Homemade Takeout-Style Veggie Egg Rolls

There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into a perfectly crispy egg roll filled with savory vegetables. While ordering takeout is always an option, making these delicious treats at home allows you to customize the flavors, ensure freshness, and enjoy the satisfaction of creating something delicious from scratch. This recipe for takeout-style veggie egg rolls delivers all the crunch and flavor you crave, with a filling that’s packed with vegetables and aromatic seasonings.

These veggie egg rolls feature a delightful combination of shredded cabbage, carrots, glass noodles, and scallions, all wrapped in a crispy shell that turns golden brown when fried. The result is an appetizer or side dish that rivals anything you’d get from your favorite restaurant, but with the added benefit of being made fresh in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

Before diving into the cooking process, gather all your ingredients to ensure a smooth preparation. This recipe makes a generous batch of egg rolls, perfect for serving at gatherings or enjoying throughout the week.

For the Filling:

• 1 package (3.5 oz) glass noodles
• Hot water (for soaking noodles)
• 2 cups shredded cabbage
• 1 cup shredded carrot
• ½ cup scallions, chopped
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon seasoned rice vinegar (or distilled white vinegar)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ginger powder

For Assembly and Frying:

• 1 pound egg roll wrappers (approximately 20-24 wrappers)
• 1 cup water (for sealing wrappers)
• 2-3 cups vegetable oil (for frying)

Optional Dipping Sauce Ingredients:

• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon honey or sugar
• Red pepper flakes (to taste)
• 1 green onion, finely chopped (for garnish)

Equipment Needed

Having the right tools on hand will make preparing these veggie egg rolls much easier:

• Large skillet or wok
• Deep heavy-bottomed pot for frying
• Slotted spoon or spider strainer
• Paper towels
• Small bowl for water (used to seal egg roll wrappers)
• Cutting board and knife
• Cooking thermometer (optional, but helpful for monitoring oil temperature)
• Plate or tray for assembled egg rolls

Preparation Instructions

Preparing the Filling

The first step in creating delicious veggie egg rolls is preparing the flavorful filling that will be enclosed in the crispy wrappers.

1. Prepare the glass noodles: Place the glass noodles in a large bowl and cover them with hot water. Let them soak for about 10 minutes until soft and pliable. Once softened, drain thoroughly and roughly chop into shorter, more manageable lengths.
2. Heat the oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium heat until it shimmers.
3. Sauté the vegetables: Add the shredded cabbage and carrots to the hot oil. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften but still retain some crispness.
4. Add seasonings: Stir in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and ginger powder. These ingredients will infuse the vegetables with classic Asian flavors that make these egg rolls so delicious.
5. Incorporate remaining ingredients: Add the chopped scallions and drained glass noodles to the vegetable mixture. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients and distribute the seasonings evenly.
6. Cook briefly: Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently. The goal is to blend the flavors while maintaining some texture in the vegetables.
7. Cool the filling: Remove the skillet from heat and allow the filling to cool slightly before assembling the egg rolls. Hot filling can make the wrappers soggy and difficult to work with.

Rolling the Egg Rolls

The assembly process requires a bit of practice, but you’ll quickly get the hang of it. The key is to roll them tightly enough to keep the filling contained but gently enough not to tear the wrappers.

1. Prepare your workspace: Set up a clean, dry surface for rolling the egg rolls. Have a small bowl of water nearby for sealing the wrappers.
2. Position the wrapper: Place an egg roll wrapper on your work surface with one corner pointing toward you, creating a diamond shape.
3. Add filling: Place approximately 2-3 tablespoons of the filling slightly below the center of the wrapper, formed into a horizontal line but not reaching the edges.
4. Begin rolling: Fold the bottom corner up over the filling, tucking it in firmly but gently.
5. Fold in sides: Fold the left and right corners inward toward the center, creating an envelope shape.
6. Seal the roll: Dip your finger in water and moisten the remaining top corner. Continue rolling the wrapper away from you, sealing it with the moistened corner.
7. Set aside: Place the completed egg roll seam-side down on a plate or tray, making sure not to stack them as they can stick together.
8. Repeat: Continue this process with the remaining wrappers and filling until all are assembled.

Frying the Egg Rolls

The frying process is what gives egg rolls their signature crispy exterior. Proper temperature control is essential for achieving the perfect texture.

1. Heat the oil: In a deep, heavy-bottomed pot, heat 2-3 cups of vegetable oil to approximately 350°F (175°C). The oil should be deep enough to fully submerge the egg rolls.
2. Test the oil: If you don’t have a thermometer, test the oil by dropping in a small piece of egg roll wrapper. It should bubble immediately and rise to the surface.
3. Fry in batches: Carefully add 3-4 egg rolls to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Overcrowding can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy egg rolls.
4. Cook until golden: Fry the egg rolls for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until they achieve a beautiful golden-brown color on all sides.
5. Drain: Using a slotted spoon or spider strainer, remove the egg rolls from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
6. Continue frying: Repeat the process with the remaining egg rolls, adjusting the heat as necessary to maintain the proper oil temperature.

Serving Suggestions

These crispy veggie egg rolls are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways:

• As an appetizer: Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce for a crowd-pleasing starter.
• Part of a meal: Pair with steamed rice and a stir-fry for a complete Asian-inspired dinner.
• In a buffet: Add to an array of finger foods for parties or gatherings.
• Quick lunch: Enjoy with a side salad for a satisfying midday meal.

Dipping Sauce

A good dipping sauce enhances the flavor of these veggie egg rolls. Try this simple sauce by combining:

1. ¼ cup soy sauce
2. 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
3. 1 teaspoon sesame oil
4. 1 teaspoon honey or sugar (to balance the flavors)
5. A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
6. Chopped green onions for garnish

Simply whisk all ingredients together in a small bowl and serve alongside the hot egg rolls.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftover egg rolls, they can be stored and enjoyed later:

• Refrigeration: Store cooled egg rolls in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze uncooked egg rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid. They can be stored for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Reheat refrigerated egg rolls in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until crispy and heated through. For frozen uncooked egg rolls, fry directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the cooking time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I bake these egg rolls instead of frying them?

A: Yes, you can bake these egg rolls for a healthier option. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C), lightly brush the egg rolls with oil, and bake for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crispy.

Q: Can I make these egg rolls ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and even assemble the egg rolls a day in advance. Keep the assembled uncooked egg rolls covered with a damp paper towel in the refrigerator, then fry them just before serving.

Q: What if I can’t find glass noodles?

A: If glass noodles aren’t available, you can omit them entirely or substitute with cooked rice vermicelli noodles or even finely chopped rice noodles.

Q: Where can I find egg roll wrappers?

A: Egg roll wrappers are typically available in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores, often near the produce department by the tofu products or in the international foods aisle.

Q: Can I add protein to these vegetable egg rolls?

A: Yes, you can add cooked ground pork, chicken, or shrimp to the filling. For vegetarian protein options, consider adding crumbled tofu or chopped mushrooms.

These homemade veggie egg rolls bring the flavors of your favorite takeout right to your kitchen. With their crispy exterior and flavorful vegetable filling, they’re sure to become a favorite for family dinners and special occasions alike. The recipe is versatile enough to customize based on your preferences, making it a reliable addition to your cooking repertoire.

Author

medha deb

 

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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