Craving a delicious and satisfying meal that's both quick to make and bursting with flavor? Look no further than these homemade Vietnamese egg rolls! This easy recipe delivers crispy, flavorful rolls packed with fresh herbs, savory meats, and crunchy vegetables. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun weekend project, these egg rolls are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, bridging the gap between healthy meals and delicious dishes. Get ready to elevate your homemade cooking game!
Ingredients:
This recipe makes approximately 12 egg rolls.
For the Filling:
- 1 pound ground pork (or a mix of pork and shrimp)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 1/2 cup chopped mushrooms
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, adds richness)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
For the Egg Rolls:
- 1 package (12 count) egg roll wrappers
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
In a large skillet or wok, brown the ground pork over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess fat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
Step 2: Combine Filling Ingredients
Stir in the carrots, bean sprouts, mushrooms, cilantro, and green onions. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
Step 3: Season the Filling
Add the fish sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sugar, black pepper, and white pepper. Mix well and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
Step 4: 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.
Step 5: Fold and Roll
Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the side corners. Tightly roll up the egg roll from the bottom to the top corner, sealing the edge with a little water.
Step 6: Fry the Egg Rolls
Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the egg rolls in the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
Step 7: Drain and Serve
Remove the egg rolls from the oil and place them on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as sweet chili sauce or hoisin sauce. These are delicious served hot as part of a quick dinner idea!
Tips for the Best Egg Rolls:
- Don't overfill the wrappers: Too much filling will make it difficult to roll and seal the egg rolls properly.
- Wet the edges: Using a little water to seal the edges ensures that your egg rolls stay together during frying.
- Fry in batches: Overcrowding the pan will lower the oil temperature, resulting in soggy egg rolls.
- Adjust seasoning to taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of fish sauce, soy sauce, and other seasonings to your preference.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Egg Rolls: Omit the ground pork and add extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or tofu.
- Spicy Egg Rolls: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the filling for a spicy kick.
- Shrimp Egg Rolls: Substitute or add shrimp to the ground pork for a delicious seafood twist.
Nutritional Information (per egg roll, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Protein: 10-15g
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g
Enjoy your delicious homemade Vietnamese egg rolls! They’re a great example of easy recipes that deliver incredible flavor and satisfaction. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, these best recipes are sure to become a family favorite. Remember to adjust the ingredients and cooking time to fit your preferences for a truly personalized culinary experience.