The egg roll is a deep-fried appetizer commonly found in American-Chinese restaurants. It consists of a cylindrical, savory roll filled with shredded cabbage, chopped meat, or other fillings, wrapped in a thick wheat flour skin. The roll is then fried in hot oil until golden brown and crispy.
Origins of the Egg Roll
The origins of the egg roll are unclear and disputed. It is believed to have originated in New York City in the early 1930s, possibly at either Lung Fong’s or Port Arthur restaurant. However, the exact inventor remains unknown.
While the egg roll is closely related to the spring roll found in mainland China, it is a distinct dish. The egg roll has a thicker, chewier skin and typically contains more cabbage filling. Additionally, the egg roll does not typically contain eggs in the filling, despite its name.
Varieties of Egg Rolls
There are many different varieties of egg rolls, each with its own unique flavor and ingredients. Some common fillings include:
- Shredded cabbage
- Chopped meat (usually pork or chicken)
- Onions
- Celery
- Carrots
- Bean sprouts
- Shrimp
- Water chestnuts
Egg rolls are typically served warm and are often eaten with dipping sauces such as duck sauce, soy sauce, plum sauce, or hot mustard.
Egg Rolls vs. Spring Rolls
While both egg rolls and spring rolls are popular Chinese-American appetizers, there are some key differences between the two.
- Skin: Egg rolls have a thicker, chewier skin made from wheat flour, while spring rolls have a thinner, crispier skin made from rice paper.
- Filling: Egg rolls typically contain more cabbage and meat fillings, while spring rolls often have a wider variety of fillings, including vegetables, tofu, and seafood.
- Cooking method: Egg rolls are deep-fried, while spring rolls can be either deep-fried or fresh (uncooked).
The egg roll is a delicious and versatile appetizer that is enjoyed by many. Whether you prefer the classic pork and cabbage filling or a more adventurous option, there is an egg roll out there for everyone. So next time you are at your favorite Chinese restaurant, be sure to give the egg roll a try!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an egg roll and a spring roll?
The main difference between an egg roll and a spring roll is the skin. Egg rolls have a thicker, chewier skin made from wheat flour, while spring rolls have a thinner, crispier skin made from rice paper. Additionally, egg rolls typically contain more cabbage and meat fillings, while spring rolls often have a wider variety of fillings, including vegetables, tofu, and seafood.
What is the best dipping sauce for egg rolls?
There is no one definitive answer to this question, as it depends on personal preference. However, some popular dipping sauces for egg rolls include duck sauce, soy sauce, plum sauce, and hot mustard.
Can I make egg rolls at home?
Yes, you can definitely make egg rolls at home. There are many recipes available online, and the process is relatively simple. However, it is important to note that making egg rolls can be time-consuming, so it is best to set aside some time to complete the task.
What are some other popular Chinese-American appetizers?
In addition to egg rolls, some other popular Chinese-American appetizers include:
- Wonton soup
- Crab rangoon
- Pot stickers
- Spring rolls
- Fried rice
- Lo mein
Additional Resources
- Wikipedia article on Egg roll: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Egg_roll
- Vans Kitchen article on the Origin of the Egg Roll: https://www.vanskitchen.com/origin-of-the-egg-roll/
Some claim that the egg roll originated from the spring roll. Perhaps “What Came First: The Spring Roll or the Egg Roll?” would have been a more fitting title for this blog post, but it didn’t seem as catchy. In any case, it is undeniable that egg rolls originated from a Chinese culinary custom. As previously mentioned, their wrappers are typically fairly thick and were formerly made of wheat flour and egg. Conversely, spring roll wrappers are typically made with rice flour, are much thinner, and do not contain eggs. They are also smaller and usually don’t contain any meat. On the other hand, some spring roll recipes frequently call for shrimp in addition to pork or chicken. The spring roll and the egg roll, like any other great culinary invention, have been copied and enhanced numerous times throughout history.
The egg roll, as it is commonly known, is a favorite appetizer in Asian restaurants, but it has also recently gained popularity elsewhere, showing up frequently on bar and appetizer menus. There are many different varieties of this delicious snack available everywhere, including Tex-Mex, also known as a southwestern egg roll, pizza rolls, and even cheese steak rolls! But where did the egg roll originate? That’s a good question! Since there are numerous stories, our blog title makes light of this fact. Variations of the egg roll can be found in many Asian cuisines, and many Asian nations claim to be the dish’s original creators. However, Southern China is the most likely source, as it derives from Cantonese cuisine, according to an article by Diana Huynh titled “The Origin of Egg Rolls.” Though author Andrew Coe (who is unrelated to me) claims that the egg roll was probably created in New York in the early 1930s for his book “Chop Suey: A Cultural History of Chinese Food in the United States,” Among the chefs who claimed the title was Henry Low, whose 1938 book “Cook at Home in Chinese” featured an egg roll recipe. New York—really? I find it difficult to believe that one. ”.
