Egg Rolls

Quick Benefits

Egg rolls are the ultimate crowd-pleasing snack or appetizer — crispy, golden on the outside, and savory on the inside. This easy recipe uses a quick sauté of coleslaw mix and shredded chicken for a flavorful filling that’s rolled into wrappers and fried to perfection. Whether you’re feeding your family or entertaining a crowd, egg rolls are portable, dippable, and totally irresistible.

Essential Ingredients

To make these crispy and satisfying egg rolls, you’ll need:

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 (16-ounce) package tri-color coleslaw mix
  • 3 cooked chicken breasts, shredded
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 (16-ounce) package egg roll wrappers
  • Vegetable oil, for frying

Optional: dipping sauces such as sweet and sour, soy sauce, hoisin, spicy mustard, or sriracha mayo.

Preparation Steps

  1. Sauté the Filling:
    Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the coleslaw mix and sauté until tender. Stir in the shredded chicken and cook for another 2–3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
  2. Assemble the Egg Rolls:
    Place a wrapper in front of you like a diamond. Add ¼ to ⅓ cup of the chicken-cabbage filling horizontally across the center. Fold in the sides, then roll tightly from the bottom up. Seal with water.
  3. Heat the Oil:
    Fill a frying pan with about ¾ inch of vegetable oil and heat to 350–375°F.
  4. Fry the Egg Rolls:
    In batches, carefully fry the egg rolls until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
  5. Serve:
    Plate warm egg rolls with your favorite dipping sauces and enjoy!

Health Benefits

While traditional egg rolls are indulgent, they can be part of a balanced diet when made at home:

  • Coleslaw mix adds fiber and nutrients from cabbage and carrots.
  • Chicken breast is a lean protein source.
  • You control the oil, salt, and added ingredients, making it lighter than takeout versions.
  • For a healthier alternative, try baking or air frying instead of deep-frying.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve egg rolls warm on a platter with small dipping bowls of:
  • Sweet and sour sauce
  • Soy sauce or tamari
  • Spicy mustard
  • Garlic chili sauce or hoisin
  • Perfect for:
  • Appetizers at gatherings
  • Side dish to Asian-inspired meals
  • Finger food for parties and potlucks
  • Pair with a light Asian salad, fried rice, or noodle bowls for a complete meal.

Creative Variations

  • Protein Options: Try ground pork, shrimp, tofu, or mushrooms.
  • Flavor Boost: Add ginger, green onions, garlic, or sesame oil to the filling.
  • Baked Version: Brush with oil and bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  • Air Fryer Method: Spray with oil and air fry at 370°F for 8–10 minutes.

Storage Tips

  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat in oven or air fryer to maintain crispness (avoid microwaving if possible).
  • Freeze before frying for a make-ahead option — just thaw slightly before cooking.

Pro Tips

  • Don’t overfill the wrappers — it makes sealing and frying harder.
  • Seal tightly with water to prevent the rolls from opening while frying.
  • Keep the wrappers covered with a damp towel while assembling to prevent them from drying out.
  • Fry in small batches to maintain the oil temperature and achieve even browning.
  • Drain rolls on a cooling rack over paper towels for extra crispness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make egg rolls ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble them ahead, refrigerate for up to 24 hours, or freeze before frying.

Q: Can I bake these instead of frying?
A: Absolutely! Brush lightly with oil and bake at 375°F until golden and crispy.

Q: Can I make these vegetarian?
A: Yes. Simply omit the chicken and add more vegetables, tofu, or mushrooms.

Q: What’s the difference between egg rolls and spring rolls?
A: Egg rolls have a thicker, bubbly wrapper and are usually fried. Spring rolls use a thinner, lighter wrapper and are often served fresh or lightly pan-fried.

Q: What oil is best for frying egg rolls?
A: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable, canola, or peanut oil.

Nutrition Facts (Per egg roll, approx.)

  • Calories: ~210
  • Protein: 12g
  • Fat: 10g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sodium: 380mg

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