Make Egg Rolls Without Deep Fryer: Easy, Quick, Crispy!

Egg rolls are a popular Chinese food takeout option, but they can also be made at home without a deep fryer. They are typically made by frying a variety of ingredients, such as meat, vegetables, and aromatics, wrapped in an egg roll wrapper. However, it is possible to bake them in the oven for a lighter alternative. This paragraph will discuss the process of making egg rolls without a deep fryer, including the ingredients, preparation, and cooking methods.

Choose your oil

When making egg rolls without a deep fryer, choosing the right oil is essential for achieving the perfect crispy texture. Here are some tips and recommendations for selecting the best oil for your egg rolls:

• Vegetable oil is a versatile option and is commonly used for frying egg rolls. It has a neutral flavour that won't overpower the other ingredients.
• Canola oil is another suitable choice, as it has a mild flavour and a high smoke point, making it ideal for deep frying.
• Peanut oil is recommended by some sources for its high smoke point and nutty flavour. It is important to note that peanut oil may not be suitable for those with peanut allergies.
• Avocado oil, safflower oil, sunflower oil, grapeseed oil, and corn oil are also good alternatives for frying egg rolls. These oils have high smoke points and neutral flavours that won't interfere with the taste of your egg rolls.
• It is best to avoid olive oil and sesame oil for deep frying due to their low smoke points. These oils are better suited for other cooking methods or used in small quantities as flavour enhancers.

When choosing an oil for frying egg rolls, consider its smoke point, flavour, and suitability for your dietary needs. Always fry your egg rolls at the recommended temperature to ensure they are cooked evenly and achieve the desired crispiness.

Prepare the filling

To make the filling for your egg rolls, you'll need a combination of meat, vegetables, and seasoning.

For the meat, you can use ground pork, chicken, turkey, or shrimp. If you want to make a vegetarian option, you can omit the meat and add more vegetables, such as mushrooms or tofu.

For the vegetables, you'll need shredded cabbage, carrots, and green onions. You can also add in other vegetables like bell peppers, garlic, ginger, and bean sprouts.

To prepare the filling, start by cooking your meat in a large skillet over medium-high heat. If using pork or chicken, be sure to break it up with a spatula as it cooks. Once the meat is cooked through, add in your vegetables and cook until they are crisp-tender.

Next, you'll want to season your filling. Add in soy sauce, sesame oil, and Chinese five-spice powder. If you can't find Chinese five-spice, you can substitute a combination of cayenne pepper, cinnamon, and ground cloves. You can also add in a little brown sugar to enhance the savory flavors. Stir everything together and let the mixture cool before filling your egg roll wrappers.

Fill and wrap the rolls

Once you've prepared your filling, it's time to assemble your egg rolls. Place an egg roll wrapper on your work surface and spread about 1-2 tablespoons of filling in the centre. You can use pork, chicken, turkey, shrimp, or make them vegetarian by adding another vegetable like mushrooms or tofu.

Use a beaten egg to seal the edges of the wrapper. Fold the bottom corner up, then fold the right and left sides in to enclose the filling, making an envelope shape. Press the filling down using your fingertips, then roll and wrap the egg roll. Repeat this process with the remaining wrappers and filling.

If you're not frying your egg rolls right away, you can store them in the fridge for up to a day. Arrange them on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper, cover them tightly with plastic, and store them until you're ready to fry them.

Cook without a fryer

If you don't have a deep fryer, you can still make egg rolls by baking them in the oven. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients:

• Vegetable oil or cooking spray
• Ground meat of your choice ( pork, chicken, turkey, or beef)
• Aromatics: garlic, ginger, and green onions
• Vegetables: cabbage, carrots, and bean sprouts
• Seasonings: salt, pepper, Chinese five spice, light soy sauce, and brown sugar
• Egg roll wrappers
• 1 egg, beaten

Step 1: Make the filling

Start by cooking your chosen ground meat in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Break up the meat with a spatula as it cooks. You can season the meat with salt and pepper as it cooks. Once the meat is cooked through, transfer it to a plate.

Next, add your aromatics and vegetables to the pan. Heat some vegetable oil or cooking spray, then add garlic, ginger, green onions, cabbage, carrots, and any other vegetables you wish to include. Sauté until the vegetables are crisp-tender, about 3-4 minutes.

Return the cooked meat to the pan and add your seasonings: soy sauce, sesame oil, and Chinese five spice (if using). Stir everything together and cook for a further 1-2 minutes. Remove the filling from the heat and allow it to cool slightly.

Step 2: Assemble the egg rolls

Lay an egg roll wrapper on a clean work surface. Place about 1-2 tablespoons of the filling in the centre of the wrapper. Use your fingertip to dab a little beaten egg on the corners of the wrapper to help seal it.

Fold the bottom corner up and then fold the sides in, envelope-style. Press the filling down snugly with your fingertips, then roll the wrapper tightly to enclose the filling. Repeat this process until you have used up all your filling and wrappers.

Step 3: Bake the egg rolls

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or coat it with cooking spray. Place the assembled egg rolls on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are seam-side down. Brush both sides of the egg rolls with oil or cooking spray.

Bake the egg rolls in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Flip them over halfway through the baking time to ensure even cooking.

Tips for baking egg rolls:

• Be sure to fold the wrappers tightly to prevent the oil from seeping in during baking.
• Don't skip the egg wash, as this helps to seal the wrappers and hold them together.
• If you want to freeze your egg rolls, let them cool completely, then store them in a freezer-safe container with layers separated by waxed paper.
• To reheat baked egg rolls, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) until heated through and crispy.

Serve with a dipping sauce

There are many different sauces that can be used for dipping egg rolls. If you want to go for a classic option, you can serve your egg rolls with sweet and sour sauce. This sauce is commonly paired with egg rolls and can be purchased from most grocery stores.

If you want to try something different, you could try serving your egg rolls with a spicy mustard sauce. This sauce will add a kick to your egg rolls and is a great option if you're looking for something with a bit more heat.

Another option is to serve your egg rolls with a Thai sweet chili sauce. This sauce is sweet and spicy, and it pairs perfectly with the savory filling of the egg rolls. If you're looking for something with a bit of a kick, this sauce is a great option.

You could also try serving your egg rolls with a sesame sauce. This sauce is perfect for those who want a nuttier flavor to complement the savory filling of the egg rolls.

Finally, if you're looking for a sauce that's on the sweeter side, you could try making a duck sauce. This sauce is similar to sweet and sour sauce but has a more pronounced sweetness that can be quite addictive.

Frequently asked questions