Baked or Fried Shrimp and Veggie Egg Rolls: Your New Go-To Recipe
Craving that irresistible crunch and savory goodness of a classic egg roll, but wishing for a healthier option sometimes? Look no further! This incredible recipe for Shrimp and Veggie Egg Rolls offers the best of both worlds, allowing you to achieve perfectly crispy results whether you choose to bake or deep-fry them. Ready in minutes, these delightful rolls are perfect as a hearty snack, a light meal, or a fantastic appetizer that will impress everyone at your table.
Egg rolls have always held a special place in the hearts of food enthusiasts. The crispy wrapper, the flavorful filling, and the satisfying bite make them a universally loved dish. While traditionally deep-fried for that iconic golden exterior, this recipe introduces a baking alternative that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture, making it a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire.
Whether you’re pairing them with beef lo mein, chicken fried rice, or a comforting bowl of egg drop soup, these shrimp and veggie egg rolls promise to elevate any Asian-inspired meal into a memorable feast. Get ready to fall in love with how simple and satisfying homemade egg rolls can be!
I’ve always been captivated by Asian cuisine, and egg rolls consistently rank high on my list of favorites. It’s not just about the delightful blend of ingredients inside; it’s also about that perfect crispy shell. While I adore the indulgence of deep-fried treats like wontons, I appreciate a healthier alternative that doesn’t compromise on taste. That’s precisely what makes these particular egg rolls so special – their incredible versatility in preparation. You can bake them for a lighter touch, or fry them for that classic, satisfying crispness!
Key Ingredients for Flavorful Shrimp Egg Rolls
What truly sets these egg rolls apart is the thoughtfully selected blend of fresh ingredients and aromatic seasonings. Each component plays a vital role in creating a balanced and utterly delicious filling.
- Succulent Shrimp: Shrimp is an ideal protein for egg rolls. It cooks quickly, absorbs flavors beautifully, and offers a tender, slightly sweet bite that complements the vegetables. Using pre-cooked shrimp further streamlines the preparation process, making this recipe a breeze.
- Fresh Broccoli Slaw: For a delightful twist on traditional cabbage, this recipe utilizes a vibrant broccoli slaw mix. This not only adds a slightly different texture and flavor profile but also boosts the nutritional content. It’s a fantastic way to incorporate more greens into your meal without extensive chopping.
- Aromatic Flavor Base: The vegetables are sautéed in a rich butter base infused with potent aromatics. Fresh minced garlic provides a pungent, savory foundation, while ground ginger adds a warm, zesty kick. A touch of sesame oil introduces a distinct nutty depth characteristic of Asian dishes, and a hint of honey balances the savory notes with a subtle sweetness. This carefully crafted flavor combination ensures your egg rolls are bursting with taste, whether baked or fried.
Effortless Egg Roll Assembly
One of the greatest advantages of this recipe is its sheer simplicity. Designed with convenience in mind, these egg rolls come together with minimal effort, making them perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. We’ve leveraged a few smart shortcuts that significantly cut down on prep time without sacrificing an ounce of flavor.
- Pre-Made Slaw Mix: Say goodbye to tedious chopping, shredding, and peeling! By opting for a store-bought broccoli slaw mix, you bypass the most time-consuming part of vegetable preparation. It’s ready to go straight into your pan.
- Convenient Pre-Cooked Shrimp: For even greater ease, choose already cooked and shelled shrimp. This eliminates the need for cooking and peeling the protein, letting you focus on combining flavors.
- Ready-to-Use Egg Roll Wrappers: Don’t bother making wrappers from scratch! High-quality egg roll wrappers are readily available in most grocery stores. Simply unwrap, fill, and roll – it’s that easy.
Essentially, your main tasks involve a quick sauté of the flavorful filling ingredients and whisking together a simple dipping sauce. In today’s fast-paced world, convenience is key, and these easy egg rolls truly deliver on that promise. They’re a testament that delicious, wholesome meals don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming.
Bake or Fry: Achieve Perfect Crispy Egg Rolls Your Way
The true brilliance of this recipe lies in its adaptability. You have the freedom to choose your preferred cooking method—deep-frying for an ultra-crispy, classic experience, or baking for a lighter, equally delicious outcome. Both methods deliver fantastic results, ensuring your shrimp and veggie egg rolls are golden, crunchy, and packed with flavor.
