Holiday Egg Rolls
Holiday Egg Rolls combine savory pork, shrimp, and fresh vegetables wrapped in crispy skins, perfect for festive gatherings or as a flavorful appetizer.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 pound lean pork, cubed ⓘ
- 1/2 pound frozen raw shrimp, shelled, deveined, chopped ⓘ
- 4 cups bean sprouts ⓘ
- 2 cups chopped celery ⓘ
- 8 green onions, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 package egg roll skins ⓘ
- 1 egg, beaten ⓘ
- Oil for frying ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet or wok.
- Cook the pork until it loses its color.
- Add the chopped shrimp to the skillet.
- Cook for 1 minute until shrimp are just cooked through.
- Add bean sprouts, chopped celery, green onions, and salt to the mixture.
- Cook for 2 minutes, stirring often to combine and soften vegetables.
- Sprinkle the mixture with cornstarch, mix well, then stir in soy sauce.
- Remove from heat and transfer to a colander to cool completely.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crunchier texture, you can use fresh bean sprouts instead of frozen. If you prefer a lighter filling, substitute the pork with extra shrimp or tofu. You can also experiment with additional vegetables like carrots or cabbage. Ensure the filling is cool before wrapping in the egg roll skins for easier handling. Consider serving with a sweet and sour dipping sauce for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These holiday egg rolls make an excellent appetizer or snack at gatherings. Serve them alongside a spicy dipping sauce or sweet and sour sauce for a delightful contrast. Pair with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables to round out the meal. They also go well with other Chinese recipes, making them a versatile addition to your menu.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover egg rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy. Alternatively, you can re-fry them in hot oil for a few minutes to regain their crunch.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday Egg Rolls contains roughly 456 calories, with 16g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (32% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1638mg per serving (71% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling a day in advance. Just make sure to cool it completely before storing it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to assemble the egg rolls, simply take out the filling and wrap it in the skins. This can save you time during busy holiday preparations.
What can I use instead of pork?
If you're looking for alternatives to pork, ground chicken or turkey work well as substitutes. For a vegetarian option, consider using a combination of mushrooms and tofu for a hearty filling. Adjust the seasoning accordingly to enhance the flavor of the alternative protein you choose.
Can I freeze the egg rolls?
Yes, you can freeze uncooked egg rolls. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 2 months. When ready to cook, you can fry them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time for perfectly crispy results.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).