I've loved Chinese (rather, American-Chinese) food since I was a young girl, when the tradition on my birthday was to celebrate it by going out for dinner with my family to the same Chinese place for years. Ah, memories. When I discovered how to make eggrolls at home, from scratch (well, almost), I knew I was going to make these over and over. Crisp, tasty, mouthwatering when served with VH Cherry Sauce... a delicious appetizer to any meal, or a great snack. And don't be intimidated! They're not at all difficult. They do require a few hours total (depending on the amount of wrappers you buy) and a deep fryer, but no complicated techniques. Enjoy!
Homemade Eggrolls
Pack of eggroll wraps
2 packages green cabbage
4 large carrots
4 onions
1 package bean sprouts
salt, pepper and ginger to taste
Variation: add cooked, shredded chicken to the mixture as the last ingredient. Or shredded pieces of smoked meat. My sister-in-law makes it that way and loves it. Feel free to experiment!
Pack of eggroll wraps
2 packages green cabbage
4 large carrots
4 onions
1 package bean sprouts
salt, pepper and ginger to taste
Variation: add cooked, shredded chicken to the mixture as the last ingredient. Or shredded pieces of smoked meat. My sister-in-law makes it that way and loves it. Feel free to experiment!
Peel the onions, cut in half, slice.
Heat a bit of vegetable oil in a wok.
When hot, saute onions over medium heat for about 10 minutes. They don't have to be translucent or soft, they'll finish cooking with the rest of the vegetables.
While that's happening, peel and shred the carrots in a food processor. Or by hand, if you're feeling brave.
Add the shredded carrots to the onions. Mix, saute until it starts getting soft.
Add the cabbage and the bean sprouts. If it looks like a huge mountain of filling and you're wondering if you'll need to go out and buy more eggroll wraps - don't. It's normal. The cabbage will shrink. A lot.
Season with salt, pepper, and ginger (grated fresh or powdered, both work). Saute until the cabbage is golden/yellowish and soft. Taste, adjust seasoning if necessary.
Let the mixture cool for about 20 minutes.
Plug in your deep fryer, let it heat up.
Prepare your work station:
Spread out some of the eggroll wraps on parchment paper or a large cutting board. Keep the rest covered tightly or with a damp towel - the edges of mine get dry really quickly.
Prepare some water in a little bowl or plate.
Spread out some of the eggroll wraps on parchment paper or a large cutting board. Keep the rest covered tightly or with a damp towel - the edges of mine get dry really quickly.
Prepare some water in a little bowl or plate.
Place about a tablespoon of the mixture in the center of each wrap.
Dip your finger in the water and run it along all four edges of the wrap so they're all damp. This makes it easier to close and holds the dough together.
Fold the dough in half, sealing all three edges, prodding the filling into place. It doesn't have to be perfect in order to get great end results.
Place as many in your fryer as you can handle, with each having their own space to fry. For me, that's three. Fry for about 2 minutes, checking occasionally. When the underneath is golden brown, flip over with tongs or a fork. Fry until both sides are nice and browned.
Place as many in your fryer as you can handle, with each having their own space to fry. For me, that's three. Fry for about 2 minutes, checking occasionally. When the underneath is golden brown, flip over with tongs or a fork. Fry until both sides are nice and browned.
Drain on paper towels. Keep going, filling, closing, frying, until you're all done and feel like a fried eggroll yourself.
Let cool. These freeze extremely well in ziploc bags, so you can enjoy them for months. Don't forget to have some fresh the same day, with your favourite dipping sauce.
Bon apetit!
Let cool. These freeze extremely well in ziploc bags, so you can enjoy them for months. Don't forget to have some fresh the same day, with your favourite dipping sauce.
Bon apetit!