Best Egg Rolls

Egg rolls are a popular appetizer or snack in many Asian cuisines, particularly Chinese and Vietnamese. Making the best egg rolls involves a combination of a flavorful filling, proper rolling technique, and crispy frying. Here’s a basic recipe for delicious egg rolls:

Ingredients:

For the Filling:

1. 1 cup finely chopped cabbage
2. 1 cup finely shredded carrots
3. 1 cup bean sprouts (optional)
4. 1 cup thinly sliced shiitake mushrooms (or any mushrooms of your choice)
5. 1 cup cooked and finely chopped shrimp, chicken, or tofu (optional)
6. 2 cloves garlic, minced
7. 2-3 green onions, thinly sliced
8. 2-3 tablespoons soy sauce
9. 1 teaspoon sesame oil
10. Salt and pepper to taste

For Wrapping:

1. 10-12 egg roll wrappers
2. 1 egg, beaten (for sealing the wrappers)
3. Cooking oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Filling:
   • In a large skillet or wok, heat a bit of oil over medium-high heat.
   • Add garlic and sauté for a minute or until fragrant.
   • Add cabbage, carrots, and mushrooms. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
   • If using, add the cooked shrimp, chicken, or tofu and stir-fry until heated through.
   • Stir in the bean sprouts, green onions, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and let the filling cool.
2. Assemble the Egg Rolls:
   • Lay out an egg roll wrapper with one corner facing you (like a diamond).
   • Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the filling near the bottom corner of the wrapper.
   • Roll the wrapper tightly over the filling, fold in the sides, and then continue rolling until you have a sealed egg roll. Use a bit of beaten egg to seal the edges.
3. Fry the Egg Rolls:
   • Heat enough cooking oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to submerge the egg rolls.
   • When the oil reaches 350-375°F (175-190°C), carefully place the egg rolls in the hot oil, seam side down.
   • Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
   • Use a slotted spoon to remove the egg rolls and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
4. Serve:
   • Serve the egg rolls hot with dipping sauces like sweet and sour sauce, soy sauce, or sweet chili sauce.

These are basic instructions for egg rolls, and you can customize the filling to your preference. The key to the best egg rolls is ensuring that the filling is well-seasoned and that the rolls are crispy and not greasy. Enjoy your homemade egg rolls!