Best Egg Rolls

These homemade egg rolls are a delicious and crispy treat that are perfect as an appetizer or a main course. The filling, made with seasoned ground beef, shredded cabbage, and carrots, is wrapped in a crunchy egg roll wrapper and fried to golden perfection.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger (or more to taste)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or more to taste)
• 2 cups shredded cabbage
• 2 ounces shredded carrots
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 quart peanut oil for frying (or as needed)
• 8 (7-inch square) egg roll wrappers
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions:

1. Season and Cook Beef:

• In a large bowl, season the ground beef with ground ginger and garlic powder, mixing thoroughly.
• Transfer the seasoned beef to a medium skillet over medium heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until the beef is browned and crumbly, about 5 to 7 minutes.

1. Prepare Filling:

• In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef with shredded cabbage and shredded carrots. Mix until the filling is well combined.

1. Make Flour Paste:

• In a small bowl, mix the flour and water together until a paste forms. This will be used to seal the egg rolls.

1. Heat Oil:

• Pour peanut oil into a large skillet or deep fryer and heat to about 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) or medium-high heat.

1. Assemble Egg Rolls:

• While the oil is heating, prepare the egg rolls. Lay one egg roll wrapper on a work surface with one corner pointed toward you like a diamond.
• Place about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of the filling in the center of the wrapper.
• Fold the bottom corner up and over the filling, then fold the left and right corners in toward the center. Roll the egg roll away from you, toward the top corner.
• Brush a bit of the flour paste over the inside of that top corner to help seal the egg roll.

1. Fry Egg Rolls:

• Carefully place the egg rolls in the hot oil, frying a few at a time to avoid overcrowding. Turn occasionally, frying until the egg rolls are golden brown and crispy, about 5 to 8 minutes.
• Remove the fried egg rolls from the oil and drain on paper towels or a wire rack.

1. Serve:

• Place the egg rolls on a serving plate and, if desired, sprinkle sesame seeds over the top. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips:

1. Filling Variations: Feel free to customize the filling by adding other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or bean sprouts. You can also substitute the beef with ground chicken, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
2. Sealing the Egg Rolls: Ensure the egg rolls are tightly sealed with the flour paste to prevent them from opening during frying.
3. Frying Tips: Maintain the oil temperature around 375 degrees F for even cooking. If the oil is too hot, the egg rolls may brown too quickly and not cook through. If too cool, they can become greasy.
4. Serving Suggestions: Serve these egg rolls with your favorite dipping sauces like sweet and sour sauce, soy sauce, or spicy mustard for an extra flavor boost.
5. Baking Option: For a healthier version, you can bake the egg rolls in a preheated 400 degrees F oven on a greased baking sheet for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown, turning halfway through.

Enjoy these crispy, flavorful egg rolls as a fantastic addition to any meal or as a crowd-pleasing party snack!