These Homemade Chinese Egg Rolls are perfectly crispy on the outside and packed with a savory filling of seasoned pork, cabbage, carrots, and aromatic ginger and garlic. Fried until golden brown and served with your favorite dipping sauce, they’re the perfect appetizer, party snack, or takeout-inspired dinner made right at home.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 12–14 egg rolls
- Course: Appetizer, Snack
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
- Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 1 pound (450 g) ground pork or ground chicken
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- ½ cup finely chopped green onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon white pepper
- ½ teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For Rolling
- 12–14 egg roll wrappers
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
For Frying
- 3–4 cups vegetable oil or peanut oil
Optional Dipping Sauces
- Sweet chili sauce
- Duck sauce
- Soy sauce
- Hot mustard
- Sweet and sour sauce
Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or wok
- Mixing spoon
- Small bowl
- Heavy pot or Dutch oven
- Cooking thermometer
- Tongs
- Wire rack or paper towels
Instructions
Step 1 – Cook the Meat
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the ground pork (or chicken) and cook until fully browned, breaking it into small crumbles.
Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2 – Add the Vegetables
Mix in:
- Shredded cabbage
- Carrots
- Green onions
Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables soften and most of the moisture has evaporated.
Step 3 – Season the Filling
Add:
- Soy sauce
- Oyster sauce
- Sesame oil
- White pepper
- Sugar
- Cornstarch
Stir well until evenly coated.
Remove from the heat and allow the filling to cool completely.
Step 4 – Prepare the Wrappers
Whisk together the egg and water to create an egg wash.
Lay one egg roll wrapper on a clean surface in a diamond shape.
Place 2–3 tablespoons of cooled filling near the bottom corner.
Step 5 – Roll the Egg Rolls
Fold the bottom corner tightly over the filling.
Fold in both side corners.
Roll upward into a tight cylinder.
Brush the top corner with egg wash and seal firmly.
Repeat with the remaining wrappers.
Step 6 – Fry
Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C).
Carefully fry 3–4 egg rolls at a time for 3–4 minutes, turning occasionally, until evenly golden brown and crispy.
Step 7 – Drain & Serve
Transfer the cooked egg rolls to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate.
Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy these crispy egg rolls with:
- Fried rice
- Lo mein noodles
- Hot and sour soup
- Sweet chili sauce
- Soy sauce
- Asian cucumber salad
Storage
Refrigerator: Store cooked egg rolls in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooked or uncooked egg rolls for up to 3 months.
Reheat in an air fryer or oven at 375°F until crispy.
Tips for Success
- Cool the filling completely before wrapping to prevent soggy wrappers.
- Keep unused wrappers covered with a damp towel so they don’t dry out.
- Fry in small batches to keep the oil temperature steady.
- Seal each roll tightly with egg wash to prevent leaks.
- For extra crispiness, let the egg rolls rest on a wire rack instead of paper towels.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Egg Roll)
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes. Brush the egg rolls lightly with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Can I air fry them?
Absolutely. Spray them lightly with cooking oil and air fry at 390°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Can I make them ahead?
Yes. Assemble the egg rolls, refrigerate for up to 24 hours, or freeze them before frying.
What’s the best meat to use?
Ground pork gives the most authentic flavor, but ground chicken, turkey, or even shrimp are excellent alternatives.
Final Thoughts
These Homemade Chinese Egg Rolls are crispy, flavorful, and far better than takeout. Filled with savory pork, fresh vegetables, and classic Asian seasonings, they’re easy to make, freezer-friendly, and perfect as an appetizer, party snack, or satisfying family meal.
