The first time I made this veggie egg roll recipe, it was after a trip to a dim sum spot in San Francisco’s Chinatown. One bite of those golden crispy rolls, and I knew I had to recreate that magic in my own kitchen. There’s something comforting, satisfying, and just plain fun about making egg rolls from scratch, especially when they’re filled with vibrant veggies, flavorful seasonings, and wrapped up in a perfectly crisp shell.
This recipe fits beautifully into a weeknight dinner spread, a potluck appetizer table, or even a weekend cooking project with kids. It’s wholesome, totally customizable, and even freezer-friendly, which means you can keep a stash ready for when cravings hit.
Not only is this version packed with colorful vegetables, it’s also lighter than the traditional deep-fried takeout kind. But trust me, you’ll never miss the meat or heavy oil. This veggie egg roll recipe delivers crunch, flavor, and satisfaction in every bite.
Table of contents
Why This Veggie Egg Roll Recipe Works So Well
There are a few secrets that make this veggie egg roll recipe a repeat favorite in my house and I’m excited to share them with you.
First, the filling strikes the right balance of texture and flavor. It’s not soggy, it’s not bland, and it doesn’t fall apart when you roll it. I use a mix of shredded cabbage, carrots, green onions, garlic, and ginger sautéed lightly with sesame oil and soy sauce. The ingredients stay crisp-tender, delivering that classic crunch while keeping the rolls light and fresh.
Second, the wrappers are sealed tight and fried just until golden, not greasy. I also include tips for baking or air frying them if you prefer a lighter version. You’ll still get the crispy texture without the added oil.
Third, this recipe is endlessly adaptable. Need it gluten-free? Swap out the wrappers and use tamari instead of soy sauce. Want to add some heat? Throw in a dash of sriracha or chili flakes. Looking for protein? Add tofu or shredded mushrooms.
The beauty of this dish is that once you learn the basic method, you can make it your own and never get bored.
Recipe Card
Veggie Egg Roll Recipe
12
servings20
minutes15
minutes120
kcalThese crispy veggie egg rolls are a delightful and healthy twist on the traditional egg roll. Filled with a mix of fresh vegetables and a savory sauce, they make for a perfect appetizer, party snack, or even a light meal. Paired with your favorite dipping sauce, this recipe for veggie egg rolls will be the highlight of any meal!
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Ingredients
1 cup shredded cabbage
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1/4 cup bean sprouts (optional)
2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon grated ginger
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
12 egg roll wrappers
1 tablespoon cornstarch (to seal wrappers)
Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil works well)
Directions
- Prepare the Filling:
In a large skillet, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and grated ginger, and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the cabbage, carrots, green onions, and bean sprouts (if using) to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables have softened slightly but still have a bit of crunch. Stir in the soy sauce, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Remove the mixture from the skillet and let it cool to room temperature. - Assemble the Egg Rolls:
Lay an egg roll wrapper flat on a clean surface, with one corner pointing towards you (like a diamond shape). Place a heaping tablespoon of the veggie mixture in the center of the wrapper. Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll up tightly, sealing the top corner with a little water or cornstarch paste (mix cornstarch with a little water to create a paste). - Fry the Egg Rolls:
Heat about 2 inches of oil in a large frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the egg rolls to the pan, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the egg rolls from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. - Serve:
Serve the veggie egg rolls hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, or peanut sauce.
Notes
- Filling Variations: Feel free to get creative with the vegetable mix. You can add mushrooms, spinach, or even tofu to the filling for extra protein and texture.
- Wrappers: Egg roll wrappers can sometimes tear easily, so be gentle when wrapping. If you’re having trouble sealing them, brush the edges with a bit of water to help them stick.
- Deep Frying: If you don’t have a deep fryer, you can shallow fry these veggie egg rolls in a pan with just enough oil to cover the bottom, turning them as they brown.
- Dipping Sauce: While traditional egg rolls are served with soy sauce, you can elevate the flavor by pairing them with sweet chili sauce, peanut sauce, or even hoisin sauce.
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My Best Pro Tips for Veggie Egg Roll Success
- Don’t Overfill: Avoid overfilling the egg rolls. Too much filling can cause them to break open while cooking.
- Crispness: If you want extra crispy rolls, you can brush them with a bit of oil before frying. You can also bake them for a healthier option, brushing with oil and placing them in a hot oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes.
- Drain Excess Moisture: After sautéing the vegetables, make sure to drain off any excess liquid to prevent soggy egg rolls.