Baking for a Healthier Crunch
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to traditional deep-frying, baking these egg rolls is an excellent choice. The oven method significantly reduces the amount of oil used while still yielding a wonderfully crispy exterior.
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray a baking sheet with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Brushing for Golden Perfection: Before baking, gently brush the outside of each rolled egg roll with a thin layer of melted butter (or a butter substitute). This not only helps them achieve a beautiful golden-brown color but also contributes to their crispness and rich flavor.
- Baking Time: Arrange the butter-brushed egg rolls on your prepared baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch. Bake for approximately 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy, flipping them halfway through for even cooking.
- Tips for Success: For an even crispier result, consider using an air fryer. Brush with butter as usual and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Frying for Classic Crispy Excellence
For those who cherish the authentic, deep-fried experience, this method delivers maximum crispness and a satisfyingly rich texture.
- Oil Temperature is Key: In a deep skillet or a Dutch oven, heat about 2-3 inches of neutral oil (such as vegetable, canola, or peanut oil) to 375°F (190°C). Using a kitchen thermometer is crucial here to maintain the correct temperature. If the oil isn’t hot enough, the egg rolls will absorb too much oil and become greasy; if it’s too hot, they’ll burn before cooking through.
- Frying Process: Carefully place 2-3 egg rolls into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan, which can lower the oil temperature. Fry for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until they achieve a uniform golden-brown color and are irresistibly crispy.
- Draining: Once fried to perfection, remove the egg rolls with tongs or a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet lined with paper towels. This allows excess oil to drain off, keeping them crisp.
No matter which method you choose, your homemade shrimp and veggie egg rolls will be incredibly delicious, crispy, and satisfying.
Mastering the Art of Rolling Egg Rolls
Rolling egg rolls might seem intimidating at first, but with a little practice, you’ll become a pro! The key is to create a snug, tight roll that prevents the filling from escaping during cooking and ensures a consistent crispness. Follow these simple steps for perfectly shaped egg rolls every time:
- Position the Wrapper: Lay an egg roll wrapper flat on a clean, dry surface so it resembles a diamond shape, with one corner pointing towards you.
- Add the Filling: Place about two tablespoons of your prepared shrimp and veggie mixture in the center of the wrapper, closer to the corner pointing at you. Be careful not to overfill, as this can make rolling difficult and lead to burst wrappers.
- Moisten the Edges: Dip your finger or a small pastry brush in a bowl of water and lightly spread water along all four outside edges of the wrapper. This acts as a sealant.
- Fold the Bottom Corner: Take the corner closest to you and fold it tightly over the filling, tucking it under to create a snug cylinder.
- Tighten and Roll: Once you’ve folded the first corner, use your hands to gently roll the wrapper back slightly, firming up the mixture and ensuring a nice, tight start to your roll.
- Fold in the Sides: Next, fold the left and right corners of the wrapper inwards, towards the center of the roll. They should meet or slightly overlap, sealing the sides.
- Finish Rolling: Continue rolling the egg roll upwards, away from you, towards the last corner. Roll it as tightly as possible without tearing the wrapper. The moistened top corner will seal the roll securely.
And just like that, you’ve got a perfectly rolled egg roll ready for baking or frying!
Delicious Variations to Explore
While this shrimp and veggie egg roll recipe is fantastic as is, it’s also wonderfully adaptable! Feel free to customize the filling to suit your taste preferences or to use ingredients you already have on hand. These variations can transform your egg rolls into a completely new culinary experience.
- Alternate Proteins: Not a fan of shrimp, or simply looking for variety? This recipe works beautifully with other cooked proteins. Try substituting with shredded cooked chicken, ground pork, finely diced tofu, or even flaked crab meat. I’ve personally made a delicious chicken version, which was a huge hit, proving that these rolls are universally loved regardless of the protein.
- Boost Your Veggies: The broccoli slaw is a great start, but don’t stop there! Egg rolls are a perfect vehicle for sneaking in extra vegetables. Enhance the filling with shredded carrots, thinly sliced cabbage, chopped mushrooms, water chestnuts for crunch, or bamboo shoots for an authentic touch. Just ensure any additional vegetables are finely diced or shredded to cook evenly and fit neatly within the wrapper.
