If you’ve ever savored the crispy, golden exterior and savory, flavorful filling of a Chinese egg roll, you know just how irresistible they can be. But what if you want to enjoy this classic appetizer without meat?
Our vegetarian Chinese egg roll recipe offers a delightful and satisfying alternative that’s packed with fresh vegetables and fragrant seasonings. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, party appetizer, or snack, these egg rolls are easy to make and absolutely delicious.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, this recipe will guide you through every step to create perfectly crisp and tasty rolls filled with a colorful mix of veggies.
Get ready to impress your family and friends with these homemade vegetarian egg rolls that are healthier, fresher, and more flavorful than anything you can find in a takeout box. Plus, you can customize the filling to suit your taste buds or whatever veggies you have in the fridge.
Let’s dive into this fantastic recipe and bring a little taste of China to your home kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to fall in love with this vegetarian Chinese egg roll recipe. First and foremost, it’s incredibly flavorful, combining crisp vegetables with a savory seasoning mix that perfectly complements the crunchy wrapper.
These egg rolls are baked or fried to golden perfection, offering a satisfying texture every time.
Another great benefit is the versatility. You can easily swap in your favorite vegetables or add tofu for extra protein.
It’s also a fantastic recipe for meal prep or entertaining, as you can make a big batch ahead of time and freeze them for later.
Finally, this recipe is vegetarian and can be made vegan with simple modifications, making it accessible to a wide range of dietary preferences. It’s a delicious way to incorporate more veggies into your diet without sacrificing flavor or fun!
Ingredients
- 10-12 egg roll wrappers (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups shredded cabbage (green or napa cabbage works well)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 1/2 cup chopped shiitake mushrooms (or any mushrooms you prefer)
- 1/2 cup finely diced green onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying or brushing if baking
- 1 egg, beaten (for sealing; use a vegan egg substitute if desired)
Equipment
- Large skillet or wok
- Mixing bowl
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Pastry brush (for egg wash or oil)
- Deep fryer or a large deep skillet (if frying)
- Baking sheet and parchment paper (if baking)
- Paper towels (for draining oil)
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add vegetables: Toss in the shredded cabbage, carrots, mushrooms, bean sprouts, and green onions. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
- Season the filling: Add soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and transfer the filling to a bowl to cool completely.
- Prepare the wrappers: Lay an egg roll wrapper on a clean, flat surface with one corner pointing toward you, like a diamond shape.
- Fill the wrapper: Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the cooled filling near the bottom corner of the wrapper.
- Fold and roll: Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the left and right corners toward the center. Roll tightly toward the top corner, sealing the edge with a brush of beaten egg or vegan substitute to help it stick.
- Cook the egg rolls: You can either deep-fry or bake these egg rolls. For frying, heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry egg rolls in batches for 3-4 minutes or until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Baking option: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place egg rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush with vegetable oil, and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and crisp.
- Serve warm: Enjoy your crispy vegetarian Chinese egg rolls with your favorite dipping sauce, such as sweet chili sauce or soy sauce.
Tips & Variations
“For an even healthier twist, try baking instead of frying. You’ll still get a wonderfully crispy texture without the extra oil.”
Feel free to customize the filling by adding other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or water chestnuts for extra crunch. Tofu or tempeh can be added for protein.
If you prefer a spicy kick, add chili garlic sauce or red pepper flakes to the filling.
When sealing the rolls, be careful not to overfill them, or they might burst during cooking. Also, make sure the filling has cooled before rolling to prevent the wrappers from becoming soggy.
For a gluten-free version, use rice paper wrappers instead of traditional egg roll wrappers, but note that the texture will be slightly different.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Egg Roll (approx.) |
---|---|
Calories | 150-180 kcal |
Protein | 3-4 g |
Fat | 7-9 g |
Carbohydrates | 18-22 g |
Fiber | 2-3 g |
Sodium | 350-400 mg |
These nutrition facts can vary depending on cooking method and specific ingredients used. Baking reduces fat content, while frying increases it.
Serving Suggestions
Vegetarian Chinese egg rolls make a fantastic appetizer or snack, but they also pair well with a variety of dishes. Serve them alongside a fresh Asian-style salad with sesame dressing or a bowl of hot and sour soup for a complete meal.
Consider pairing your egg rolls with dipping sauces like sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, or a tangy plum sauce. For a heartier meal, serve them with steamed rice or fried rice and stir-fried vegetables.
Want to keep the theme going? Check out these delicious recipes to complement your egg rolls:
- Asian Vegan Recipes for Delicious and Healthy Meals
- Low Calorie Vegetable Soup Recipe for Healthy Eating
- Vegetarian Tex Mex Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners
Conclusion
Making vegetarian Chinese egg rolls at home is a rewarding and delicious experience. This recipe offers a perfect balance of fresh, crunchy vegetables wrapped in a golden, crispy shell that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.
Whether you’re preparing a casual snack or a party appetizer, these egg rolls are versatile, easy to make, and endlessly customizable. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can enjoy authentic flavors without the hassle of takeout.
Plus, making them yourself means you control what goes inside — no preservatives or unnecessary additives, just wholesome, tasty ingredients. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different veggies or spices to make this recipe your own.
For more wonderful plant-based recipes and cooking inspiration, be sure to explore our other delicious creations like the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe or the Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe. Happy cooking and enjoy your crunchy, flavorful vegetarian Chinese egg rolls!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegetarian Chinese Egg Roll
Description: Crispy and flavorful vegetarian Chinese egg rolls filled with fresh vegetables and savory seasonings. Perfect as an appetizer or snack.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 8 egg rolls
Ingredients
- 8 egg roll wrappers
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup cooked and finely chopped shiitake mushrooms
- 1/2 cup bean sprouts
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 tablespoons water (for sealing wrappers)
Instructions
- Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add cabbage, carrots, green onions, mushrooms, and bean sprouts; stir-fry for 5 minutes.
- Stir in soy sauce, sesame oil, and black pepper; cook another 2 minutes and remove from heat.
- Place an egg roll wrapper on a flat surface; spoon 2-3 tablespoons of filling near one corner.
- Fold corner over filling, fold sides inward, and roll tightly; seal edge with water.
- Heat remaining vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry egg rolls in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Drain on paper towels and serve warm with dipping sauce.
Nutrition: Calories: 150 | Protein: 4g | Fat: 7g | Carbs: 18g
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