These crispy shrimp egg rolls are a tasty treat! Packed with juicy shrimp and fresh veggies, they’re perfect for snacking or sharing at parties.
When I make these, I can’t resist dipping them in sweet and sour sauce. It’s like a flavor party with each bite! Plus, they’re super fun to make. 🥢
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Medium shrimp are perfect here, giving a good bite. If you can’t find shrimp, try using cooked chicken, tofu, or even mushrooms for a vegetarian option. Frozen shrimp work well, too – just thaw and chop!
Egg Roll Wrappers: These are crucial for that crunchy exterior. If you can’t find them, you can use spring roll wrappers or even make your own with flour and water. Just note that homemade ones may need more frying time.
Vegetables: Cabbage and carrots add crunch and color. Feel free to swap the cabbage for coleslaw mix or other vegetables like bell peppers or bean sprouts. You can also add mushrooms or zucchini for extra flavor!
Hoisin Sauce: This adds a sweet depth, but if you’re out, try using teriyaki sauce or a bit of extra soy sauce and sugar as a substitute. Personally, I like the added richness that hoisin provides!
Chili Flakes: These bring heat to the dipping sauce. Adjust to your taste! If you don’t have them, a dash of hot sauce or some diced fresh chili can do the trick.
How Do You Assemble Egg Rolls Without Breaking Them?
Assembling egg rolls can feel tricky, but with a few tips, you’ll do great! Here’s how to wrap them properly:
- Use a clean surface and keep the egg roll wrappers moist to prevent drying out. If they start to dry, just cover them with a damp cloth.
- Place the filling in the middle, but don’t overstuff it. 2-3 tablespoons is just enough.
- Make sure to fold the corners in tightly to seal in the filling. Use a bit of water on the edges to make them stick.
- Roll it away from you while tucking in the sides—this helps keep everything secure inside.
- If one breaks, don’t worry! Just use another wrapper. Consider it practice!
Following these steps will help you make egg rolls that hold together and are ready for frying!
How to Make Delicious Shrimp Egg Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Egg Rolls:
- 12 egg roll wrappers
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Dipping Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp sugar or honey
- 1 clove garlic, minced
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 25-30 minutes in total. You’ll spend roughly 15 minutes preparing and assembling the egg rolls, and then around 10 minutes frying them to crispy perfection. Don’t forget to add an extra few minutes for making the dipping sauce!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Filling:
To get started on your filling, heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté them for about 1 minute until they’re fragrant—this will fill your kitchen with an amazing aroma!
2. Cook the Shrimp:
Next, toss in the chopped shrimp. Cook them until they turn pink and are just cooked through, which will take about 3-4 minutes. Make sure not to overcook the shrimp; you want them tender and juicy!
3. Add the Vegetables:
Now, stir in the shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, chopped green onions, soy sauce, hoisin sauce (if using), sesame oil, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Cook everything together for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables soften slightly. Once done, remove the mixture from heat and let it cool.
4. Assemble the Egg Rolls:
Grab an egg roll wrapper and place it on a clean surface with one corner facing you (like a diamond shape). Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the shrimp filling near the corner closest to you. Fold that corner over the filling, and then fold in the sides snugly. Roll it tightly towards the opposite corner, sealing the edge with a bit of water. This helps keep everything securely inside!
5. Fry the Egg Rolls:
In a deep skillet or fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the egg rolls in the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy, which will take about 3-5 minutes. Once golden, drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
6. Prepare the Dipping Sauce:
While the egg rolls are cooling, mix up your dipping sauce! In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, chili flakes, sugar, and minced garlic until the sugar dissolves. Taste and adjust the chili flakes to your heat preference.
7. Serve:
Now you’re ready to enjoy! Arrange the egg rolls on a plate, garnish with sliced green onions for a pop of color, and serve with your homemade dipping sauce. Enjoy your crispy, flavorful Shrimp Egg Rolls!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw them completely before chopping. The best way to thaw shrimp is to leave them in the fridge overnight or place them in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water for about 30 minutes.
What Can I Substitute for Egg Roll Wrappers?
If you can’t find egg roll wrappers, spring roll wrappers work well as an alternative. You could also make your own with flour and water, but keep in mind they may require a little longer to fry until crispy.
How Do I Store Leftover Egg Rolls?
Store any leftover egg rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until they’re heated through and crisp again.
Can I Make These Egg Rolls Vegetarian?
Yes! Just omit the shrimp and use a variety of vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and bean sprouts. You might want to add some firm tofu for added protein and texture. Adjust the seasonings to your taste!
