The Chinese New Year has just passed and it’s now the year of the horse! However, it’s never too late to make your own egg rolls. Did you know that coconut oil is excellent for frying them (you can also bake them if you prefer)? It can withstand the higher heat (unlike olive oil) and is healthier than other oils when you use extra virgin coconut oil. It’s important any time that you are frying to carefully watch the temperature of your oil to ensure the best results. Typically the oil will be heated between 325 and 375 degrees.
These egg rolls are easy and very delicious plus they are super fun to make – maybe even a Valentine’s Day date-night-in activity idea?! You can easily customize them by adding your favorite meat instead of the pork (shrimp, beef, chicken) or by making it vegetable only (perhaps add mushrooms instead of meat). The egg rolls can be baked instead of fried for an even healthier version, but the frying does give the most authentic flavor and texture and the coconut oil provided a very light and delicious result.
We have just slightly modified this recipe that was originally shared at The Cooks Next Door. It’s a very forgiving recipe, so feel free to adjust the vegetables and use your judgement on the amounts to make the perfect filling for you – we tend to go a little heavier on the cabbage and carrots.
Homemade Egg Rolls
EGG ROLLS
Makes about 16
1/2 lb. ground pork
1/4 head of cabbage, shredded or about 8-10 oz. slaw mix
1/4 head of napa cabbage, shredded
1/2 c. carrot, shredded
1/2 c. bean sprouts
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tb. Hoisin Sauce (you can purchase this or make your own)
2 Tb. Smooth PeanutButter
1 package Egg Roll wrappers
Coconut oil or oil of choice for frying
Brown pork. Add vegetables and garlic and saute until slightly cooked but still crunchy. Add hoisen sauce and peanut butter. Divide mixture into egg roll wrappers – 2-3 Tb./wrapper.
To Roll: Place filling lengthwise towards end closest to you. Fold sides in and slowly roll. Seal edge with water. Make sure to thoroughly seal before frying and fry within 30 minutes of rolling.
Fry in a deep fryer at 375 degrees until golden brown OR bake in oven at 400 for about 15 minutes or until golden. Our fryer fit 3 at a time without it being too crowded and they took 3-5 minutes/batch.
Serve with your favorite Sweet & Sour sauce and enjoy!
Have you every made your own egg or spring rolls?
