Craving that satisfying crunch and savory goodness of a Panda Express egg roll but don't want to leave the house? Then you're in the right place! This recipe will guide you through creating your own delicious, homemade Panda Express-inspired egg rolls. It's easier than you think, and the result is a quick dinner idea that's far healthier and more flavorful than takeout. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy recipe!
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
- 1 pound ground pork (or a blend of pork and chicken for a leaner option)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup finely shredded cabbage
- 1/2 cup finely shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, but adds great depth of flavor)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Assembly:
- 1 package (about 20) egg roll wrappers
- 1 egg, beaten
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground pork and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the cabbage, carrots, and green onions. Cook until slightly wilted, about 2-3 minutes more.
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
Step 2: Assemble the Egg Rolls
Lay an egg roll wrapper on a flat surface with one corner pointing towards you. Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the filling in the center of the wrapper.
Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the side corners. Brush the top corner with the beaten egg, then tightly roll up the egg roll. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
- Pro Tip: Don't overfill the egg rolls, or they'll be difficult to seal and might burst during frying.
Step 3: Fry the Egg Rolls
Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Fry the egg rolls in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your homemade Panda Express egg rolls immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as sweet and sour sauce or a simple soy sauce mixture.
Variations:
- Vegetarian: Substitute the ground pork with a mixture of finely chopped mushrooms, water chestnuts, and tofu.
- Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the filling for an extra kick.
- Shrimp Egg Rolls: Use cooked shrimp instead of pork for a lighter and seafood-focused option.
Nutritional Information (per egg roll, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Fat: 10-15g
- Protein: 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
This recipe offers a delicious and easy way to enjoy a homemade version of a popular restaurant favorite. It’s a fantastic addition to your repertoire of healthy meals and quick dinner ideas, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Enjoy the process of homemade cooking and the satisfaction of creating this delicious dish!