Authentic Chinese Egg Rolls (from a Chinese person) Recipe

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Egg Rolls

Ingredients (for 20 servings):

• 4 teaspoons vegetable oil, divided
• 3 large eggs, beaten
• 1 medium head cabbage, finely shredded
• carrot, julienned
• 1 pound Chinese barbequed or roasted pork, cut into matchsticks
• 1 (8 ounce) can shredded bamboo shoots
• 1 cup dried, shredded wood ear mushroom, rehydrated
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 2 teaspoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• teaspoon monosodium glutamate (MSG)
• 1 (14 ounce) package egg roll wrappers
• 1 egg white, beaten
• 4 cups oil for frying, or as needed

Directions:

1. Heat 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium heat. Pour in the beaten eggs and cook without stirring until the eggs are firm. Flip the eggs and cook for an additional 20 seconds to firm up the other side. Remove from heat and set aside to cool. Once cooled, slice the egg into thin strips.
2. In the same wok, heat the remaining vegetable oil over high heat. Add the shredded cabbage and carrot, cooking for 2 minutes to soften slightly.
3. Add the pork, bamboo shoots, wood ear mushrooms, green onions, soy sauce, salt, sugar, and MSG. Stir the ingredients together and cook for about 6 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened. Stir in the sliced egg and mix well.
4. Spread the filling mixture onto a large pan and place it in the refrigerator for about 1 hour to cool completely.
5. To assemble the egg rolls, lay a wrapper on a clean surface with one corner pointing toward you. Place about 3 tablespoons of the cooled filling onto the bottom third of the wrapper.
6. Brush a little beaten egg white along the top two edges of the wrapper. Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then roll it up tightly halfway. Fold in the left and right sides snugly and continue rolling until the top corners seal the egg roll with the egg white. Repeat this process for the remaining wrappers, making sure to cover the finished egg rolls with plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out.
7. Heat about 6 inches of oil in a wok or deep-fryer to 350F (175C). Fry the egg rolls in batches of 3 or 4 at a time, until golden brown and crispy, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain the cooked egg rolls on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 169
• Total Fat: 7g (9% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 1g (7% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 46mg (15% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 315mg (14% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrate: 16g (6% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 3g (10% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 10g (20% Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 17mg (19% Daily Value)
• Calcium: 38mg (3% Daily Value)
• Iron: 1mg (8% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 232mg (5% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

History and Origin of Egg Rolls

Egg rolls, known as (chn jun) in Mandarin, have a fascinating history that dates back to ancient China. The concept of rolling ingredients inside a thin wrapper can be traced to Chinese spring festivals, where families would make various savory dishes to mark the occasion. However, the egg roll as we know it today was popularized in the United States, particularly in the early 20th century, by Chinese immigrants. It is often associated with Chinese-American cuisine rather than traditional Chinese cooking, which typically involves dishes like spring rolls that are more delicate and less greasy.

Regional Variations

While egg rolls are enjoyed across China, they are especially popular in the southern regions, where the cuisine is known for being hearty and rich. The southern provinces, like Guangdong and Hong Kong, have a long history of fried foods, making egg rolls a perfect addition to their culinary repertoire. In contrast, the northern regions of China favor steamed or boiled dumplings, making fried egg rolls less common there. The Chinese-American egg roll typically includes ingredients like pork, cabbage, and bamboo shoots, which were adapted to suit local tastes in the U.S. and the availability of ingredients.

How Egg Rolls Differ from Similar Dishes

Egg rolls are often confused with spring rolls, but they differ significantly in both texture and preparation. Spring rolls, typically found in Chinese cuisine, are made with a thinner, more delicate wrapper, often served fresh and not fried. They are usually filled with a variety of vegetables, and sometimes shrimp or chicken. In contrast, egg rolls feature a thicker, crispier wrapper, which is deep-fried, giving them their signature crunch. Furthermore, the filling for egg rolls tends to be richer, with pork being a staple ingredient, unlike the lighter vegetable fillings found in many spring rolls.

Where Are Egg Rolls Usually Served?

In China, egg rolls are less commonly seen on the table as a traditional family dish. However, they have found a place in Chinese restaurants around the world, especially in the United States. In Chinese-American cuisine, egg rolls are a staple appetizer, often served as a side dish with fried rice or sweet and sour chicken. They are commonly found in Chinese buffets and casual dining settings, where they provide a crispy, flavorful contrast to the other, often saucy, dishes. Additionally, egg rolls are a favorite at parties, holiday gatherings, and special occasions, where they are often served alongside dipping sauces like soy sauce or sweet chili sauce.

Fun Facts About Egg Rolls

• Egg rolls are believed to have been invented in New York City in the 1930s by Chinese immigrants trying to adapt traditional Chinese recipes to American tastes.
• The filling for egg rolls varies widely, with some recipes featuring shrimp, beef, or even tofu in place of the traditional pork.
• While many people associate egg rolls with Chinese food, they are actually an American creation that has become a beloved dish worldwide.
• Despite their name, egg rolls do not always contain eggs in the filling. The name refers to the egg-based wrapper, not the filling.
• Egg rolls are often served at Chinese New Year celebrations, symbolizing wealth and prosperity due to their golden color and shape, which resembles gold bars.

FAQ about Authentic Chinese Egg Rolls (from a Chinese person) Recipe

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