Oh, my friends, do I have a treat for you today! If you’re ready to indulge in some homemade goodness, let me introduce you to my all-time favorite snack: Pork Egg Rolls! I remember the first time I made these crispy little pockets of joy; my kitchen smelled like a bustling Asian street market, and I couldn’t wait to sink my teeth into them. They’re super fun to make and even more enjoyable to munch on while binging your latest Netflix obsession, or you can serve them at your next get-together and impress everyone with your culinary skills!
What I love most about this recipe is that you can customize the filling to suit your tastes. Want more crunch? Throw in some bean sprouts! Feeling adventurous? Add some spicy sriracha to the pork filling! However you decide to dress them up, one thing is for sure: these egg rolls are guaranteed to become a favorite in your household!
What’s in Pork Egg Rolls?
Let’s break down the star players in this delightful dish:
Ground Pork: This is where your egg roll’s heart lies! I typically use lean ground pork for a nice balance of flavor and fat, which keeps them juicy.
Cabbage: Finely shredded cabbage adds a fantastic crunch and is packed with vitamins K and C. Plus, it’s so versatile!
Carrots: Grated carrots not only add sweetness but also wonderful color to the filling. They’re like little orange gems!
Green Onions: Chopped green onions bring that fresh zing to the mix. They’re aromatic and a great way to sneak in some extra flavor.
Garlic and Ginger: These two are the real MVPs! They deliver incredible aroma and warmth that lifts the entire dish. Don’t skip them!
Soy Sauce: Ah, the classic flavor booster! It adds that savory, umami taste we all love.
Sesame Oil: Just a splash of this nutty oil creates a depth of flavor that tantalizes your taste buds.
Salt and Black Pepper: Simple but essential for seasoning! Adjust the amounts according to your preference.
Egg Roll Wrappers: This is what transforms our filling into the crispy egg rolls we crave! You can find them in the frozen section of your grocery store.
Vegetable Oil: Essential for frying! You want something neutral-flavored that can handle the heat.
Sweet and Sour Sauce or Soy Sauce: These are for dipping because what’s an egg roll without a side of delicious sauce?
Is Pork Egg Roll Good for You?
You know I love to indulge, but every now and then, we should consider a bit of healthiness, right? Let’s break it down:
Ground Pork: It’s a great source of protein and iron, which is fantastic for energy levels. Just be mindful of the fat content, especially if you’re choosing higher-fat pork.
Cabbage: Super low in calories and high in vitamins, cabbage is a hero in the nutrition world! It’s also high in fiber and can aid digestion.
Carrots: Packed with beta-carotene, carrots are great for your eyesight and keep your skin glowing. Who doesn’t want that?
While egg rolls are a delicious treat, remember that frying adds calories and fat, so moderation is key! You can also bake them if you want a healthier option, but let’s be honest: nothing beats that crispy, golden texture from frying!
Ingredients
– 1 lb ground pork
– 2 cups cabbage, finely shredded
– 1 cup carrots, grated
– 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
– 3 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 package egg roll wrappers
– Vegetable oil, for frying
– Sweet and sour sauce or soy sauce, for serving
*Serves: Approximately 4-6 people depending on your appetite!*
How to Make Pork Egg Rolls?
Let’s get down to the fun part, shall we? Here’s how to whip these up:
1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground pork. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks (about 5-7 minutes).
2. Once the pork is cooked, add the minced garlic and ginger. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant — trust me, your kitchen will start to smell amazing!
3. Stir in the shredded cabbage, grated carrots, chopped green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly.
4. Take one egg roll wrapper and place it on a clean surface with one corner pointing towards you (like a diamond). Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the pork filling into the center of the wrapper.
5. Fold the bottom corner up over the filling, then fold the sides in over the center. Roll it tightly towards the top corner, sealing the edge with a little water to hold it closed. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
6. Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the egg rolls in batches, frying until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
7. Remove the egg rolls from the oil and drain on paper towels to get rid of any excess grease.
8. Serve hot with sweet and sour sauce or soy sauce for dipping. Enjoy the fruits of your labor!
Serve and Celebrate!
Here’s a little tip from me to you: if you want to make these a complete meal, serve them with a side of steamed rice and a simple salad. You can also experiment with different sauces for a fun touch! And remember, make a big batch because these delicious goodies disappear faster than you could say “egg roll!”
I can’t wait for you to try this recipe—it’s always a hit! So, roll up your sleeves, get cooking, and here’s to crispy, delicious Pork Egg Rolls! Don’t forget to come back and let me know how they turned out for you! Happy cooking!
