Homemade Egg Rolls Recipe

I still remember the first time I rolled up my own egg rolls in the kitchen in California while balancing a busy chef’s life and embracing a healthier low-carb approach. I wanted the satisfying crunch of a takeout favorite, but made at home, full of flavor and with the freedom to tweak it. This homemade egg rolls recipe captures that exact joy: crisp, flavorful wrappers, a beautifully seasoned filling, and the chance to bring a beloved appetizer into your comfort zone in the U.S. kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Crunchy satisfaction – The crisp outer shell hits just right, giving you that classic egg rolls texture you crave.
2. Customizable filling – You can use your favorite meat or vegetables, making this truly your own homemade egg rolls creation.
3. Simple prep – With straightforward ingredients and assembly, even a weeknight works for this recipe.
4. Make-ahead friendly – You can prep the filling or wrap ahead, perfect for meals, parties, or snack time.
5. Comfort food with versatility – This egg rolls recipe delivers that comforting “takeout” feel, yet you control the ingredients and can adapt for healthier swaps.
6. Fun twist options – Use specialty wrappers or try a southwest eggrolls variation to bring bold flavors into your kitchen.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Ingredients

• 12 egg roll wrappers (store-bought)
• 1 lb ground beef (or ground chicken/turkey for variation)
• 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
• 3 cups shredded cabbage (or a pre-shredded coleslaw mix)
• ½ cup shredded carrots
• ¼ cup sliced green onions
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon minced ginger
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• 1 beaten egg (for sealing wrappers)
• Oil for frying (about 2-3 inches in a deep pot)
• Salt & freshly ground pepper, to taste

Step by Step Instructions

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground meat, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and no pink remains.
2. Add the garlic and ginger, sauté about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Stir in the shredded cabbage, carrots, and green onions. Cook until the vegetables soften (about 3-4 minutes).
4. Add the soy sauce and toasted sesame oil, stir to combine, then remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly.
5. Place one egg roll wrapper on your work surface with a corner pointing toward you. Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of the filling mixture into the bottom third of the wrapper.
6. Brush the edges of the wrapper lightly with the beaten egg. Fold the bottom corner up over the filling, then fold the sides in snugly, and continue rolling until sealed. Repeat with remaining wrappers.
7. In a deep pot, heat oil to about 350 °F (175 °C). Fry 3-4 egg rolls at a time until golden brown (about 3-5 minutes), turning as needed for even color.
8. Remove the egg rolls and drain on paper towels or a wire rack. Let them rest a minute, then serve hot.

How to Serve

Serve your homemade egg rolls on a platter with a small bowl of sweet chili sauce, duck sauce, or soy-mustard dip. Pair them with a crisp side salad, steamed rice, or stir-fried veggies for a full meal. For a southwest eggrolls twist, slice them and serve as mini tacos with avocado crema and fresh pico de gallo. Garnish with chopped cilantro and lime wedges for visual appeal and extra flavor.

Additional Tips

• For extra crispiness, make sure the oil is properly heated (around 350 °F) and avoid overcrowding the pot.
• If you want to adjust for a low-carb or keto-friendly version: skip regular wrappers and look for low-carb egg roll wrappers or swap in large lettuce leaves (though texture will differ).
• Use ground chicken or turkey instead of pork for a lighter version.
• Add finely chopped mushrooms or water chestnuts into the filling to increase texture and bulk with minimal carbs.
• For baking instead of frying: place wrapped rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray lightly with oil, and bake at 425 °F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Make the filling a day ahead, wrap just before frying, to streamline time when ready to serve.

Recipe Variations

1. Southwest Eggrolls – Use shredded chicken, black beans, diced bell peppers, corn, taco seasoning, and serve with avocado crema.
2. Keto-Friendly Egg Rolls – Use low-carb wrappers (or large romaine leaves), swap in ground turkey, use shredded cabbage & zucchini, and air-fry at 400 °F for ~12 minutes.
3. Vegetarian Crunch Egg Rolls – Skip meat, use shredded tofu or tempeh, add mushrooms, bean sprouts, and water chestnuts; use vegetable oil and serve with sweet chili sauce.
4. Shrimp & Mango Egg Rolls – Use chopped cooked shrimp, julienned mango, scallions, and a light Asian-lime glaze for a tropical fusion spin.

Freezing and Storage

• Store leftover cooked egg rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 350 °F until crisp.
• To freeze: once cooled, lay egg rolls single layer on a parchment-lined tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag (up to 3 months). When ready, either fry straight from frozen (add ~2 extra minutes) or thaw in the fridge and bake/air-fry until golden.
• For meal-prep: assemble and freeze before cooking. Then cook only what you need when you need it.

Special Equipment

FAQs

Can I use different meats ?
Yes — you can use ground chicken, turkey, or even chopped shrimp. The cooking method stays the same; just adjust seasoning as needed.

Is this egg rolls recipe keto friendly?
The classic recipe uses regular wrappers so it is higher in carbs. For a keto version, use low-carb wrappers or substitute large lettuce leaves and adjust filling to low-carb veggies and meat.

Can I make these in an air fryer instead of deep frying?
Absolutely. Brush the wrapped egg rolls lightly with oil, place in a preheated air fryer at ~400 °F, and cook for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.

What can I serve instead of chicken or pork?
You can go vegetarian with tofu/tempeh and veggies, use shrimp, or even use chopped beef. The filling is flexible.

Can I use homemade egg roll wrappers or make my own?
Yes, if you’re comfortable making dough, you can roll your own wrappers. But for convenience, store-bought wrappers work very well and save prep time.

Conclusion

This egg rolls recipe hits all the marks: crunchy, flavorful, easy to make, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you stick with the classic ground pork and cabbage combo or try a southwest eggrolls spin or a keto-friendly version, you’re bringing together comfort, flavor, and health-savvy choices. Embrace the fun of wrapping your own rolls, fry or air-fry them to golden perfection, and enjoy a homemade treat that rivals takeout right in your own kitchen.