Homemade Egg Rolls: Crispy, Golden, and Better Than Takeout

Homemade Egg Rolls are one of those recipes that instantly elevate your kitchen game. Crispy on the outside, savory and flavorful on the inside, they deliver everything you love about takeout — but fresher, hotter, and completely customizable. Once you make egg rolls at home, it’s hard to go back to restaurant versions.

This recipe focuses on classic flavors: seasoned meat, tender vegetables, garlic, and ginger wrapped in a thin wrapper and fried until perfectly golden. The result is a crunchy exterior that shatters slightly with each bite, revealing a juicy, savory filling inside. They’re satisfying, comforting, and perfect for sharing.

Egg rolls are a favorite for parties, family dinners, and weekend cooking projects. While they may look intimidating, they’re surprisingly straightforward once you get the hang of rolling. With a little practice, you’ll be turning out restaurant-quality egg rolls right in your own kitchen.

Why Homemade Egg Rolls Are Worth Making

Making egg rolls at home gives you complete control over flavor, texture, and ingredients. You decide how seasoned they are, how much filling goes inside, and how crispy you want the wrapper. There’s no guessing what’s inside — just fresh, flavorful ingredients you choose yourself.

Another major advantage is versatility. Egg rolls can be filled with pork, chicken, shrimp, or vegetables. You can make them traditional, spicy, or even fusion-style. They’re adaptable to different tastes while still staying true to their comforting roots.

Homemade egg rolls are also incredibly rewarding. From the sizzle as they hit the oil to the golden crunch when you bite into one, the entire process feels satisfying and fun.

Ingredients

• Ground pork or ground chicken
• Shredded green cabbage
• Shredded carrots
• Green onions, sliced
• Garlic, minced
• Fresh ginger, minced
• Soy sauce
• Sesame oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Egg roll wrappers
• Egg (for sealing wrappers)
• Oil for frying

Instructions

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add ground pork or chicken. Cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
2. Add garlic and ginger and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Stir in cabbage, carrots, and green onions. Cook for 3–4 minutes until vegetables soften slightly.
4. Season with soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and let filling cool completely.
5. Lay an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface with one corner facing you like a diamond.
6. Spoon filling onto the lower third of the wrapper.
7. Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the sides.
8. Roll tightly toward the top corner and seal the edge with beaten egg.
9. Heat oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C).
10. Fry egg rolls in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy, about 3–4 minutes.
11. Remove and drain on paper towels. Serve hot with dipping sauce.

Homemade Egg Rolls

Crispy fried egg rolls filled with seasoned meat and vegetables, perfect as an appetizer or main dish.

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Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 10 egg rolls

Course: Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine: Chinese-American

Calories: 190

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb ground pork or chicken
• 3 cups green cabbage shredded
• 1 cup carrots shredded
• 3 green onions sliced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tsp ginger minced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 10 egg roll wrappers
• 1 egg beaten

Equipment

• Large skillet or pot
• Mixing bowl
• Tongs
• Paper towels

Method

 

1. Cook meat until browned and add aromatics.
2. Stir in vegetables and seasonings and cool filling.
3. Fill and roll egg roll wrappers tightly.
4. Heat oil and fry egg rolls until golden.
5. Drain and serve hot.

Notes

Let filling cool fully before rolling for the crispiest egg rolls.

Tips for Perfectly Crispy Egg Rolls

Cool the filling completely. Warm filling can create steam, causing soggy wrappers.

Roll tightly. Loose rolling can cause oil to seep inside, making egg rolls greasy.

Don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature.

Keep oil hot. Oil that’s too cool will absorb into the wrappers instead of crisping them.

Variations and Filling Ideas

Classic Pork Egg Rolls: Traditional and rich in flavor.

Chicken Egg Rolls: Lighter but still hearty and satisfying.

Vegetable Egg Rolls: Skip the meat and load up on cabbage, carrots, mushrooms, and bean sprouts.

Spicy Egg Rolls: Add chili paste or red pepper flakes to the filling.

Shrimp Egg Rolls: Finely chopped shrimp add sweetness and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Homemade Egg Rolls are perfect as an appetizer, snack, or main dish. Serve them with sweet and sour sauce, duck sauce, or spicy chili sauce. They also pair well with fried rice, lo mein, or a simple cucumber salad.

For parties, slice them in half diagonally and arrange on a platter with multiple dipping sauces.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover egg rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, place them in the oven or air fryer at 375°F until hot and crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it softens the wrapper.

Unfried egg rolls can also be frozen. Freeze in a single layer, then fry directly from frozen, adding an extra minute to cooking time.

Cultural Notes on Egg Rolls

Egg rolls are a Chinese-American classic rather than a traditional Chinese dish. They were adapted to suit American tastes, featuring a thicker wrapper and heartier filling. Over time, they’ve become a beloved staple in takeout culture and home kitchens alike.

Homemade egg rolls celebrate that fusion — blending tradition, comfort, and creativity into one irresistible bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultra-crispy, golden exterior
• Savory, well-seasoned filling
• Better than takeout
• Customizable fillings
• Perfect for parties and meal prep

Homemade Egg Rolls prove that classic comfort food can be even better when made from scratch.