Shrimp Egg Rolls

Egg rolls have always been a go-to for me when I want a quick bite that’s bursting with flavor and texture. But it wasn’t until one evening, while scrolling through my pantry and thinking about ways to jazz up my usual recipes, that I had the idea to create Shrimp Egg Rolls.

The decision came as a result of wanting something light yet satisfying, with a little crunch. The combination of shrimp and fresh vegetables wrapped up in crispy wrappers seemed perfect. What I love most about these egg rolls is how they’re incredibly versatile—whether you’re serving them as a snack or making them the star of your dinner table, they’re sure to impress.

Making these shrimp egg rolls also reminded me of the joys of simple cooking. The process is quick and easy, but the flavors are bold and dynamic. Each bite is filled with a warm, savory blend of shrimp and fresh veggies, balanced by a touch of soy sauce and sesame oil. The crispy wrapper adds that extra crunch, making it impossible to stop at just one.

What’s even better is how you can customize the filling to fit your preferences or experiment with different ingredients. They’re a perfect dish to prepare ahead of time or whip up for a last-minute dinner party. Trust me, these egg rolls are a game-changer.

Short Description

These crispy Shrimp Egg Rolls are packed with savory shrimp, fresh cabbage, carrots, and a hint of sesame oil, all wrapped in golden, crunchy wrappers. A perfect snack or appetizer that’s quick and easy to make at home!

Key Ingredients

For the filling:

• 1 pound cooked shrimp, chopped
• 1/2 cup shredded cabbage
• 1/4 cup shredded carrots
• 1/4 cup bean sprouts
• 1 green onion, thinly sliced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon oyster sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For the egg rolls:

• 1 package egg roll wrappers
• Vegetable oil for frying

Tools Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Deep fryer or large pot
• Tongs or slotted spoon
• Paper towels for draining

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by chopping your shrimp into bite-sized pieces. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shrimp with the shredded cabbage, carrots, bean sprouts, green onion, and minced garlic.

Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat). Toss everything together until well combined.

Step 2: Assemble the Egg Rolls
Lay an egg roll wrapper on a flat surface, with one corner pointing towards you. Spoon a generous amount of the shrimp filling onto the center of the wrapper.

Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the sides, and roll tightly, sealing the edge with a dab of water. Repeat this process with the remaining wrappers and filling.

Step 3: Fry the Egg Rolls
Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F (190°C). Carefully add a few egg rolls at a time, ensuring they don’t overcrowd the pan.

Fry for about 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove the egg rolls and drain them on paper towels.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Let the egg rolls cool for a few minutes, then serve with your favorite dipping sauce—soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, or even a spicy sriracha mayo.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy on the outside: The golden, crunchy wrapper is perfectly crispy, creating an irresistible contrast to the savory filling inside.

Savory and satisfying: The shrimp combined with the fresh vegetables gives you that perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Quick and easy: With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have restaurant-quality egg rolls in no time.

Customizable: Feel free to tweak the filling to your liking—add mushrooms, swap out the shrimp for chicken, or even throw in some spicy peppers for an extra kick.

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

1. Egg Rolls Breaking Open During Frying
If your egg rolls open while frying, make sure you’re sealing the edges properly.

Use a little water to seal the wrappers, ensuring the ends stick well. If they’re still opening, try adding a bit of cornstarch to the water to help it act as a stronger adhesive.

2. Overcrowding the Pan
When frying, it’s tempting to cook all the egg rolls at once, but overcrowding the pan can cause them to cook unevenly. Fry in batches to ensure each one gets crispy and golden.

3. Egg Rolls Becoming Soggy
To avoid soggy egg rolls, drain them on paper towels immediately after frying. Also, avoid letting them sit too long before serving.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

As a Snack or Appetizer: Serve these shrimp egg rolls with a tangy dipping sauce like sweet chili sauce or soy sauce mixed with a touch of ginger.

As a Main Course: Pair them with a side of fried rice or a light salad for a well-rounded meal.

Pair with Drinks: These crispy treats go wonderfully with a cold beer or a refreshing iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storing Leftovers: If you have any leftover egg rolls, let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Reheating: For the best results, reheat egg rolls in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the wrappers are crispy again. You can also use an air fryer to reheat them, giving them a nice crisp.

FAQs

1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the egg rolls ahead of time, then store them in the fridge or freezer. When ready to cook, just fry them straight from the fridge or freezer (you may need to add a minute or two to the cooking time if frozen).

2. Can I use a different protein besides shrimp?
Absolutely! You can substitute shrimp with chicken, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

3. Can I bake the egg rolls instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake the egg rolls at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. While they won’t be quite as crispy as fried, they’ll still be delicious!

4. What dipping sauces are best for these egg rolls?
Soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, or a spicy mayo work great. You can even mix soy sauce with a bit of honey for a sweet-savory combo.

5. Can I freeze the egg rolls?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled, uncooked egg rolls. Just place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, fry them straight from the freezer!

Tips & Tricks

Use Fresh Shrimp: For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality shrimp. If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them thoroughly and pat them dry before using.

Get Creative with Fillings: Try adding different vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers, or throw in a bit of ginger for extra flavor.

Recipe Variations

Spicy Shrimp Egg Rolls: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or finely chopped jalapeños to the filling for a spicy kick.

Chicken Egg Rolls: Swap the shrimp for cooked, shredded chicken breast for a different protein.

Vegetarian Egg Rolls: Replace the shrimp with extra veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers for a vegetarian version of this dish.

Final Thoughts

I have to say, these Shrimp Egg Rolls are now one of my favorite go-to snacks or appetizers. They’re crispy, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make! What I love most is how adaptable this recipe is—you can play with the fillings, spice level, and dipping sauces to match your taste preferences.  They’re a crowd-pleaser and can be made ahead of time for stress-free entertaining.

Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting a party, these egg rolls are guaranteed to steal the show. I can’t wait for you to try them—trust me, they’re worth every crispy, golden bite!