Corned beef egg rolls bring a deliciously crispy twist to the traditional corned beef meal. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday like St. Patrick’s Day or simply craving a savory snack, these egg rolls are the perfect finger food. Packed with tender corned beef, crunchy vegetables, and a crispy wrapper, they’re a treat your guests will love.
In this guide, we’ll show you everything you need to know to create the perfect corned beef egg rolls, from preparation to serving. Plus, we’ll explore some variations, tips for making them ahead of time, and more. Let’s get started on making these irresistible egg rolls!
Table of contents
What Are Corned Beef Egg Rolls?
The Origin of Corned Beef Egg Rolls
Corned beef egg rolls are a fusion of two popular culinary staples: corned beef and egg rolls. Corned beef, a dish typically associated with Irish cuisine, is often cooked slowly in a pot with cabbage and other vegetables. On the other hand, egg rolls are a Chinese-American appetizer made of thin, crispy wrappers filled with various savory ingredients.
Corned beef egg rolls combine these two food traditions, offering a crispy wrapper filled with savory corned beef and vegetables. The result is a crunchy, hearty snack that’s perfect for appetizers or as a main course when paired with sides. Whether you’re serving them for a holiday or just because you love corned beef, they’ll soon become a favorite!
Why Are Corned Beef Egg Rolls So Popular?
Corned beef egg rolls are gaining popularity due to their unique fusion of flavors and textures. The savory, tender corned beef contrasts beautifully with the crispiness of the fried or baked egg roll wrapper. Plus, they can be easily customized to suit different tastes, making them versatile for various occasions.
Their portability, finger-food nature, and ability to be served with a variety of dipping sauces make corned beef egg rolls the perfect choice for parties, casual meals, or a special treat.
Essential Ingredients for Corned Beef Egg Rolls
Before you start cooking, it’s important to know what ingredients go into making these delicious corned beef egg rolls. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
Corned Beef Egg Rolls Ingredients Table
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Corned Beef | 2 cups (shredded) | The star of the filling; tender and flavorful |
| Cabbage | 2 cups (shredded) | Adds texture and balance to the filling |
| Carrots | 1 medium (grated) | Adds sweetness and color to the filling |
| Onion | 1 medium (chopped) | Adds depth of flavor |
| Garlic | 2 cloves (minced) | Adds a savory aroma and enhances the taste |
| Egg Roll Wrappers | 12 wrappers | Holds everything together and crisps up when cooked |
| Oil (for frying) | As needed | Used for frying the egg rolls to a golden crisp |
| Worcestershire Sauce | 1 tbsp | Adds complexity to the filling flavor |
| Garlic Powder | 1 tsp | Enhances the savory profile |
| Onion Powder | 1 tsp | Complements the garlic and adds depth |
| Salt and Pepper | To taste | Basic seasonings for the filling |
Optional Ingredients for Flavor Variations
| Ingredient | Use |
|---|---|
| Cheese (Cheddar, Swiss) | Add to the filling for a gooey, creamy texture |
| Jalapeños | Add a spicy kick to the filling |
| Mustard | For dipping (yellow, Dijon, or spicy) |
| Ranch Dressing | Creamy dip for a cool, tangy contrast |
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Corned Beef Egg Rolls
Making corned beef egg rolls is straightforward and fun. Let’s break down the process into easy-to-follow steps. Follow these instructions to create a batch of crispy, delicious egg rolls.
Step 1: Preparing
If you’re using leftover corned beef, great! Shred the meat into small, bite-sized pieces. If you’re starting with fresh corned beef, you’ll need to cook it first.
- Slow Cooker Method: Place the corned beef in a slow cooker with enough water to cover it. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or until the beef is tender and easily shredded.
- Boiling Method: If you prefer to boil the corned beef, add it to a large pot of water and simmer for 2-3 hours until it’s fork-tender.
Once your corned beef is ready, use a fork to shred it into small pieces that will fit comfortably inside the egg roll wrapper.
