Are you craving the classic comfort of a Reuben sandwich but looking for a fun, exciting twist? Look no further! These Reuben Egg Rolls are the perfect solution – a delicious and surprisingly easy appetizer or light meal that combines all the savory goodness of a Reuben into a crispy, golden-brown package. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this unique and satisfying recipe that's perfect for game day, a casual get-together, or a quick and delicious weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
This recipe makes about 12 egg rolls.
- For the Filling:
- 1 pound corned beef, thinly sliced
- 1 cup sauerkraut, drained
- 1/2 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup thousand island dressing
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
- For the Egg Rolls:
- 1 package (12 count) egg roll wrappers
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
Preparing the Reuben Filling:
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Prep the Ingredients: Start by thinly slicing the corned beef if it's not already pre-sliced. Ensure the sauerkraut is well-drained to prevent soggy egg rolls. Shred the Swiss cheese.
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Combine the Filling: In a large bowl, gently combine the corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, thousand island dressing, Dijon mustard, and caraway seeds (if using). Mix until everything is evenly distributed.
Assembling the Egg Rolls:
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Prepare your Work Area: Lay out your egg roll wrappers on a clean, flat surface. Have a small bowl of beaten egg ready for sealing.
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Fill the Wrappers: Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the Reuben filling in the center of each egg roll wrapper.
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Fold and Seal: Fold the bottom corner of the wrapper over the filling, then fold in the side corners. Brush the top edge of the wrapper with the beaten egg, then tightly roll the wrapper up and over the filling to create a sealed egg roll.
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Repeat: Repeat steps 2 and 3 until all the egg roll wrappers are filled.
Frying the Egg Rolls:
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Heat the Oil: Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough that a small amount of filling dropped in will sizzle immediately.
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Fry the Rolls: Carefully place a few egg rolls (don't overcrowd the pan) into the hot oil. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
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Drain and Serve: Remove the cooked egg rolls from the oil and place them on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Reuben Egg Rolls:
- Don't Overfill: Overfilling the egg rolls will make them difficult to seal and may cause them to burst during frying.
- Proper Oil Temperature: Maintaining the correct oil temperature is crucial for crispy egg rolls. If the oil is too cool, the egg rolls will be greasy; if it's too hot, they'll burn on the outside before cooking through.
- Serve Immediately: These egg rolls are best served immediately after frying, while they are hot and crispy.
Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a little heat.
- Add some Greens: Incorporate some chopped spinach or kale into the filling for added nutrients.
- Different Cheese: Experiment with other cheeses like provolone or cheddar.
Nutritional Information (per egg roll, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 250-300 Fat: 15-20g Protein: 10-15g Carbohydrates: 20-25g
Enjoy your delicious and easy Reuben Egg Rolls! This recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a classic flavor combination in a fun, new format. Perfect for any occasion, these flavorful bites are sure to become a new family favorite. Let me know in the comments how yours turned out!