If you love the irresistible crunch of a perfectly fried wrapper paired with a savory, flavorful filling, then you are going to adore this Shrimp Egg Rolls Recipe. It combines tender, juicy shrimp with crisp vegetables and fragrant seasonings, all wrapped up in golden, crispy egg roll skins. Whether you’re craving a fun appetizer or a shareable snack for gatherings, these shrimp egg rolls bring a delightful twist that’s bursting with texture and taste. Trust me, once you try making these at home, you’ll wonder why you never did it sooner!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Shrimp Egg Rolls Recipe relies on straightforward ingredients that are easy to find but absolutely essential for capturing the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Each ingredient plays a specific role, from the tender shrimp bringing subtle sweetness to the crunchy cabbage and carrots adding freshness and bite.
- 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped: The star protein, offering a delicate seafood flavor and tender texture.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: For sautéing to infuse the filling with rich, subtle taste.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds pungent aroma and depth to the filling.
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger, grated: Provides a warm, zesty kick balancing the shrimp’s sweetness.
- 1 cup shredded cabbage: Crunchy and fresh, it brings great texture contrast.
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots: Sweet and colorful, they brighten the filling both visually and taste-wise.
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped: Adds a mild oniony freshness to every bite.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: For umami richness that ties all the flavors together.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Imparts a toasty, nutty undertone that’s signature in Asian cuisine.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: A subtle heat to awaken the palate.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors remarkably.
- 12 egg roll wrappers: Crispy, golden shells that encase the delicious filling perfectly.
- 1 egg, beaten: Acts as the glue to seal each egg roll securely.
- Vegetable oil (for frying): Necessary to achieve that perfectly crunchy exterior we all crave.
- Sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, garlic aioli: Fantastic dipping options to elevate your dipping experience.
How to Make Shrimp Egg Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. The oil should be shimmering but not smoking as this ensures your garlic and ginger release their full aroma without burning. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing them for about 30 seconds until fragrant—the kitchen will start to smell amazing already! Next, toss in the chopped shrimp and cook until they turn pink, around 2 to 3 minutes. This step is key because overcooked shrimp can become rubbery, so keep a close eye.
Step 2: Add the Vegetables and Seasonings
Once your shrimp is just cooked, incorporate the shredded cabbage, carrots, and green onions. Stir in the soy sauce, sesame oil, black pepper, and salt. Cooking everything together for 2 to 3 minutes softens the veggies slightly but still keeps that satisfying crunch, while the seasonings ensure every bite bursts with balanced taste. After this, remove the pan from heat and allow the mixture to cool a little before assembling.
Step 3: Assemble the Egg Rolls
Place an egg roll wrapper on a clean flat surface, oriented as a diamond shape with a corner facing you. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of your shrimp filling near the center. Carefully fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the two sides to lock the ingredients inside. Finally, roll tightly upwards, sealing the last edge with beaten egg—a natural adhesive that keeps the egg roll intact while frying.
Step 4: Fry the Egg Rolls
Now for the fun part—crispy frying! Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). The oil needs to be hot enough to render the egg rolls crisp without absorbing too much oil. Fry the egg rolls in batches, turning occasionally, until they turn a beautiful golden brown, which takes about 3 to 4 minutes. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the temperature could drop, resulting in soggy wrappers. Once fried, drain the egg rolls on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve these crispy, golden Shrimp Egg Rolls hot with your favorite dipping sauces. The contrast of warm, crunchy rolls with cool, tangy dips is irresistible and perfect for sharing with friends and family.
How to Serve Shrimp Egg Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle your shrimp egg rolls with freshly chopped green onions or a few sesame seeds just before serving to add a fresh pop of color and texture. A wedge of lime on the side can add a zesty brightness that complements the savory filling beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair your Shrimp Egg Rolls Recipe with simple sides like a crisp cucumber salad or steamed jasmine rice to balance the meal. Asian-inspired pickled vegetables also make a refreshing accompaniment, delivering tang and crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the richness of the fried rolls.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party platter, slice the egg rolls into bite-sized pieces and arrange them on a colorful serving board alongside small bowls of dipping sauces such as sweet chili, soy sauce, and garlic aioli. Garnish the presentation with edible flowers or fresh herbs to take your appetizer table to the next level.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover shrimp egg rolls, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Lay them in a single layer to keep the wrappers from becoming soggy. To re-crisp, you’ll want to reheat them in the oven instead of the microwave whenever possible.
