Egg roll wrappers are thin, square-shaped sheets of dough commonly used in Asian cuisine, particularly for making egg rolls. These wrappers are made from wheat flour, water, and sometimes egg, which gives them a slightly chewy texture when cooked. Despite their traditional association with egg rolls, leftover egg roll wrappers are incredibly versatile in cooking and can create a wide array of delicious dishes.
Jump To
- Types of egg roll wrappers available (store-bought vs. homemade)
- Asian-inspired egg rolls
- Vegetarian-healthier alternatives
- Party pleasers and appetizers
- Sweet indulgences
- Creative main courses
- Proper folding and sealing techniques
- Frying vs. baking egg roll dishes
- Dipping sauce ideas
- Conclusion
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Egg rolls' flexible nature allows them to be filled with various ingredients, from savory fillings like vegetables, meat, and seafood to sweet combinations like fruits and chocolate. Moreover, they can be fried, baked, or steamed to achieve different textures and flavors. Whether you're looking to make appetizers, main courses, or desserts, egg roll wrappers offer a convenient and great way to experiment in the kitchen. I have rounded up 25 recipes that use egg roll wrappers, and these 25 creative recipes will inspire you to explore the world of egg roll wrappers. Read on!
Types of egg roll wrappers available (store-bought vs. homemade)
There are two main types of egg roll wrappers available: store-bought and homemade:
Store-Bought Egg Roll Wrappers: Store-bought egg roll wrappers are widely available in most grocery stores, especially in the Asian food section. They come in packs with numerous sheets, ready for immediate use. Using pre-made wrappers saves time in the kitchen, as you can quickly assemble and cook your dishes without the need for dough preparation.
Homemade Egg Roll Wrappers: Homemade wrappers allow you to adjust the ingredients and thickness according to your preference. You can make them gluten-free or experiment with different flours. When making wrappers at home, you have control over the ingredients freshness.
Both types can yield delicious results in various recipes, so feel free to explore and choose the option that best fits your cooking style and preferences.
Asian-inspired egg rolls
Let's start with a classic Asian-inspired recipes that use egg roll wrappers! They refer to an egg roll that is influenced by the flavors, ingredients, and cooking techniques commonly found in Asian cuisine. An Asian-inspired egg roll typically features a thin, crispy wrapper filled with a combination of ingredients commonly found in Asian dishes. The filling may include a variety of vegetables such as cabbage, carrots, shiitake mushrooms, rice noodles, and bean sprouts, as well as protein options like shrimp, chicken, pork, or tofu. The flavors are often enhanced with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and other Asian seasonings.
The preparation of Asian-inspired egg rolls may involve different cooking methods, such as deep-frying or baking, to achieve a crispy texture. They are usually served with dipping sauces that complement the flavors of the filling. Asian-inspired egg rolls offer a fusion of tastes and textures, combining the richness of traditional egg rolls with the diverse and enticing flavors of Asian cuisine.
These Asian-inspired homemade egg rolls include Chinese, Filipino, and Vietnamese.
Vegetarian-healthier alternatives
Vegetarian egg rolls typically contain a variety of vegetables and sometimes tofu, wrapped in a thin pastry skin and then deep-fried until crispy. Many people who enjoy vegetarian cuisine find vegetarian egg rolls to be a delicious and satisfying option.
Party pleasers and appetizers
Southwest egg rolls are a popular appetizer that combines flavors and ingredients inspired by Southwestern cuisine. They are known for their delicious taste and unique blend of ingredients. There are also corned beef egg rolls and chicken egg rolls:
Cheesy jalapeno poppers are a delicious snack that combines the heat of jalapeno peppers with a creamy and cheesy filling.
Cheese egg rolls typically feature a filling of melted cream cheese, often combined with other ingredients to add flavor and texture. If you're a fan of seafood and enjoy crispy fried foods, seafood-filling egg rolls may be a great choice for you to try.
Sweet indulgences
Indulge your sweet tooth with irresistible Apple pie egg rolls, cheesecake, and Nutella banana rolls. Spoon the sweet filling onto the center of each egg roll wrapper, fold in the sides, and roll tightly. Deep-fry the egg rolls until you see a golden crunchy shell. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delectable dessert.
Here are a few dessert egg rolls recipes that use egg roll wrappers!
Creative main courses
A creative main course egg roll is a unique and innovative take on traditional egg rolls, where the dish is elevated to be the main course of a meal rather than just an appetizer or snack.
The egg rolls wrapper is a little bigger than the wonton wrapper, and you can cut it in half to make these delicious Cheeseburger tartlets.
Proper folding and sealing techniques
Properly folding and sealing egg rolls is essential to ensure that the filling stays intact during cooking and that the egg rolls hold their shape. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to fold and seal egg rolls effectively:
- Place the wrapper diagonally: Lay one egg roll wrapper on a clean, flat surface, positioning it in a diamond shape so that one corner points toward you.
