How to Use Egg Roll Wrappers

Egg roll wrappers are versatile, inexpensive, and incredibly easy to work with. They are thin sheets of dough made from flour, water, and egg that can be filled with just about anything you desire. Whether you want to make classic Chinese egg rolls or experiment with unique fillings, egg roll wrappers are an excellent starting point for creating delicious appetizers or main dishes. In this article, we will explore the different ways you can use egg roll wrappers to create mouth-watering meals that will impress your family and friends. From traditional egg rolls to creative alternatives, you’ll discover everything you need to know about using these versatile wraps in your cooking adventures.

Types of Egg Roll Wrappers

Egg roll wrappers are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. There are different types of egg roll wrappers available, each with their own unique characteristics.

1. Traditional Egg Roll Wrappers

Egg roll wrappers are thin sheets of dough used to make various types of rolls, including egg rolls, spring rolls, and wontons. Traditional egg roll wrappers are made from a mixture of flour, water, and eggs, which give them their distinctive yellow color.

These wrappers are commonly used in Chinese cuisine and are available in most grocery stores. They come in different sizes, but the most common size is 6 inches by 6 inches.

To use traditional egg roll wrappers, it’s important to keep them moist so they don’t dry out and crack. You can do this by covering them with a damp towel or plastic wrap until you’re ready to use them.

When making egg rolls with these wrappers, you’ll typically fill them with a mixture of vegetables and meat or seafood. You can also add spices and sauces for extra flavor.

To fold the wrapper into an egg roll shape, place the filling in the center of the wrapper and fold one corner over the filling. Then fold in the sides and continue rolling until you reach the end. Seal the edge with a bit of water or beaten egg.

Once your egg rolls are assembled, you can fry them in hot oil until they’re golden brown and crispy. Alternatively, you can bake or air fry them for a healthier option.

2. Spring Roll Wrappers

Spring roll wrappers are a popular type of egg roll wrapper commonly used in Asian cuisine. These wrappers are made from wheat flour, water, and salt, resulting in a thin and translucent texture when cooked. They are typically used for making fresh spring rolls filled with vegetables, herbs, and sometimes protein.

One of the benefits of using spring roll wrappers is that they can be eaten raw or cooked. To prepare them for use, simply soak them in warm water until they become pliable. The amount of time needed to soften the wrapper will depend on the brand and thickness of the wrapper.

When selecting spring roll wrappers at the store, it’s important to note that there are different sizes available. Some brands also offer rice paper wrappers as an alternative to wheat-based spring roll wrappers.

To make fresh spring rolls using spring roll wrappers, start by preparing your desired filling ingredients such as shredded carrots, cucumber slices, chopped herbs like cilantro or mint, and cooked shrimp or tofu. Then place one softened wrapper on a flat surface and add a small amount of each filling ingredient onto the center of the wrapper. Roll up tightly like a burrito while tucking in the sides to create a neat package.

Spring rolls can be served immediately with dipping sauces such as peanut sauce or sweet chili sauce. They can also be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before serving.

3. Wonton Wrappers

Wonton wrappers are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from savory to sweet. These thin sheets of dough are typically made from flour, water, and salt, and can be found in the refrigerated or frozen section of most grocery stores.

One popular way to use wonton wrappers is to make wontons, which are small dumplings filled with a mixture of meat or vegetables. To make wontons, simply place a small spoonful of filling in the center of each wrapper, moisten the edges with water, and fold the wrapper over into a triangle or rectangle shape. You can then boil, steam, or fry the wontons until they are cooked through.

Wonton wrappers can also be used as a substitute for other types of pastry dough in recipes like potstickers or egg rolls. They can be filled with savory ingredients like ground pork and cabbage for classic pork and vegetable egg rolls or tofu and bean sprouts for vegetarian options.

When working with wonton wrappers, it’s important to keep them moist so they don’t dry out and become brittle. To store them properly, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and keep them in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you need to store them longer than that, you can freeze them for up to three months.

Preparing Egg Roll Wrappers for Use

To use egg roll wrappers, it is important to prepare them properly before filling and cooking. This involves two main steps: thawing frozen wrappers and softening hard wrappers.

1. Thawing Frozen Wrappers

Thawing frozen egg roll wrappers is essential before using them in any recipe. Thawing them properly is important to prevent the wrappers from breaking or becoming too sticky. Here are some methods for thawing frozen egg roll wrappers:

1. Refrigerator Method: Place the frozen egg roll wrappers in the refrigerator overnight or for at least 6-8 hours. This method allows the wrappers to thaw slowly and evenly, resulting in a softer texture.
2. Room Temperature Method: Remove the frozen egg roll wrappers from the package and place them on a plate or tray at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour. Make sure to cover them with a damp towel or plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out.
3. Microwave Method: If you’re short on time, you can use a microwave to thaw the egg roll wrappers quickly. First, remove the frozen wrappers from their packaging and place them on a microwave-safe plate. Then, wrap them with a damp paper towel and microwave on high for 15-20 seconds.

