Crispy Golden Brown Egg Rolls (Perfectly Crunchy Every Time)
There’s nothing quite like biting into a freshly cooked egg roll with a crispy, golden brown wrapper that crackles before giving way to a savory, flavorful filling. These homemade egg rolls are crunchy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and far better than takeout. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, party snack, or side dish, this recipe delivers consistent results with simple ingredients and clear cooking times and temperatures.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Extra-crispy texture with no sogginess
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Classic savory filling packed with flavor
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Easy step-by-step rolling instructions
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Perfect frying temperature for golden browning
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Make-ahead and freezer-friendly
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: About 45 minutes
Cooking Temperature: Oil heated to 350°F (175°C)
Yield: 12–15 egg rolls
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Ingredients
For the Filling
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1 tablespoon vegetable oil
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2 cups finely shredded green cabbage
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1 cup shredded carrots
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½ cup chopped green onions
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
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¾ pound ground pork or chicken (optional but traditional)
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2 tablespoons soy sauce
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1 tablespoon oyster sauce
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1 teaspoon sesame oil
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½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Egg Rolls
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12–15 egg roll wrappers
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1 egg, beaten (for sealing)
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Vegetable or peanut oil, for frying
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat (375°F surface temperature). Add the ground meat if using and cook for 4–5 minutes, breaking it apart, until fully cooked and lightly browned.
Add the garlic and ginger and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in cabbage, carrots, and green onions. Cook for 3–4 minutes, just until the vegetables soften but still retain some crunch.
Pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and black pepper. Stir well and cook for another 1 minute. Remove from heat and let the filling cool completely. This step is important—hot filling can make egg rolls soggy and harder to seal.
Step 2: Assemble the Egg Rolls
Lay one egg roll wrapper on a clean surface in a diamond shape, with one corner pointing toward you. Place 2–3 tablespoons of filling near the bottom corner.
Fold the bottom corner up over the filling, then fold in the left and right sides snugly. Roll tightly toward the top corner. Brush the top corner with beaten egg and press to seal.
Repeat until all egg rolls are assembled. Keep finished egg rolls covered with a clean kitchen towel to prevent drying.
Frying for Perfect Crispiness
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Pour oil into a deep skillet or pot to a depth of 2–3 inches. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy—this temperature is key for achieving a crispy, golden brown shell without absorbing excess oil.
Step 4: Fry the Egg Rolls
Carefully lower 3–4 egg rolls at a time into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pan, as this will lower the oil temperature and cause uneven browning.
Fry for 3–4 minutes, turning occasionally, until the egg rolls are deep golden brown and crisp on all sides.
Use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove egg rolls and place them on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. Allow them to rest for 2 minutes before serving—this helps the shell stay crisp.
Baking or Air Fryer Option (Optional)
Oven Method
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Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C)
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Brush egg rolls lightly with oil
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Bake for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway
Air Fryer Method
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Preheat air fryer to 400°F (205°C)
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Cook for 10–12 minutes, turning once
While frying gives the crispiest texture, these methods still produce a crunchy, golden finish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve egg rolls hot with:
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Sweet chili sauce
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Soy sauce
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Duck sauce
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Spicy mustard
They pair perfectly with fried rice, lo mein, or a fresh Asian-style salad.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
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Refrigerator: Store cooked egg rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Freezer: Freeze uncooked egg rolls in a single layer, then transfer to freezer bags. Fry directly from frozen at 350°F, adding 1–2 minutes to cook time.
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Reheating: Reheat in oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes to restore crispiness.
Final Thoughts
These crispy golden brown egg rolls are everything a great egg roll should be—crunchy, flavorful, and beautifully browned. By maintaining the correct oil temperature and not rushing the process, you’ll get restaurant-quality results right at home. Perfect for entertaining or satisfying a craving, this recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again.