- Add the filling: Spoon your desired filling onto the center of the wrapper, leaving about 1-2 inches of space from the edges. Be cautious not to overstuff the wrapper, as it can make folding and sealing more challenging.
- Fold the bottom corner: Lift the bottom corner of the wrapper and fold it over the filling. Tuck it tightly around the filling to create a neat and compact roll.
- Fold the sides inward: Fold the left and right corners of the wrapper towards the center, forming an envelope shape. Make sure the folds overlap slightly in the middle.
- Moisten the top corner: Lightly moisten the top corner of the wrapper (the one farthest from you) with a bit of water or egg wash. This will act as a "glue" to seal the egg roll.
- Roll and seal: Begin rolling the egg roll away from you, keeping it tight and compact. Press it gently against the roll to seal it securely as you reach the top corner. The moisture will help the wrapper stick to itself.
- Double check seams: Once the egg roll is rolled and sealed, double-check the seams to ensure no openings. If needed, gently press the edges to secure them.
- Repeat the process: Continue folding, sealing, and rolling the remaining egg roll wrappers with your desired fillings until you have made all the egg rolls.
Following these folding and sealing techniques will help you create perfectly shaped and well-sealed egg rolls ready for cooking.
Frying vs. baking egg roll dishes
Frying and baking are two common cooking methods for preparing egg rolls, each offering distinct advantages and resulting in slightly different characteristics. Let's compare frying and baking egg rolls:
Frying Egg Rolls:
- Deep frying egg rolls yield a crispy and crunchy texture on the outside, a hallmark of traditional egg rolls.
- Frying is a relatively quick cooking method, allowing the egg rolls to cook in high heat and achieve the best results of crispiness in a short time.
- When properly fried, egg rolls cook evenly and turn a golden brown color all around.
- One drawback of frying is that egg rolls can absorb some vegetable oil during cooking, making them a bit heavier in calories and fat.
- You should close monitor to maintain the right oil temperature during frying. If the oil is too hot, the wrappers may burn quickly, while insufficient heat can result in greasy egg rolls.
Baking Egg Rolls:
- Baking egg rolls requires little to no oil, making it a healthier alternative to frying. The egg rolls still become crispy but with fewer added calories. Baked egg rolls typically have a lower fat content than fried ones, making them appealing to those looking for a lighter option.
- Baking may not achieve the same level of even browning as frying, but it still gives the egg rolls a nice, golden color on the outside.
- Baking may take a bit longer cooking time compared to frying, as it involves baking the egg rolls on a baking sheet until they reach the desired level of crispiness.
- Once placed in the oven, baked egg rolls require less hands-on attention, allowing you to focus on other tasks in the kitchen.
Dipping sauce ideas
Creative dipping sauces can elevate the flavors of egg rolls, adding a burst of taste and excitement to every bite. Here are some delicious and inventive ideas for dips and sauces to complement your egg rolls:
Sweet chili sauce: This is a popular choice. Sweet chili sauce offers a perfect balance of sweetness and spiciness. It pairs well with most egg roll varieties, enhancing their flavors without overpowering them.
Peanut sauce: Creamy and nutty peanut sauce is a classic accompaniment to egg rolls. It adds rich flavor, especially when paired with vegetable or chicken-filled rolls.
Sriracha mayo: A combination of sriracha and mayonnaise creates a creamy, spicy, and tangy sauce that adds flavor to any egg roll.
Teriyaki glaze: You can drizzle the sweet and savory teriyaki glaze over chicken or vegetable egg rolls.
Sweet and sour sauce: A classic option, sweet and sour sauce provides a tangy and sweet contrast that pairs well with pork or shrimp-filled egg rolls.
Homemade 2-ingredient BBQ sauce: This sauce is super easy to make, and it takes only minutes to whip up.
Remember, balancing the flavors and experimenting with different ingredient combinations is key to a great dip or sauce. Feel free to adjust the ingredient quantities to suit your taste preferences and the specific filling of your egg rolls.
Conclusion
Egg roll wrappers are a fantastic ingredient that opens up tons of possibilities. From savory appetizers to sweet desserts, there's a recipe for every occasion for the entire family. These 25 creative recipes that use egg roll wrappers are just the beginning of the endless ways. You can turn egg roll wrappers into versatile ingredients by thinking outside the traditional egg roll box. Don't hesitate to explore new flavors and combinations to make the most of these thin, versatile dough sheets. You can try different fillings, explore alternative cooking methods, and create your signature crispy egg rolls. So, head to your kitchen, grab a pack of egg roll wrappers, and let the cooking begin!
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