Freezing
You can freeze assembled but uncooked egg rolls by placing them on a baking sheet spaced apart and freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, simply fry them from frozen, adding a minute or two to the cooking time, for a fresh, crispy treat anytime.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, reheat your shrimp egg rolls in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8 to 10 minutes or until heated through and crisped. Avoid microwaving as that tends to soften the perfectly crunchy exterior.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for the Shrimp Egg Rolls Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp fully, pat them dry to remove excess moisture, and chop before cooking to avoid watery filling or soggy wrappers.
Can these egg rolls be baked instead of fried?
Yes, you can bake the egg rolls at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, for a lighter version, though they won’t be quite as crispy as frying achieves.
What dipping sauces go best with shrimp egg rolls?
Sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and garlic aioli are fantastic classics, but feel free to experiment with sriracha mayo or hoisin-based dips for added variety.
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
The filling can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated, which actually lets the flavors meld beautifully. Just cool completely before storing and use within 24 hours for best freshness.
What if I can’t find egg roll wrappers?
Wonton wrappers can be a handy substitute, though your rolls will be smaller and cook faster. Just be gentle when folding to avoid tearing.
Final Thoughts
This Shrimp Egg Rolls Recipe is one of those delightful dishes that never fails to impress with its balance of flavors, textures, and ease of preparation. Whether you’re new to making egg rolls or a seasoned pro, the fresh shrimp and crunchy vegetables wrapped in golden, crispy shells deliver a satisfyingly delicious experience every time. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and bring a taste of homemade joy to your table—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Shrimp Egg Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
Crispy and flavorful shrimp egg rolls filled with a savory mixture of shrimp, cabbage, carrots, and aromatic seasonings. These golden fried rolls are perfect appetizers or snacks, served with your favorite dipping sauces like sweet chili, soy sauce, or garlic aioli.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Assembly
- 12 egg roll wrappers
- 1 egg, beaten (for sealing)
For Frying and Serving
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Sweet chili sauce (for serving)
- Soy sauce (for serving)
- Garlic aioli (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat to warm up before adding ingredients for the filling mixture.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the oil and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, releasing their flavors into the oil.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the chopped shrimp and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and are fully cooked through.
- Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Stir in shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, chopped green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, black pepper, and salt. Cook everything together for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables soften slightly.
- Cool Filling: Remove the pan from heat and let the shrimp and vegetable mixture cool slightly to make handling easier while assembling the rolls.
- Assemble the Egg Rolls: Lay an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface with one corner pointing toward you, forming a diamond shape.
- Add Filling: Place about 2 tablespoons of the shrimp filling near the center of the wrapper, ensuring not to overfill.
- Roll and Seal: Fold the bottom corner of the wrapper over the filling, then fold in the sides snugly. Roll the wrapper tightly and seal the edge using the beaten egg as glue.
- Heat Oil: In a deep pan, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C), enough to submerge the egg rolls for frying.
- Fry Egg Rolls: Fry the egg rolls in batches for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally until all sides are golden brown and crispy.
- Drain Excess Oil: Remove the fried egg rolls from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain off any excess oil.
- Serve: Serve the hot shrimp egg rolls with your choice of dipping sauces such as sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, or garlic aioli for dipping.
Notes
- Ensure the filling has cooled slightly before wrapping to prevent the wrappers from becoming soggy or tearing.
- Do not overfill the wrappers to avoid bursting during frying.
- You can substitute shrimp with other proteins like chicken or tofu depending on preference.
- Use fresh vegetable oil for frying to achieve the best crispiness and flavor.
- Egg roll wrappers should be handled gently as they can dry out quickly; keep them covered with a damp cloth while assembling.