Step 2: Preparing the Vegetables
In a large pan or skillet, heat about a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the shredded cabbage, grated carrots, and chopped onions. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together and remove from heat. Let the mixture cool for a few minutes.
Step 3: Assembling the Egg Rolls
Now it’s time to assemble the egg rolls. Lay your egg roll wrappers flat on a clean surface. Place one wrapper with a corner pointing toward you, forming a diamond shape.
- Add about 2 tablespoons of the corned beef and vegetable mixture to the center of the wrapper.
- Fold the bottom corner of the wrapper over the filling.
- Fold in both side corners so the filling is securely enclosed.
- Roll tightly toward the top corner, sealing the edge with a bit of water to hold the wrapper together.
Repeat the process until all of the egg rolls are assembled.
Step 4: Cooking the Egg Rolls
You can either fry or bake the egg rolls, depending on your preference.
Frying Method
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or a large pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully add the egg rolls to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd them.
- Fry for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until they’re golden brown and crispy.
- Remove them from the oil and place on a paper towel to drain any excess oil.
Baking Method
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange the egg rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Lightly brush or spray them with oil.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden and crisp.
Step 5: Serving the Egg Rolls
Once your egg rolls are cooked, serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauces. Mustard, ranch dressing, sweet and sour sauce, or spicy mayo are all great choices. Pair the egg rolls with a side of fresh coleslaw or crispy fries for a complete meal.
Creative Variations
While the classic version is always delicious, you can experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your own twist. Here are some fun variations:
Cheesy Corned Beef Egg Rolls
For a creamy and indulgent twist, add cheese to the filling. Cheddar or Swiss cheese works wonderfully. The cheese melts during frying or baking, creating a gooey texture inside the egg roll.
Spicy Corned Beef Egg Rolls
If you like a little heat, try adding chopped jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to your filling. You can also prepare a spicy dipping sauce by mixing mayonnaise and sriracha.
Vegetarian Corned Beef Egg Rolls
For a vegetarian version, swap the corned beef for a plant-based protein like mushrooms, jackfruit, or tempeh. These ingredients mimic the texture of meat while still offering a savory, satisfying filling.
Tips for Making the Best Corned Beef Egg Rolls
Here are a few tips to ensure your beef egg rolls turn out perfectly:
- Don’t Overstuff: When adding the filling to the egg roll wrapper, be sure not to overstuff. Overfilled egg rolls can burst open during cooking.
- Seal the Edges Well: Make sure the edges are tightly sealed with water or an egg wash to prevent them from opening while cooking.
- Fry at the Right Temperature: If you’re frying the egg rolls, make sure the oil is at the correct temperature (350°F or 175°C). If the oil is too hot, they will burn on the outside before the filling is cooked. Too cold, and they’ll absorb too much oil.
- Customize the Filling: Don’t be afraid to get creative with the filling! Add different vegetables, spices, or even meats to suit your taste.
Conclusion
Corned beef egg rolls are a unique, flavorful snack that combines the rich taste of corned beef with the crispiness of an egg roll wrapper. Whether you fry or bake them, these egg rolls are sure to impress your guests. With endless variations and the ability to customize the filling, corned beef egg rolls are perfect for any occasion.
Try this recipe today, and enjoy the perfect combination of savory, crunchy, and cheesy goodness
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I store leftover corned beef egg rolls?
Store leftover egg rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake them at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to restore their crispy texture.
Can I make corned beef egg rolls in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the egg rolls ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Alternatively, you can freeze them before cooking. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
What can I substitute for beef in egg rolls?
If you don’t want to use corned beef, you can substitute with pulled pork, shredded chicken, or even vegetarian options like sautéed mushrooms or tofu.
Can I bake beef egg rolls?
Yes! Baking is a great alternative to frying. Bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
How long do beef egg rolls take to cook?
If you’re frying the egg rolls, they take around 4-5 minutes. Baking them will take about 15-20 minutes at 400°F (200°C).