It’s important not to over-thaw or over-microwave the egg roll wrappers as they may become too soft and difficult to handle.

Once your egg roll wrappers are thawed, it’s time to use them in your favorite recipes such as classic pork and vegetable egg rolls, vegan tofu and cabbage spring rolls, or dessert fruit-filled wontons. Remember that properly thawed egg roll wrappers will result in delicious and perfectly cooked dishes!

2. Softening Hard Wrappers

To prepare egg roll wrappers for use, it is important to soften them properly. Hard wrappers can be difficult to work with and may tear or break during the filling and rolling process. There are a few methods to soften egg roll wrappers:

1. Room Temperature: The simplest way to soften egg roll wrappers is to leave them at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before using them. This allows the moisture in the air to soften the wrapper, making it more pliable.
2. Damp Towel: Another method is to wrap the stack of egg roll wrappers in a damp towel and microwave for 10-15 seconds. This will create steam that softens the wrapper.
3. Water Bath: You can also dip each wrapper into a shallow dish of warm water for a few seconds until it softens. Be careful not to soak the wrapper too long, as it can become too soft and difficult to handle.

It is important not to over-soften the wrapper, as this can cause it to tear or become too sticky. Once softened, you can fill and roll your egg rolls according to your recipe’s instructions.

By following these tips for softening hard egg roll wrappers, you’ll be able to create delicious and perfectly rolled egg rolls every time!

Recipes Using Egg Roll Wrappers

Egg roll wrappers can be used in a variety of recipes, from classic pork and vegetable egg rolls to vegan tofu and cabbage spring rolls. These versatile wrappers, such as fruit-filled wontons, can even be used for dessert. Here are some delicious recipes using egg roll wrappers:

1. Classic Pork and Vegetable Egg Rolls

To make classic pork and vegetable egg rolls, you will need egg roll wrappers, ground pork, shredded cabbage, grated carrots, chopped onions, minced garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, and vegetable oil for frying.

1. In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground pork until browned. Add the onions and garlic and cook until softened. Add the cabbage and carrots and cook until tender-crisp. Season with soy sauce and sesame oil.
2. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Add the slurry to the skillet and stir until the filling thickens.
3. Lay an egg roll wrapper on a flat surface with one corner facing you. Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of filling in the center of the wrapper.
4. Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold the sides towards the center. Roll up tightly towards the top corner.
5. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry egg rolls in batches until golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve hot with sweet chili sauce or soy sauce for dipping.

Egg rolls are a popular appetizer or snack that can be customized to your liking by using different fillings such as chicken, shrimp or vegetables like mushrooms or bean sprouts. The key to making perfect egg rolls is to ensure that they are tightly rolled and fried at the right temperature for optimal crispiness.

2. Vegan Tofu and Cabbage Spring Rolls

Spring rolls are a popular appetizer or snack in many Asian countries, and they can be made with a variety of fillings, including meat, vegetables, and tofu. In this recipe, we will be making Vegan Tofu and Cabbage Spring Rolls using egg roll wrappers.

To start, you will need to gather the following ingredients:

• 8-10 egg roll wrappers
• 1 block of firm tofu
• 2 cups shredded cabbage
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Begin by pressing the tofu to remove excess water. You can do this by wrapping the block of tofu in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and placing something heavy on top for about 30 minutes.

Next, prepare the filling by combining the shredded cabbage, carrots, cilantro, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a bowl. Crumble the pressed tofu into small pieces and add it to the mixture.

Now it’s time to assemble the spring rolls. Place an egg roll wrapper on a flat surface with one corner pointing towards you. Spoon about two tablespoons of filling onto the center of the wrapper. Fold the bottom corner over the filling and tuck it under tightly. Fold in both sides towards the center and continue rolling until you reach the end of the wrapper.

To ensure that your spring rolls don’t fall apart during frying or baking, make sure that they are tightly wrapped with no air pockets inside.

When it comes to cooking these vegan spring rolls, you have two options: frying or baking/air frying.

