Homemade Egg Rolls: Easy and Delicious Asian Appetizer

Introduction

Delight in the simplicity of making homemade egg rolls filled with flavorful ground pork and prepackaged coleslaw mix. These crispy delights are perfect for any occasion and pair wonderfully with warm sweet chili sauce or sweet and sour sauce. Once you try these homemade egg rolls, you’ll never go back to takeout!

Ingredients

Sweet Chili Sauce

• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup water
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons sambal oelek (fresh chili paste)
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch

Egg Rolls

• 1 lb. ground pork
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon fresh minced ginger (or ginger paste)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 1/2 teaspoons rice wine
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 4 cups coleslaw mix
• 4 green onions, chopped
• Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 14 egg roll wrappers
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

1. Prepare Sweet Chili Sauce:

• In a small saucepan, whisk together rice vinegar, water, brown sugar, and sambal oelek.
• Bring the mixture to a low boil, then simmer.
• Whisk together water and cornstarch, then stir into the chili sauce.
• Cook until slightly thickened, then cover and set aside.

1. Make Egg Roll Filling:

• Brown ground pork in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Drain excess fat, then reduce heat to medium-low.
• Stir in garlic, ginger, soy sauce, rice wine, and sesame oil; cook for 1 minute.
• Add coleslaw mix and cook until cabbage is wilted.
• Stir in green onions and season with salt and pepper.

1. Assemble and Fry Egg Rolls:

• Lay out an egg roll wrapper with a corner pointed toward you.
• Place 1/4 cup of filling in the center.
• Fold bottom corner over the filling, then fold in sides to form an envelope.
• Brush top corner with water and roll up tightly.
• Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.

1. Fry Egg Rolls:

• Heat vegetable oil (about 2 inches deep) in a Dutch oven or deep fryer.
• Fry egg rolls in batches until golden brown and crispy.
• Drain on paper towels.

1. Serve:

• Serve the homemade egg rolls promptly with the prepared sweet chili sauce.

Tips and Notes

• The sweet chili sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated.
• Keep egg roll wrappers covered with damp paper towels to prevent drying.
• Substitute fresh ginger with ginger paste for convenience.
• Customize filling with shrimp, ground turkey, or chicken.
• Add extra vegetables like broccoli, celery, or bell peppers.
• Use a whisk to keep the cornstarch mixture combined.
• Flip egg rolls carefully during frying to brown evenly.
• Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat in an air fryer if desired.

Enjoy these homemade egg rolls as a delightful appetizer or snack, and savor the delicious flavors with every crispy bite!