- Exciting Dipping Sauces: The homemade dipping sauce in this recipe is a perfect complement, but a variety of sauces can elevate your egg roll experience. Experiment with classic sweet and sour sauce, a zesty sweet chili sauce, or a savory homemade teriyaki sauce. For those who like a little heat, a dab of sriracha or hot mustard can add a fantastic kick.
Perfect for Any Occasion: When to Enjoy These Egg Rolls
These versatile shrimp and veggie egg rolls are so delightful that you’ll find countless opportunities to enjoy them. From quick bites to impressive appetizers, they fit seamlessly into various meal scenarios.
- The Ultimate After-School Snack: Looking for a nutritious and satisfying snack for the kids (or yourself!)? These egg rolls are perfect. Packed with fresh vegetables and lean protein, you can feel great about serving them, knowing they’re a much healthier alternative to many store-bought options. My taste testers all agree they are a “must-make” item!
- Elevate Your Asian-Inspired Meals: These egg rolls are the perfect accompaniment to almost any Asian-themed dinner. They complement a wide range of flavors and textures, making them a natural fit for a complete meal. Consider serving them alongside:
- Crab and Cream Cheese Wontons
- Zesty Orange Chicken
- Hearty Beef and Broccoli
- Savory Garlic Chicken Lo Mein
- Spicy Kung Pao Chicken
- Impressive Party Appetizer: Planning a party or get-together? These egg rolls make a fantastic appetizer. They’re easy to prepare in batches, can be partially prepped ahead of time, and are always a crowd-pleaser. Arrange them beautifully on a platter with various dipping sauces for an elegant presentation.
- Quick Lunch Option: Batch cook a few of these egg rolls, and you have a quick, flavorful lunch ready for the next day. They reheat well in an oven or air fryer, maintaining their desirable crispness.
With their irresistible flavor, satisfying crunch, and remarkable versatility, these homemade shrimp and veggie egg rolls are sure to become a cherished recipe in your kitchen. Enjoy!
Baked or Fried Shrimp and Veggie Egg Rolls
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Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli slaw mix
- 2 Tbs parsley chopped fine
- 2 Tbs Butter (or sub I Can’t Believe it’s Not Butter!)
- 1 1/2 Tbs minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 Tbs honey
- 1 1/2 cups pre-cooked shrimp shelled, should have about 25 small shrimp
- 8 egg roll wrappers
- water to stick the egg roll together
- oil for frying or additional butter for baking
Dipping Sauce
- 1 1/2 Tbs honey
- 2 Tbs soy sauce
- 1/2 Tbs sesame oil
- 1 tsp ginger
- 1/2 tsp sesame seeds
Instructions
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If baking, preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200°C). If frying, heat oil in a shallow pan to 375 degrees F (190°C).
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In a large pan, melt the butter (or butter substitute). Add the broccoli slaw, parsley, and minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until slightly softened.
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Stir in the ground ginger, sesame oil, and honey. Sauté for another minute to fully incorporate the flavors.
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Add the pre-cooked, shelled shrimp to the pan and toss with the vegetable mixture until just heated through. Remove from heat.
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Lay an egg roll wrapper out like a diamond. Place about 2 tablespoons of the shrimp and vegetable mixture onto the wrapper, closer to the corner facing you.
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Moisten the edges of the wrapper with water. Fold the bottom corner over the filling, tuck in the side corners, and then roll tightly upwards to form the egg roll. (Detailed rolling instructions are often on the back of egg roll wrapper packages.)
To Fry
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Heat oil in a shallow pan until it reaches 375 degrees F (190°C). Fry egg rolls in batches for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
To Bake
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Brush each egg roll with melted butter and place on a baking tray sprayed with cooking spray or lined with parchment paper.
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Bake in the preheated oven at 400 degrees F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
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While egg rolls are cooking, prepare the dipping sauce by whisking together all dipping sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Adjust honey or soy sauce to your preference.
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Serve the hot egg rolls immediately with the prepared dipping sauce.
Notes
Nutrition
Our recipe card software calculates these nutrition facts based on averages for the above ingredients. Different brands, and quality of produce/meats may have different nutritional information. Always calculate your own based on the specific products you use in order to achieve accurate macros for this recipe.
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This post and the photos have been updated since the original publication in 2014. The beloved recipe remains the same.
