3 STEPS TO MAKE EGG ROLL

Making egg rolls at home is a fun and delicious endeavor. Here are the three basic steps to make egg rolls:

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Ingredients for Filling:

• 1 lb (450g) ground pork or chicken (or use shrimp, tofu, or a combination)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup shredded cabbage
• 1 medium carrot, grated or julienned
• 1/2 cup bean sprouts (optional)
• 2-3 green onions, chopped
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions for Filling:

1. Cook the Meat (if using):
   • Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add ground pork or chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
2. Saute Vegetables:
   • In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Saute onion and garlic until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Add shredded cabbage, grated carrot, and bean sprouts (if using). Cook until vegetables are tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Combine and Season:
   • Add cooked meat (or tofu/shrimp), chopped green onions, soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until well combined and heated through. Remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly before using.

Step 2: Assemble the Egg Rolls

Ingredients for Assembly:

• Egg roll wrappers (available in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (to seal the wrappers)
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions for Assembly:

1. Prepare Wrappers:
   • Lay an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface with one corner pointing towards you (diamond shape).
2. Add Filling:
   • Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of the wrapper. Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the left and right corners. Roll tightly towards the top corner. Use cornstarch-water mixture to seal the top corner of the wrapper.
3. Repeat:
   • Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.

Step 3: Fry the Egg Rolls

Instructions for Frying:

1. Heat Oil:
   • Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C).
2. Fry Egg Rolls:
   • Carefully place a few egg rolls into the hot oil, seam side down, without overcrowding the pan. Fry for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
3. Drain and Serve:
   • Remove egg rolls with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Repeat with remaining egg rolls.
4. Serve:
   • Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as sweet and sour sauce, soy sauce, or spicy mustard.

Tips:

• Variations: Feel free to customize the filling with different meats, vegetables, or even add noodles like rice vermicelli.
• Baking Option: For a healthier alternative, you can bake the egg rolls in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown.
• Make Ahead: You can assemble the egg rolls ahead of time and freeze them. When ready to cook, fry them directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the frying time.

Enjoy your homemade egg rolls as a delightful appetizer or main dish!