Chinese-American egg rolls are a popular appetizer or snack that originated in Chinese cuisine but have been adapted to American tastes. Here’s a basic recipe for making Chinese-American egg rolls at home:
Ingredients:
- 1 package egg roll wrappers (about 20 wrappers)
- 1/2 lb ground pork or chicken
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Sweet and sour sauce or plum sauce, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a skillet or wok, heat a bit of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the ground pork or chicken and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Add the minced garlic and chopped green onions to the skillet and cook for another minute.
- Stir in the shredded cabbage and carrots, and cook until they are tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
- Season the filling with soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine. Remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly.
- Assemble the Egg Rolls:
- Lay an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface, with one corner pointing towards you (like a diamond shape).
- Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the filling onto the center of the wrapper.
- Fold the bottom corner of the wrapper over the filling, then fold the side corners towards the center. Roll up tightly, like you would a burrito, and seal the top corner with a bit of water. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
- Fry the Egg Rolls:
- In a deep skillet or fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully place the egg rolls in the hot oil, a few at a time, and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried egg rolls to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve:
- Serve the Chinese-American egg rolls hot, with sweet and sour sauce or plum sauce for dipping, if desired.
Enjoy these homemade Chinese-American egg rolls as a delicious appetizer or snack! You can also customize the filling by adding ingredients like mushrooms, bean sprouts, or shrimp to suit your taste preferences.