- Serving Ideas: Serve your veggie egg rolls with a side of pickled vegetables, a fresh salad, or a rice dish for a complete meal.
Variants You’ll Want to Try (and Love)
1. Baked Veggie Egg Rolls
Skip the frying and bake these in the oven at 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Brush with oil for extra crispiness. A great option if you’re watching calories or want a hands-off cooking method.
2. Air-Fried Egg Rolls
Air fryers work wonders with egg rolls. Spray or brush lightly with oil and cook at 390°F for 10 minutes, turning once. This version is incredibly crisp without needing deep frying.
3. Vegan Tofu Veggie Egg Rolls
Add crumbled firm tofu to the veggie mix for added protein. Press the tofu first to remove moisture and sauté with the vegetables until browned and flavorful.
4. Spicy Kimchi Egg Rolls
Mix in chopped kimchi with the veggies for a bold, spicy twist. Reduce the soy sauce slightly, as kimchi brings its own salty punch. This adds a wonderful tang and depth of flavor.
FAQ about Veggie Egg Roll Recipe:
Yes! You can prepare the egg rolls and freeze them before frying. When ready to cook, just fry them directly from the freezer, and they will crisp up beautifully.
Absolutely! Brush the egg rolls with a bit of oil and bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes for a healthier, less greasy option.
Drain excess moisture from the vegetables after sautéing them, and don’t overfill the wrappers. This will ensure they stay crisp during cooking.
Health Benefits of Veggie Egg Roll
Veggie egg rolls are packed with nutrients from fresh vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and onions. They offer dietary fiber, which supports digestion and keeps you feeling full longer. The use of healthy oils for frying (or baking, in healthier variants) ensures that you’re getting a balanced amount of healthy fats. Additionally, the veggies are a great source of vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals like vitamin C, beta-carotene, and calcium, all of which contribute to better immunity and overall health.
Nutrition Information (per serving):
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Protein: 2 g
- Carbs: 24 g
- Fat: 4 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
Pairing Suggestions of Veggie Egg Roll
- Dipping Sauces:
Veggie egg rolls pair wonderfully with a variety of dipping sauces. Try pairing them with:- Sweet Chili Sauce: Adds a touch of sweetness and heat.
- Soy Sauce: For a classic and savory option.
- Peanut Sauce: Creamy and rich, it adds a unique twist.
- Spicy Sriracha Mayo: A creamy, spicy dip for those who love a kick.
- Side Dishes:
- Asian Noodle Salad: A light and fresh noodle salad complements the crispy texture of the egg rolls.
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: Simple rice will balance the richness of the fried egg rolls.
- Pickled Vegetables: The tangy and crunchy taste of pickles is a great contrast to the savory filling of the rolls.
- Beverages:
- Iced Green Tea: A refreshing, lightly bitter tea that pairs well with the savory flavors of the egg rolls.
- Ginger Ale: Its hint of spice works as a great contrast to the crispy rolls.
- Cold Beer: A light lager or pale ale is perfect for a casual meal with egg rolls.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overstuffing the Rolls:
Adding too much filling can cause the egg rolls to break open during frying. Stick to a tablespoon of filling for each roll, and be sure to fold the wrappers tightly. - Soggy Egg Rolls:
Be sure to cook the vegetable filling long enough to release excess moisture, and allow it to cool before rolling it up. If you skip this step, the rolls can become soggy and greasy when frying. - Not Sealing the Wrappers Properly:
If the edges of the egg roll wrappers aren’t sealed well, the filling may leak out during cooking. Make sure to use water or a cornstarch paste to seal the edges securely. - Frying at the Wrong Temperature:
If the oil isn’t hot enough, the egg rolls may absorb too much oil and become greasy. Ensure the oil is heated to around 350°F (175°C) before frying. - Overcrowding the Pan:
Fry the egg rolls in batches to prevent overcrowding, which can lead to uneven frying. Frying too many at once lowers the oil temperature and can cause soggy rolls.
Let’s Wrap This Up
Whether you’re looking for a fun kitchen project or a better-for-you snack option, this veggie egg roll recipe delivers on all fronts. It’s packed with flavor, crisp in all the right ways, and far easier to make than it might seem at first glance.
Once you master the basic method, the possibilities are endless. Try new fillings, play with different spices, or serve them up with a variety of dipping sauces to keep things exciting. From picky eaters to veggie lovers, these rolls hit the mark every time.
If you love these veggie egg rolls, you might also enjoy this delicious Deviled Eggs Recipe! They’re just as tasty and make for a fresh and light snack.
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