Golden Brown Egg Rolls are a crispy, flavorful appetizer filled with a savory mix of seasoned ground meat, cabbage, and carrots. Deep-fried to perfection, these egg rolls deliver a satisfying crunch with every bite. Whether served as a snack, party appetizer, or alongside a main course, they pair perfectly with sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, or any of your favorite dips.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy & Crunchy – A golden, flaky wrapper encases a deliciously seasoned filling.
- Versatile & Customizable – Easily swap the protein or add extra vegetables.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Great as an appetizer, snack, or party dish.
- Freezer-Friendly – Make a big batch and freeze for quick frying later.
- Authentic Flavor – A homemade take on a classic takeout favorite.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb ground pork (or beef/chicken)
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 medium carrot, shredded
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 pack egg roll wrappers
- 1 egg (beaten, for sealing)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Directions
- Prepare the Filling – In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground pork until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Vegetables & Seasoning – Stir in garlic, cabbage, and carrots. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, black pepper, and salt. Mix well, then let the mixture cool.
- Wrap the Egg Rolls – Place an egg roll wrapper diagonally on a clean surface. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of filling near the center. Fold in the sides, roll tightly, and seal the edge with beaten egg.
- Fry to Perfection – Heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep pan. Fry the egg rolls for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Serve & Enjoy – Serve hot with sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, or your preferred dipping sauce.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 12 egg rolls
- Calories: Approximately 180 kcal per roll
Variations
- Vegetarian Egg Rolls – Swap the meat for mushrooms, tofu, or extra vegetables.
- Spicy Kick – Add chopped chili peppers or a dash of sriracha to the filling.
- Air Fryer Version – Brush with oil and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Baked Option – Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, turning once, until golden brown.
- Different Wrappers – Try using spring roll wrappers for a lighter texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store cooked egg rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze uncooked egg rolls on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Fry straight from frozen, adding an extra minute to the cooking time.
- Reheating: Reheat in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes or air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving to maintain crispiness.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of pork?
Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative with a slightly milder flavor.
How do I keep my egg rolls from getting soggy?
Make sure the filling is cooled before wrapping and fry at the correct oil temperature.
Can I bake the egg rolls instead of frying them?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, for a healthier option.
What dipping sauces pair well with egg rolls?
Sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, or spicy mustard are all great choices.
How do I prevent the wrappers from tearing?
Keep them covered with a damp towel while wrapping to prevent drying out.
What’s the difference between egg rolls and spring rolls?
Egg rolls have a thicker, crispier wrapper, while spring rolls use a thinner, rice-based wrapper.
Can I add other vegetables to the filling?
Yes, bean sprouts, bell peppers, or mushrooms make excellent additions.
How do I keep the filling from being too wet?
Avoid overcooking the vegetables, and drain excess moisture before wrapping.
Can I make egg rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and freeze them before frying for easy meal prep.
What oil is best for frying egg rolls?
Neutral oils like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil work best for crispy results.
Conclusion
Golden Brown Egg Rolls are a crunchy, savory treat that’s easy to make at home. With a perfectly seasoned filling and crispy wrapper, they are the ultimate appetizer for any occasion. Whether you fry, bake, or air fry them, these homemade egg rolls will surely impress your family and guests. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces and enjoy a delicious, restaurant-quality snack right in your kitchen!
Print
Golden Brown Egg Rolls
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 egg rolls 1x
Description
Crispy, golden-brown egg rolls packed with a savory mix of seasoned ground meat, cabbage, and carrots, deep-fried to perfection. This classic crunchy appetizer is great for parties, snacks, or as a side dish, and pairs perfectly with your favorite dipping sauce!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground pork (or beef/chicken)
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 medium carrot, shredded
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 pack egg roll wrappers
- 1 egg (beaten, for sealing)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground pork until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add Vegetables & Seasoning: Stir in garlic, cabbage, and carrots. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, black pepper, and salt. Mix well and let the filling cool.
- Wrap the Egg Rolls: Place an egg roll wrapper diagonally on a clean surface. Spoon 2 tablespoons of filling near the center. Fold in the sides, roll tightly, and seal the edge with beaten egg.
- Fry to Perfection: Heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep pan. Fry egg rolls for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Serve & Enjoy: Serve hot with sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, or your favorite dip!
Notes
- For a healthier option, bake egg rolls at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Air-fryer alternative: Spray egg rolls lightly with oil and air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping once.
- Add bean sprouts, mushrooms, or chopped shrimp for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer / Snack
- Method: Deep-Fried / Pan-Fried
- Cuisine: Asian / Chinese
