Tiffany Haney
Egg rolls are a Chinese food favourite, and they are easy to make at home. They are typically filled with meat, such as chicken, pork, beef, shrimp, or turkey, and vegetables, such as cabbage, carrots, and green onions. They are then deep-fried in oil until golden brown and crispy. The cooking time for egg rolls in a deep fryer varies depending on the recipe and the desired level of doneness, but it typically ranges from 1 to 5 minutes at an oil temperature of around 350°F to 370°F.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Oil temperature | 350°F-370°F; some sources recommend 270°F |
| Oil type | Peanut oil, canola oil, corn oil, vegetable oil, olive oil, avocado oil |
| Oil level | 1/2 inch-2 inches |
| Frying time | 3-5 minutes at medium-low heat, then 1-2 minutes at 270°F |
| Frying method | Deep fryer, deep frying pan, air fryer |
| Filling | Meat (pork, beef, chicken, shrimp, turkey), vegetables (cabbage, green onions, carrots, bell peppers, ginger, garlic), soy sauce, brown sugar, Chinese five spice |
| Dipping sauce | Sweet and sour sauce, duck sauce, soy sauce, spicy mustard |
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What You'll Learn
Oil temperature
The oil temperature is a crucial factor in achieving the perfect egg rolls. The temperature needs to be carefully monitored and maintained throughout the frying process. Using a deep-fry or candy thermometer is recommended to ensure accuracy.
When frying egg rolls, the oil should be heated to a temperature between 350°F and 370°F. This temperature range is important as it ensures the egg rolls cook thoroughly and attain a desirable golden brown colour and crispy texture. A temperature of 270°F is also mentioned as a suitable option, but it may require a slightly longer cooking time of 3-5 minutes.
It is important to note that the oil temperature should not be too low or too high. If the temperature is too low, the egg rolls will absorb more oil and become soggy. On the other hand, if the temperature is too high, the egg rolls may burn, and it can even become a safety hazard. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor the oil temperature closely and make adjustments as needed.
The type of oil used also plays a role in achieving the desired temperature. Peanut oil, with its high smoking point and nutty flavour, is a popular choice for frying egg rolls. Other suitable options include canola, corn, vegetable, avocado, and olive oil. Oils with lower smoking points, such as sesame oil and olive oil, are not recommended for deep frying.
Additionally, it is important to work in batches when frying egg rolls. Adding too many egg rolls at once can lower the oil temperature, affecting the cooking process and the overall quality of the egg rolls. It is best to add only a few egg rolls at a time, allowing the oil to recover its temperature between batches.
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Frying time
If you are pan-frying your egg rolls, you will need to add enough oil to reach about 1/2 inch up a skillet and then fry the egg rolls at 350°F for about four minutes per side. They will be golden brown and ready to be enjoyed!
If you are using an air fryer, lightly brush the egg rolls with oil and cook them at 350°F for 6-8 minutes. You can also bake your egg rolls in the oven. To do this, lightly coat them with cooking spray and place them on a greased baking sheet. Bake at 425°F for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
It is important to note that the frying time may vary depending on the number of egg rolls you cook at once. Adding too many egg rolls at once will lower the temperature of the oil, so it is best to work in batches and add only a few at a time.
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Filling preparation
For the filling, you can use cooked protein such as ground beef, turkey, chicken, shrimp, or leftover chicken and rice. You can also add vegetables such as shredded cabbage, green onions, carrots, mushrooms, and bean sprouts. If you're using meat, start by cooking and crumbling it in a pan with some oil until it's cooked through. Then, add your vegetables to the pan and saute until they're wilted. For extra flavor, you can add a teaspoon or two of sesame oil, along with some Chinese five spice.
Once your filling is cooked, you'll need to let it cool before assembling your egg rolls. Spread the mixture onto a long sheet of foil and let it cool for about 10 minutes. You can also make the filling in advance and store it in the fridge, covered, for a day or two. Just be sure that it's cooled to room temperature before assembling your egg rolls.
If you're making a vegetarian version, use 1 tablespoon of oil for cooking the vegetables since there won't be any meat grease. Use an oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, peanut oil, canola oil, olive oil, or avocado oil.
