Need a quick dinner fix? Try our crispy shrimp egg rolls recipe made with tender shrimp and crunchy vegetables for an easy weeknight dinner, save for later

Crispy Shrimp Egg Rolls Recipe for Quick Dinner

Introduction

Are you looking for a quick, delicious, and easy-to-make dinner recipe that combines the savory flavors of shrimp with the crunch of egg rolls? Look no further than this crispy shrimp egg rolls recipe, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. With everyday ingredients and minimal preparation time, you can create a dish that’s both impressive and mouth-watering. The combination of succulent shrimp, crunchy vegetables, and the crispy exterior of the egg rolls, all served with a side of your favorite dipping sauce, makes for a truly satisfying meal. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Why This Works

Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: This recipe strikes a perfect balance between the sweetness of the shrimp, the crunch of the vegetables, and the savory flavor of the seasonings, all while using ingredients that are easily found in most supermarkets.
Ease of preparation: With a simple and straightforward preparation process, you can have your crispy shrimp egg rolls ready in no time, making it an ideal choice for those busy evenings when you need a quick but delicious meal.
Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite its simplicity, this dish presents beautifully and is sure to impress your family and friends, making it perfect for both casual gatherings and more formal occasions.

Key Ingredients

The key to making great crispy shrimp egg rolls lies in the quality and freshness of the ingredients. You will need large shrimp, peeled and deveined, a variety of colorful vegetables such as cabbage, carrots, and onions, and of course, egg roll wrappers. For added flavor, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger are essential. Practical substitutions can be made with the vegetables, using what’s in season or your personal favorites. For a vegetarian version, you can replace the shrimp with tofu or additional vegetables.

Instructions

Step 1: Begin by preparing your ingredients. Chop the cabbage, carrots, and onions into thin strips. Mince the garlic and ginger. Peel and devein the shrimp, then chop them into small pieces.
Step 2: In a large skillet or wok, heat a couple of tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped vegetables and cook until they are tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and ginger and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Step 3: Add the chopped shrimp to the skillet and cook until they turn pink and are fully cooked, about 2-3 minutes per side. Season with soy sauce to taste. Let the mixture cool down to room temperature, as this will make it easier to handle when assembling the egg rolls.
Step 4: To assemble the egg rolls, lay an egg roll wrapper on a flat surface. Place about a tablespoon of the shrimp and vegetable mixture in the center of the wrapper. Brush the edges with a little water, then fold the bottom half over the filling, fold in the sides, and roll up the wrapper to form a tight cylinder. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling. When ready to cook, heat about 2-3 inches of oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F. Fry the egg rolls until they are golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Drain on paper towels and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Handy Tips

When working with egg roll wrappers, make sure to keep them covered with a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out. This will make them easier to roll and less likely to tear.
Don’t overfill the egg rolls, as this can cause them to burst open during frying. Leave a little room at the top for the filling to expand.
For an extra crispy exterior, you can chill the assembled egg rolls in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before frying. This will help the wrapper fry up crisper.

Heat Control

Heat control is crucial when frying the egg rolls. The ideal temperature for frying is between 325°F and 375°F. If the oil is too hot, the exterior will burn before the inside is fully cooked. If it’s too cold, the egg rolls will absorb too much oil and be greasy. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature, and never leave frying food unattended.

Crunch Factor

Achieving the perfect crunch on your egg rolls is a matter of proper frying technique. Make sure the oil is at the right temperature, and don’t overcrowd the pan, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in greasy or soggy egg rolls. Fry in batches if necessary, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different frying times to find your perfect crunch.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

For easier cleanup, line your work surface with parchment paper or a silicone mat before assembling the egg rolls. This will catch any spills or stray filling.
Use a spider or a slotted spoon to carefully place the egg rolls in the hot oil and to remove them when they’re done. This will prevent splashing and make the process safer.
Experiment with different seasonings and spices in your filling to give your egg rolls a unique flavor. Sesame oil, five-spice powder, and grated ginger can add interesting dimensions to your dish.

Storage Tips

Unfried egg rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day. Let them come to room temperature before frying.
Fried egg rolls are best served immediately, but if you need to store them, place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet and refrigerate or freeze. Reheat in the oven at 400°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until crispy and hot.
For longer storage, you can freeze the assembled but unfried egg rolls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Fry directly from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the frying time.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you’re considering gifting your crispy shrimp egg rolls, presentation is key. Place a few egg rolls in a decorative take-out box or a paper cone lined with parchment paper. You can also wrap them individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a gift basket filled with your favorite dipping sauces and other Asian-inspired treats. Add a personal touch with a ribbon or a gift tag, and you have a unique and delicious gift for any food lover.

Flavor Variations

🌟 Different spices: Add some heat with red pepper flakes, or depth with smoked paprika. Experiment with various spice blends like curry powder or Chinese five-spice to give your egg rolls a unique twist.
🌟 Creative toppings: Serve your egg rolls with a variety of toppings such as sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or grated carrots. Offer a range of dipping sauces from sweet chili sauce to a tangy peanut sauce.
🌟 Ingredient swaps: Substitute the shrimp with other proteins like chicken, pork, or tofu for a vegetarian option. Use different types of cabbage or add some bean sprouts for extra texture and flavor.

Troubleshooting

Texture problems: If your egg rolls turn out too greasy, it may be because the oil wasn’t hot enough. If they’re too dry, you might have overcooked them. Adjust your frying time and temperature as needed.
Ingredient replacements: If you can’t find a specific ingredient, don’t be afraid to substitute with something similar. For example, you can use broccoli slaw instead of cabbage, or chicken broth instead of water to add moisture to your filling.
Over/undercooking signs: Egg rolls are done when they’re golden brown and crispy. If they’re pale, they might not be fully cooked. If they’re too dark, they’re likely overcooked. Adjust your frying time based on the size of your egg rolls and the temperature of your oil.

FAQs

Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze both assembled but unfried egg rolls and fried egg rolls. For unfried, place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. For fried egg rolls, cool them completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Is it gluten-free? Most egg roll wrappers are made from wheat flour and contain gluten. However, you can find gluten-free alternatives made from rice flour or other gluten-free ingredients. Be sure to check the ingredients of your soy sauce as well, as some brands contain gluten.
Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double or triple this recipe to feed a larger crowd. Just be sure to fry the egg rolls in batches to prevent overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and result in poorly cooked egg rolls.

Conclusion

Making crispy shrimp egg rolls is a fun and rewarding culinary project that can add a delicious and impressive dish to your repertoire. With its combination of succulent shrimp, crunchy vegetables, and crispy wrapper, this recipe is sure to please both kids and adults. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fillings and seasonings to make the recipe your own, and enjoy the process of creating something truly special. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out in the kitchen, this crispy shrimp egg rolls recipe is a great way to explore the flavors and techniques of Asian cuisine in a quick, easy, and delicious way.

Crispy Shrimp Egg Rolls Quick Dinner