Homemade egg rolls are the kind of comfort food that effortlessly bridges the gap between a quick appetizer and a satisfying main dish. These crispy, golden delights have long been a staple of Asian-American cuisine, often found at takeout counters and buffet tables. But nothing compares to making them at home—where you control the ingredients, flavor, and level of crispiness.
One of the major benefits of creating egg rolls from scratch is how customizable they are. Whether you’re craving the classic chicken version or prefer vegetarian or spicy alternatives, the possibilities are endless. Plus, when you make them yourself, you’re skipping preservatives and unnecessary oils often found in frozen or takeout versions.
If you’re curious about the history of egg rolls, you’ll find that they originated as an American-Chinese dish, a twist on the more delicate spring roll (source). These hearty appetizers are traditionally made by wrapping a savory filling—often cabbage, meat, and spices—inside a wheat flour wrapper, then deep frying them until crisp. You can even experiment with healthier approaches like using an air fryer or baking instead, many of which can be found in this excellent Pinterest board on homemade air fryer recipes.
Ingredients breakdown for homemade egg rolls
Making homemade chicken egg rolls starts with fresh, simple ingredients that you can find at almost any grocery store. The magic is in how these basic components combine into something truly delicious.
Essential ingredients:
10–12 egg roll wrappers: Look for these in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores near the tofu or salad kits. These are crucial to getting that crispy outer shell. While spring roll wrappers can be an alternative, they are thinner and result in a different texture (learn more).
2 cups shredded cooked chicken: Using rotisserie chicken is a smart shortcut that adds flavor and saves time (see more).
3 cups tri-color coleslaw mix: This mix typically includes green cabbage, purple cabbage, and shredded carrots—making it colorful, nutritious, and super convenient. You can learn more about the benefits of cabbage here.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to lightly sauté the coleslaw mix before wrapping.
Salt and pepper to taste: A simple way to bring all the flavors together.
Vegetable oil for frying: Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point. Read about suitable oils here.
Water (for sealing wrappers): Helps ensure your egg rolls stay sealed while frying.
Optional flavor boosters:
Minced garlic or ginger
Soy sauce or low-sodium tamari
Chopped green onions
A splash of sesame oil (for aroma)
This ingredient list not only forms the base of your chicken egg roll recipe, but also opens the door for many creative variations. You’ll find plenty of ideas in this Pinterest collection of coleslaw recipes, which can help you experiment with different vegetable combinations.
Step-by-step instructions for perfect egg rolls
Creating homemade egg rolls is a rewarding process that becomes easier with practice. Here’s a foolproof guide that ensures you get crunchy, flavorful rolls every time.
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Preparing the filling:
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add 3 cups of tri-color coleslaw mix and sauté for 3–4 minutes until slightly softened.
Stir in 2 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes.
Season the mixture with salt and pepper. You can also add a dash of soy sauce or sesame oil if desired.
Let the filling cool slightly to make wrapping easier.
Assembling the egg rolls:
Lay out an egg roll wrapper in a diamond shape on a clean surface.
Spoon about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of the filling horizontally across the center.
Fold the bottom corner up over the filling, then fold in the left and right sides toward the center.
Roll tightly upwards, sealing the top edge with a bit of water to secure it.
Frying the egg rolls:
Heat 3/4 inch of vegetable oil in a skillet to between 350°F and 375°F.
Fry the egg rolls in small batches, turning them as needed to ensure all sides are golden brown.
Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.
This process, while straightforward, benefits from attention to detail—particularly when it comes to oil temperature and wrapping technique. For safety tips and methods, explore this article on deep frying.
For those looking for dipping options, check out this Pinterest roundup of dipping sauces that complement egg rolls perfectly.
Tips for perfect egg rolls every time
Even seasoned cooks sometimes struggle with achieving that perfect crispy egg roll. Here are expert-approved tips that ensure delicious, professional-quality results:
Don’t overfill the wrapper: Too much filling will make it hard to roll and increase the chance of breakage.
Seal tightly: Use a dab of water along the edge to seal. Loose rolls will unravel while frying.
Avoid soggy filling: Let your cabbage cook off moisture and allow the mixture to cool before wrapping.
Maintain oil temperature: Use a thermometer to keep the oil between 350°F and 375°F. Lower temps absorb oil, making the rolls greasy.
Fry in batches: Overcrowding the pan lowers the oil temp and leads to uneven cooking.
Taking these precautions ensures your homemade chicken egg rolls come out crisp, golden, and satisfying every time.
Flavor variations and alternative fillings
The beauty of homemade egg rolls lies in their versatility. Once you’ve mastered the base recipe, consider experimenting with these delicious variations:
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