For a classic Chinese takeout flavor, start with a pork filling. Cook the ground pork in a large skillet until it's cooked through, then add vegetables such as ginger, garlic, scallion, carrot, and cabbage. Cook until the vegetables are wilted, then season the filling with soy sauce and rice wine vinegar.
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Wrapping the rolls
Choosing the Right Wrappers
The first step to achieving the perfect wrap is selecting the right egg roll wrappers. You can find these in most Asian grocery stores or the frozen section of supermarkets, with a variety of brands, textures, thicknesses, and shapes available. Spring Home is a popular brand known for its square-shaped, thin, and flexible wrappers. If you're looking for thicker wrappers, the Dynasty brand offers wrappers with a bubbly texture. For smaller egg rolls, look for wrappers with smaller dimensions, such as the Spring Home or Wie Chuan brands.
Preparing the Wrapping Station
Before you begin wrapping, it's essential to prepare your workspace. Gather all the necessary ingredients and tools, including the egg roll wrappers, your chosen filling, a bowl of egg wash (an egg mixed with a small amount of milk), and a brush for applying the egg wash. Having everything within reach will make the wrapping process more efficient and enjoyable.
Laying Out the Wrapper
Now it's time to start wrapping! Place one egg roll wrapper on your clean work surface, positioning it in the shape of a diamond. Visualize the four corners of the diamond, with corner 1 being the corner furthest from you, corner 2 to your left, corner 3 to your right, and corner 4 being the closest to you. This visualization will help you properly place the filling and fold the wrapper.
Filling and Folding
Place about 2 to 3 tablespoons of your chosen filling in the middle of the wrapper, just a little below the line connecting corners 2 and 3. Using a small brush or your finger, spread some of the egg wash along the edges of the wrapper, from corner 2 to corner 1, and then from corner 1 to corner 3. This egg wash will act as a glue to hold the wrapper together.
Now, it's time to fold! Start by bringing corner 2 towards the center, slightly overlapping the filling. Then, bring corner 3 towards the center, overlapping corner 2 and creating a snug roll. Finally, bring corner 1 towards the center and tuck it under the roll, sealing it with the egg wash. Ensure that the wrapper is folded tightly and rolled snugly to prevent oil from seeping in during frying.
Sealing the Deal
Once you have rolled and tucked in all the corners, use the remaining egg wash to seal the wrapper completely. You can also use cornstarch to seal the edges if needed. Make sure there are no gaps or openings for the filling to leak out. And there you have it—a perfectly wrapped egg roll, ready to be fried to golden perfection!
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Reheating and storing
To cook egg rolls in a deep fryer, it is recommended to fry them at around 350-370°F (170°C) for 5-8 minutes until golden brown. Now, let's discuss reheating and storing these delicious treats:
Reheating:
While you can reheat egg rolls in a microwave, using an air fryer is a better option. It will give your egg rolls that crispy, crunchy texture, making them taste like new. Here's how to do it:
- Take your cold, leftover egg rolls out of the refrigerator.
- Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap. If you're reheating multiple egg rolls, you may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Set the air fryer to 350°F (170°C).
- Cook the egg rolls for 6-8 minutes. For even reheating, consider flipping or shaking them halfway through.
- After the allotted time, check one egg roll to see if it's heated through and crispy on the outside. If they need more time, continue cooking in 1-2 minute increments.
- Once your egg rolls are crisped to perfection, carefully remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately.
Storing:
If you've made a large batch of egg rolls, you can store them in the refrigerator and reheat them later. Here are some tips for storing:
- After frying, place the egg rolls on a cooling rack set over a baking sheet. This will help keep them nice and crisp.
- To prevent sticking, consider coating the egg rolls with a small amount of cornstarch or using an egg white and a pastry brush to lightly coat them before storing.
- You can also wrap the egg rolls individually before placing them in the refrigerator.
- Frying them a second time before serving will ensure they're heated through and crispy.
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Frequently asked questions
Fry the egg rolls for 1-2 minutes or until golden brown all over.
The oil should be heated to 350-370°F.
Add a few egg rolls at a time to the oil, avoid adding more than 5 at once as this will lower the temperature.
Peanut oil is great for frying egg rolls as it has a high smoking point and provides a nutty flavor. If you don't have it, you can use vegetable oil, canola oil, avocado oil, or corn oil.
Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the egg rolls. Also, make sure the egg rolls are wrapped tightly so the oil doesn't seep in while frying.
