of how to roll egg rolls and making them at home allows you to enjoy the crispiness and flavor to your heart’s content.
So, next time you’re craving a delightful appetizer or snack, consider whipping up a batch of homemade egg rolls.
Ground Pork Egg Rolls: Ingredients & Equipment
To make this quick and easy recipe, you will need …
Ingredients
- ground pork – If you prefer not to use pork, you can substitute it with ground chicken, ground turkey, ground beef, or even ground tofu for a vegetarian option.
- fresh ginger – If you don’t have fresh ginger on hand, you can use ground ginger or ginger paste as a substitute. Typically, 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger can replace 1 teaspoon of fresh minced ginger.
- garlic
- coleslaw mix – If you can’t find coleslaw mix, you can make your own by shredding cabbage and carrots. Alternatively, you can use other shredded vegetables like bok choy, napa cabbage, or broccoli slaw.
- green onions
- soy sauce – If you’re looking for a gluten-free option or want to change the flavor, you can use tamari sauce or coconut aminos as a substitute for soy sauce.
- sesame oil – If you don’t have sesame oil, you can use other cooking oils like vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil. Keep in mind that sesame oil has a distinct flavor, so the substitution may affect the taste slightly.
- water and all-purpose flour – The flour and water mixture in the recipe is used as a glue to seal the egg rolls. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can use rice flour or a gluten-free flour blend to achieve the same purpose.
- egg roll wrappers – If you can’t find egg roll wrappers, you can use spring roll wrappers or rice paper wrappers. These wrappers are thinner and may require a different rolling technique.
- peanut oil – If you prefer not to use peanut oil for frying, you can substitute it with vegetable oil, canola oil, or another high-heat oil of your choice.
Equipment
- large skillet
- meat chopper or other utensil
- cooking spoon or spatula
- small bowl
- deep fat fryer or Dutch oven
- tongs or spider strainer
- paper towel-lined plate
- wire rack over a sheet pan
Serving Suggestions for Ground Pork Egg Rolls
- Dipping Sauces: Egg rolls pair perfectly with a variety of dipping sauces. Serve them with classic options like sweet chili sauce, sweet and sour sauce, Thai Peanut sauce, or soy sauce for a traditional touch. For an extra kick, offer hot mustard or hoisin sauce for a more diverse flavor experience.
- Fresh Herbs: Add freshness to your plate by garnishing with fresh herbs like cilantro, Thai basil, or mint.
- Pickled Vegetables: Pickled vegetables, such as carrots, daikon radish, or cucumber, make excellent accompaniments. They offer a refreshing and tangy contrast to the richness of the egg rolls.
- Coleslaw: Since coleslaw mix is one of the main ingredients in the egg rolls, consider serving a side of coleslaw as a complementary dish. This adds a crunchy texture and a hint of sweetness to your meal.
- Fried Rice: Pairing egg rolls with a side of fried rice is a classic combination. The flavors and textures of the egg rolls complement the savory goodness of fried rice.
- Asian Noodles: Serve egg rolls alongside Asian noodles, such as lo mein or chow mein, for a heartier meal.
- Salad: Create a balanced meal by serving egg rolls with a simple green salad. The lightness of the salad contrasts with the richness of the egg rolls, making it a well-rounded option.
- Party Platter: If you’re entertaining, arrange the egg rolls on a platter with a variety of dipping sauces and garnishes. It makes for an impressive and interactive appetizer at gatherings.
- Vegetarian Options: If you have vegetarian guests, consider offering vegetable spring rolls alongside the pork egg rolls. This ensures everyone has a delicious option to enjoy.
- Beverage Pairings: Pair your egg rolls with beverages like iced tea, Asian-inspired cocktails, or even a cold beer to enhance the overall dining experience.
How to Roll Egg Rolls
Ground Pork Egg Rolls: FAQs
To store leftover egg rolls, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can either deep-fry them again or bake them in the oven until they are warmed through.
Yes, you can freeze cooked egg rolls for up to 3 months. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag, separating each roll with parchment paper to prevent sticking. When ready to enjoy, reheat them from frozen by frying or baking.
Common dipping sauces include sweet chili sauce, sweet and sour sauce, hoisin sauce, and duck sauce. You can choose the one that suits your taste.
Yes, you can bake them for a slightly healthier option. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and brush the rolls with oil before baking until they are golden brown and crispy.
Yes, air frying is a healthier option. Preheat to 375°F, lightly oil, single layer in the basket, cook 10-15 mins, turn, ensure crispiness, and enjoy!
To prevent egg rolls from becoming soggy, place them on a wire rack over a sheet tray after frying. This allows air to circulate around them, keeping them crispy.
Yes, you can make them in advance and keep them warm in the oven until your guests arrive. However, for the best texture, it’s recommended to fry them just before serving.
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Ground Pork Egg Rolls
Equipment
Ingredients
For the filling
- 1 pound ground pork
- 2 teaspoons finely minced fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 bag coleslaw mix 16 oz.
- 2 green onions green part only, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil
For assembly
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 18 eggroll wrappers
Instructions
- Add the pork to a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown and crumble the meat until there is no pink left, stirring occasionally, about 8-10 minutes.
- Add the ginger and garlic to the pork, stir, and cook for 30 seconds or until fragrant.
- Add the coleslaw mix, green onion, soy sauce, and sesame oil to the pan and mix well.
- Cook for an additional 5 minutes, occasionally stirring until the cabbage is slightly wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Take off the heat.
- In a small bowl, mix together the water and flour until smooth. This will act as a glue.
- On a clean work surface, place an egg roll wrapper with one of the corners facing you. Add 1/3 cup of the filling to the bottom corner of the wrapper.
- Take the corner and fold it up over the filling. Dip your clean finger into the flour mixture and run it along the exposed edges of the wrapper.
- Tuck both edges of the wrapper over the filling. continue to tightly roll until you make a little log and everything is sealed. Place on a baking sheet while you continue rolling the rest of the egg rolls.
- Heat a deep fryer or Dutch oven with 4 inches of oil to 350°F.
- Very carefully place a couple of the egg rolls into the hot oil and fry until golden brown, 4-5 minutes. Make sure to flip them often so they brown evenly.
- Place the egg rolls onto a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. Then, immediately place them onto a wire rack over a baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining egg rolls.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- To store leftover egg rolls, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can either deep-fry them again or bake them in the oven until they are warmed through.
- You can freeze cooked egg rolls for up to 3 months. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag, separating each roll with parchment paper to prevent sticking. When ready to enjoy, reheat them from frozen by frying or baking.
- You can make egg rolls in advance and keep them warm in the oven until your guests arrive. However, for the best texture, it's recommended to fry them just before serving.
Nutrition
Please note that the nutritional information listed on this page is an estimation based on the products I used. Ingredients and nutritional information can vary significantly between brands. Always be sure to read labels. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Nutrition info may contain errors, so please verify it independently. Likewise, recipes may contain errors, so please use your common sense when following them.
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