Beef Egg Rolls

Description:

Beef egg rolls are a savory, crispy snack filled with seasoned ground beef, vegetables, and sometimes noodles, all wrapped in a crunchy egg roll wrapper. These delicious rolls are perfect for an appetizer or a main dish and pair well with dipping sauces like sweet chili or soy sauce. Easy to make and packed with flavor, these egg rolls are a hit at parties or dinner tables alike.

Ingredients:

For the Beef Filling:

• Ground beef: 1 lb (80/20 blend for juiciness)
• Carrot: 1 large, grated
• Cabbage: 2 cups, shredded
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
• Green onion: 2 stalks, chopped
• Soy sauce: 2 tablespoons
• Sesame oil: 1 tablespoon
• Ginger: 1 teaspoon, minced
• Rice vinegar: 1 tablespoon
• Sugar: 1 teaspoon (optional, to balance flavor)
• Black pepper: ½ teaspoon
• Salt: ½ teaspoon
• Wonton or egg roll wrappers: 10–12 (depending on size)

For Frying:

• Vegetable oil: For deep frying (about 2–3 cups)

Optional Ingredients:

• Bean sprouts: 1 cup, for added crunch
• Hoisin sauce: For dipping
• Chili garlic sauce: For a spicy kick in the filling

Tips for Success:

1. Don’t overstuff: Avoid overfilling the wrappers, as this can cause the egg rolls to burst open during frying.
2. Seal the edges well: Use a bit of water to seal the egg roll wrappers securely before frying to prevent the filling from spilling out.
3. Fry at the right temperature: Heat the oil to around 350°F (175°C). This ensures the egg rolls cook evenly and become crisp without absorbing too much oil.
4. Drain well: After frying, place the egg rolls on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Steps to Make It:

1. Prepare the Beef Filling:

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked.
2. Drain any excess fat from the beef, then return it to the skillet.
3. Add the grated carrot, shredded cabbage, garlic, and green onions. Stir-fry for about 3–4 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
4. Add the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, ginger, sugar (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine and cook for another 2–3 minutes, until the mixture is well-seasoned and the veggies are tender but still crunchy.
5. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly before assembling the egg rolls.

2. Assemble the Egg Rolls:

1. Lay the egg roll wrappers on a clean, flat surface with one corner pointing toward you (diamond shape).
2. Place about 2 tablespoons of the beef and vegetable mixture near the bottom corner of the wrapper.
3. Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the sides. Roll up the wrapper tightly, sealing the top corner with a little water. Repeat until all the filling is used.

3. Fry the Egg Rolls:

1. Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok over medium-high heat, bringing it to about 350°F (175°C).
2. Carefully add the egg rolls, a few at a time, to the hot oil. Fry for 3–4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
3. Remove the egg rolls from the oil and drain them on paper towels.

4. Serve the Egg Rolls:

1. Serve the hot egg rolls with your favorite dipping sauces, such as hoisin sauce, soy sauce, or sweet chili sauce.
2. Garnish with extra green onions or cilantro for added freshness.

Recommendations:

• Serving suggestion: These egg rolls are great as an appetizer or side dish to an Asian-inspired meal. Pair with a refreshing cucumber salad or fried rice.
• Storage: Store any leftover egg rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes to restore their crispiness.
• Freezing: You can freeze the un-fried egg rolls. Lay them flat on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Fry from frozen when ready to serve, adding a couple of extra minutes to the frying time.

Nutrition (Per Egg Roll, Approx. 10 egg rolls):

• Calories: ~180
• Protein: 8g
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 400mg

These Beef Egg Rolls are crispy, flavorful, and perfect for a crowd. Enjoy this tasty appetizer or meal anytime you want a deliciously crunchy bite!