If you choose to fry them, heat about two inches of oil in a deep pot or wok over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F. Carefully place a few spring rolls at a time into the hot oil and fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Alternatively, you can bake or air fry the spring rolls. Preheat your oven to 400°F or air fryer to 375°F. Place the spring rolls on a baking sheet or in the air fryer basket, making sure that they are not touching each other. Bake/air fry for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.

Serve these vegan tofu and cabbage spring rolls with your favorite dipping sauce, such as sweet chili sauce or peanut sauce, and enjoy!

3. Dessert Fruit-Filled Wontons

Dessert Fruit-Filled Wontons are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that is perfect for any occasion. These bite-sized treats are made using wonton wrappers and can be filled with any fruit of your choice. Here’s how to make them:

Ingredients:

• Wonton Wrappers
• Fresh Fruit (such as strawberries, blueberries, mangoes, or peaches)
• Cream Cheese
• Powdered Sugar
• Vegetable Oil

Instructions:

1. Start by preparing the fruit filling. Wash and chop the fruit into small pieces.
2. In a bowl, mix together 4 ounces of cream cheese and 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar until smooth.
3. Add the chopped fruit to the cream cheese mixture and stir until well combined.
4. Lay out several wonton wrappers on a flat surface.
5. Place a small spoonful of the fruit mixture in the center of each wrapper.
6. Brush the edges of the wonton wrapper with water to help seal them shut.
7. Fold one corner of the wrapper over to meet the opposite corner, forming a triangle shape.
8. Press down firmly around the edges to ensure that they are sealed shut.
9. Heat up vegetable oil in a deep fryer or in a pan on medium-high heat.
10. Once hot, carefully place several wontons into the oil at a time, being careful not to overcrowd them.
11. Fry for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown on both sides.
12. Remove from oil using tongs or a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
13. Serve warm with additional powdered sugar sprinkled on top if desired.

These Dessert Fruit-Filled Wontons are also great when baked instead of fried! To bake them, preheat your oven to 375°F and place filled wontons onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush with vegetable oil and bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Enjoy!

How to Store Egg Roll Wrappers

Egg roll wrappers are a versatile ingredient that can be used in various dishes, from savory to sweet. It is important to know how to properly store egg roll wrappers to ensure their freshness and quality.

Refrigeration

Egg roll wrappers are a versatile ingredient that can be used in many different recipes, but it’s important to know how to store them properly to ensure they stay fresh and don’t spoil. Refrigeration is one of the most common ways to store egg roll wrappers.

To refrigerate egg roll wrappers, simply place them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag and store them in the refrigerator. It’s important to make sure the wrappers are completely sealed to prevent moisture from getting in, which can cause them to become soggy.

When stored properly in the refrigerator, egg roll wrappers can last for up to two weeks. It’s important to check the expiration date on the package before using them, as expired wrappers may not cook correctly and could potentially pose a health risk.

Freezing egg roll wrappers is easy – simply wrap each individual wrapper tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Make sure to label the container with the date so you know when they were frozen.

Frozen egg roll wrappers can last for up to six months if stored properly. When you’re ready to use them, thaw them out in the refrigerator overnight before using.

Freezing

Freezing egg roll wrappers is an excellent way to extend their shelf life and have them on hand for future use. To freeze egg roll wrappers, it is essential to ensure that they are stored correctly in order to maintain their quality.

Firstly, make sure the egg roll wrappers are tightly sealed in an airtight container or freezer bag. This will prevent moisture from entering and causing the wrappers to become soggy or brittle. Label the container with the date of freezing so that you can keep track of how long they have been frozen.

When it comes time to use the frozen egg roll wrappers, it is important to thaw them properly. The best way to do this is by placing them in the refrigerator overnight. Alternatively, you can leave them at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using them.

It is important not to refreeze egg roll wrappers once they have been thawed as this can cause bacteria growth and compromise their quality. Therefore, only thaw what you need for your recipe and keep any remaining frozen wrappers stored until needed again.

By freezing egg roll wrappers, you can always have them on hand for impromptu meals or snacks without having to worry about them going bad. Just remember to store them properly and follow these tips for thawing before use.

Conclusion

Egg roll wrappers can be versatile in your cooking repertoire. Whether you prefer traditional egg roll wrappers, spring roll wrappers, or wonton wrappers, there are many different ways to use them in your favorite recipes. Properly storing and preparing your egg roll wrappers is important to ensure their quality and taste. When cooking with egg roll wrappers, you can fry them for a crispy texture or bake or air fry them for a healthier option. The possibilities are endless, from classic pork and vegetable egg rolls to vegan tofu and cabbage spring rolls to dessert fruit-filled wontons. With these tips and techniques, you’ll be well on your way to making delicious dishes using egg roll wrappers!