The Van’s Kitchen family has never wavered from their goal to “Make every bite the best one,” despite the fact that the egg roll may have traveled far from its Chinese origins. The kitchen is a family’s gathering place for food and camaraderie and is genuinely the center of the house. With that thought in mind, Van’s Kitchen egg rolls make a delicious snack or entrée for any occasion, whether you go for the veggie, chicken, pork, or shrimp variety!
A 1917 cookbook authored by Chinese Americans featured a recipe for “Dan Gun,” or egg rolls. This recipe called for slicing and serving meat and vegetables that had been wrapped in egg. Either way, traditionally, the egg roll as we know it did use egg in the dough, but many no longer do. Perhaps this is how the name stuck. Van’s Kitchen does not use egg in their egg rolls, nor does it add MSG to any of their products.
I also kept looking because I couldn’t believe the egg roll had only been around for about 80 years. Foodtimeline. According to org, spring rolls, which are lighter than egg rolls, have their origins in ancient China. It is highly probable that the earliest Chinese immigrants to the USA in the middle of the 1800s prepared and ate foods similar to egg rolls. ” Okay, now we are getting somewhere.
After slicing off the onions’ stem ends, arrange them cut side down on the chopping board. Cut them in half through the root end. Peel the onions. Place them cut-side down, then carefully cut each onion at an angle, cutting nearly all the way through the root end but not all the way through. Make the cuts to your desired level of thickness. The onion will be easier to cut if the root end helps hold it together while you cut. Once the tough root holding the slices together is removed, make a V-shaped cut in the root end.
Directions: Heat a skillet over medium heat. A few slices of steak at a time should be added to the pan. As the steak cooks, drizzle a little water into the pan. Make sure the steak doesn’t dry out while it’s cooking. Chop the steak in the pan as soon as it begins to brown, then season with a little salt and pepper. Once the steak is thoroughly browned, chop it and flip it, then remove and set aside. Once the steak has slightly cooled, combine it thoroughly with the shredded cheese and onions. When the steak mixture is hot, you don’t want to add it to the wrappers. It will cause the wrappers to soften and make assembly more challenging.
*NOTE – full assembly instructions are included with the wrappers. You can also follow the step-by-step photos below.
It was only a matter of time for me to create a dish inspired by our signature sandwich, the highly sought-after South Philly Cheesesteak, since I was born and raised in South Philadelphia. The ideal occasion to do so was at my in-laws’ yearly New Year’s Eve celebration. Our family get-togethers are always filled with delicious food, but this year I wanted to bring something extra special to help usher in the new year. I created a delicious appetizer that was reminiscent of South Philly: a cheesesteak egg roll.
These can also be baked in advance and reheated for five to seven minutes.
Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls | They Were SOOOOOO GOOD!!! | #InTheKitchenWithTheMinors
FAQ
Who invented the egg roll?
Who invented the cheesesteak?
Are egg rolls Chinese or Japanese?
Why do Americans call them egg rolls?
How do you make Philly cheesesteak egg rolls?
These Philly cheesesteak egg rolls are made with rib eye steak, onions, peppers and provolone cheese, all wrapped up and fried to crispy perfection. The ultimate appetizer or game day snack! Melt half of the butter in a large pan over medium high heat. Add the peppers and onion and cook 3-4 minutes or until softened.
Who invented egg rolls?
Furthermore, some believe that the egg roll was invented in 1938 by Henry Low, who included a recipe for egg rolls in his cookbook, Cook at Home in Chinese. However, in Henry’s cookbook, the recipe was entitled “tchun guen” or spring rolls.
What are cheesesteak egg rolls?
Cheesesteak egg rolls contain a mixture of sautéed beef, onions, bell peppers and cheese before they’re rolled in an egg roll wrapper and cooked. These ingredients infuse the egg rolls with a savory, pungent and cheesy flavor that mirrors a traditional cheesesteak.
What are Philly cheesesteak egg rolls made of?
These Philly cheesesteak egg rolls are made with rib eye steak, onions, peppers and provolone cheese, all wrapped up and fried to crispy perfection. The ultimate appetizer or game day snack! I love a good Philly cheesesteak sandwich, and these egg rolls have the same delicious and savory flavors inside a crispy wrapper.