Bean Sprout Egg Rolls (Recipe)

Looking for a delicious homemade Asian appetizer? Try these Bean Sprout Egg Rolls! This easy egg roll recipe is perfect for vegetarians and anyone craving crispy egg rolls filled with flavorful ingredients. Impress your guests with this crowd-pleasing finger food that is sure to satisfy.

Key Takeaways:

• Bean Sprout Egg Rolls are a homemade Asian appetizer.
• This easy egg roll recipe is vegetarian-friendly.
• These egg rolls are crispy and flavorful.
• Impress your guests with this crowd-pleasing finger food.
• Perfect for parties or as a delicious snack.

The History of Egg Rolls

Egg rolls have a fascinating history that spans both China and the United States. While the Chinese version of egg rolls is different from the American version, both are beloved in their own right. In China, egg rolls are more similar to what Americans know as spring rolls. The American version of egg rolls was inspired by Chinese spring rolls but has its own unique twist. Chinese American food, including egg rolls, has become a beloved cuisine in the United States, and making them at home allows you to experience this delightful fusion of flavors.

Traditionally, Chinese egg rolls originate from the Guangdong province in southern China. These egg rolls feature a thin, crispy wrapper filled with a mixture of vegetables, meat, or seafood. They are often deep-fried to perfection, resulting in a crunchy exterior and a flavorful interior.

American egg rolls, on the other hand, have evolved to cater to American tastes. They typically have a thicker and doughier wrapper, and the filling often includes a combination of ingredients like cabbage, carrots, and meat such as pork or shrimp.

The popularity of Chinese American food, including egg rolls, can be attributed to the historical Chinese immigration to the United States. As Chinese communities flourished in cities like San Francisco and New York, Chinese immigrants introduced their traditional cuisine to locals, adapting it to suit American palates. Today, Chinese American food, with its rich flavors and cultural influences, has become a beloved part of American cuisine.

Ingredients and Preparation

Make sure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand to create these delicious Bean Sprout Egg Rolls. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

• Bean Sprouts
• Egg Roll Wrappers
• Bamboo Shoots
• Chicken (cooked, such as rotisserie chicken)
• Mushrooms
• Green Onions
• Chinese 5 Spice
• Oil for Frying

The combination of these ingredients results in a flavorful and satisfying filling for the egg rolls.

Preparation:

Before you begin making the egg rolls, make sure to thaw the egg roll wrappers if they are frozen. Here are the step-by-step instructions:

1. First, prepare the filling by sautéing fresh bean sprouts in a wok with a small amount of oil. If you can’t find fresh bean sprouts, canned soybean sprouts will work as well.
2. Add in the bamboo shoots, cooked chicken (such as rotisserie chicken), sliced mushrooms, chopped green onions, and a sprinkle of Chinese 5 Spice. Sauté until all the ingredients are warmed through.
3. Let the filling cool before assembling the egg rolls. This step prevents the wrappers from becoming soggy.
4. Place a spoonful of the filling onto each egg roll wrapper, then roll tightly, making sure to seal the edges with a bit of egg wash.
5. Once all the egg rolls are assembled, it’s time to fry them until they are golden brown and crispy. Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer and carefully add the egg rolls, cooking them in small batches to ensure even cooking.
6. Drain the fried egg rolls on a paper towel to remove any excess oil.

Now it’s time to enjoy these delicious Bean Sprout Egg Rolls! They make a perfect appetizer or snack for any occasion.

Cooking Instructions

Making Chinese Bean Sprout Egg Rolls is relatively simple. Follow these step-by-step instructions to create crispy and delicious egg rolls.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 cups bean sprouts
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
• 1/2 cup sliced bamboo shoots
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1 teaspoon Chinese 5 Spice
• Egg roll wrappers
• Egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water)
• Oil for deep frying
• Sweet and Sour Sauce for dipping

Instructions:

1. Heat the sesame oil in a wok or large frying pan over medium heat.
2. Add the bean sprouts to the pan and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
3. Next, add the mushrooms, chicken, bamboo shoots, green onions, and Chinese 5 Spice to the pan. Stir-fry for an additional 3-4 minutes until the ingredients are heated through.
4. Remove the filling from the heat and let it cool.
5. Place an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface.
6. Add a spoonful of the cooled filling to the center of the wrapper.
7. Fold the bottom edge of the wrapper over the filling, then fold in the sides, and roll tightly to seal.
8. Brush the edges of the wrapper with the egg wash to help seal the egg roll.
9. Repeat the filling and rolling process with the remaining wrappers and filling.
10. In a large pot or deep fryer, heat oil to 375°F (190°C).
11. Carefully place the rolled egg rolls into the hot oil and fry until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
12. Remove the cooked egg rolls from the oil and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
13. Serve the egg rolls hot with Sweet and Sour Sauce for dipping.

Be cautious when working with hot oil. Ensure the oil is heated to the correct temperature to achieve crispy egg rolls without being greasy. Serve the egg rolls immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Conclusion

Bean Sprout Egg Rolls are a versatile and delicious option that can be enjoyed as both an Asian appetizer and a vegetarian finger food. These crispy homemade egg rolls are a crowd-pleaser with their delightful crunch and flavorful filling.

Making your own egg rolls at home gives you the freedom to customize the ingredients to your liking. This makes them a great choice for vegetarians or anyone looking to try something new. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving a tasty snack, these Bean Sprout Egg Rolls are an excellent choice.

By mastering the art of making crispy homemade egg rolls, you can impress your guests and elevate your appetizer game. The combination of the crispy exterior and the savory filling creates a delightful contrast that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

Whether you’re a fan of Asian cuisine or just love finger foods, these Bean Sprout Egg Rolls are a must-try. Their delicious flavors and crispy texture make them a top-notch appetizer that will leave you craving for more. So next time you’re looking for an easy and tasty Asian appetizer or a vegetarian finger food, whip up a batch of these homemade egg rolls and enjoy!