Southern Style Crispy Egg rolls have a special place in my heart, reminding me of backyard barbecues and the comforting smells of my grandmother’s kitchen. These aren’t your average egg rolls; they’re a delightful fusion, bringing together the savory heartiness of Southern cooking with that irresistible crispy crunch. I remember the first time I tried a truly authentic Southern fried egg, and I knew I had to capture that essence. This recipe is my answer to how to make Southern crispy eggs that are bursting with flavor and have that perfect golden exterior. Get ready for a taste of pure comfort! Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love These Southern Style Crispy Egg Rolls
You’re going to adore these egg rolls because they’re a flavor explosion and so satisfying:
- Incredible Taste: A savory blend of seasoned pork and tender veggies wrapped in a crunchy shell.
- Quick Prep: Ready in just 20 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthier Twist: You can opt for baking instead of frying for a lighter meal.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses common ingredients that won’t break the bank.
- Family Favorite: Even picky eaters will devour these, just like a crispy fried egg Southern style.
- Versatile: Great as an appetizer, snack, or even a main dish.
- Authentic Flavor: Captures the essence of a perfect crispy fried egg Southern style.
- Easy to Make: Simple steps mean anyone can achieve delicious results.
Ingredients for Southern Style Crispy Egg Rolls
Crafting an authentic Southern fried eggs recipe, or in this case, egg rolls, starts with the right ingredients that bring that homestyle goodness. This recipe is designed to deliver that signature savory flavor and satisfying crunch you expect from Southern cooking.
- 1 pound ground pork – the savory base of our filling
- 2 cups shredded cabbage – adds a tender crunch and volume
- 1 cup shredded carrots – for a touch of sweetness and color
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – essential for that aromatic depth
- 1 tbsp soy sauce – brings umami and a hint of saltiness
- 1 tsp ground black pepper – for a classic Southern kick
- 1 tsp salt – enhances all the other flavors
- 1 tsp onion powder – adds another layer of savory goodness
- 1/2 tsp paprika – for a subtle warmth and color
- 1 package egg roll wrappers – the crispy golden shell
- Vegetable oil, for frying – enough for deep-frying to get that perfect crisp
How to Make Southern Style Crispy Egg Rolls
Making these egg rolls is a really fun process, and the result is so worth it! It’s like getting a taste of a perfect Southern breakfast with every bite. Follow these steps to create your own batch of crispy goodness.
Preparing the Filling
- Step 1: Let’s get started by browning the pork. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground pork and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s nicely browned and no pink remains. This usually takes about 7-10 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.
- Step 2: Now, add the shredded cabbage, carrots, and minced garlic to the skillet with the pork. Toss everything together and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften and the garlic is fragrant. This is where the magic happens, and the aroma starts to fill your kitchen.
- Step 3: Stir in the soy sauce, ground black pepper, salt, onion powder, and paprika. Mix it all up really well to distribute the seasonings evenly. Once everything is combined and the flavors are melded, remove the skillet from the heat to let the filling cool slightly. This makes it easier to handle when you start assembling.
Assembling the Egg Rolls
- Step 4: Grab an egg roll wrapper and lay it flat on your work surface with a corner pointing towards you, like a diamond. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the cooled pork mixture onto the center of the wrapper. Don’t overfill, or they’ll be hard to seal!
- Step 5: Fold the bottom corner (the one closest to you) up and over the filling. Then, fold in the left and right sides towards the center. Start rolling it up tightly from the bottom.
- Step 6: Just before you reach the last corner, dab a tiny bit of water along the edge to help seal it. Finish rolling to create a neat, sealed package. Repeat this process with the rest of the wrappers and filling until you have a beautiful batch ready for frying, much like how you’d prepare an easy Southern fried egg.
Frying to Perfection
- Step 7: Time to get that signature crunch! In a deep skillet or a Dutch oven, heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Using a thermometer is key here to ensure you get the best crispy Southern eggs result. For more on achieving perfect cooking temperatures, check out this guide to frying.
- Step 8: Carefully place 3-4 egg rolls into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until they are beautifully golden brown and wonderfully crispy. This is how you truly get that perfect crisp, just like learning how to fry eggs Southern style.
- Step 9: Once they’re perfectly golden, remove the egg rolls from the oil using a slotted spoon or spider strainer. Let them drain on a wire rack set over paper towels. This helps keep them extra crispy. Serve them up hot and enjoy that amazing crunch!
Pro Tips for the Best Southern Style Crispy Egg Rolls
Want to elevate your egg roll game? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that make all the difference in achieving that perfect, craveable crunch and savory flavor.
- Don’t Overfill: Resist the urge to pack too much filling into each wrapper. A little less filling makes for easier rolling and better frying.
- Seal Tightly: Make sure those edges are well-sealed with water. This prevents the filling from escaping during the frying process.
- Consistent Oil Temp: Maintaining the oil at 350°F (175°C) is crucial. If it’s too cool, the egg rolls will be greasy; too hot, and they’ll burn before they’re crispy.
- Drain Properly: Always drain fried egg rolls on a wire rack, not paper towels directly. This allows air to circulate, keeping the bottoms from getting soggy.
What’s the secret to perfect crispy edges on fried eggs Southern style?
The key is a hot oil temperature, around 350°F, and not overcrowding the pan. This allows the wrapper to puff up and crisp evenly. Adding a pinch of Southern seasoning to the filling also adds that authentic savory depth.
Can I make Southern Style Crispy Egg Rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you absolutely can assemble them ahead! Prepare the filling and assemble the egg rolls, then store them on a baking sheet, covered loosely with plastic wrap, in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before frying.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Southern Style Crispy Egg Rolls?
The biggest pitfalls are overfilling, which makes them hard to seal, and not using hot enough oil, leading to greasy rolls. Also, ensure your filling is cooled slightly before assembling so it doesn’t make the wrappers soggy.
Best Ways to Serve Southern Style Crispy Egg Rolls
These versatile egg rolls are fantastic on their own, but they truly shine when paired with the right accompaniments. For a delightful appetizer spread, serve them with a trio of dipping sauces – think sweet chili, tangy soy-ginger, or a creamy ranch. If you’re craving a full Southern breakfast experience, these are perfect alongside some fluffy grits and a perfectly cooked Southern breakfast crispy eggs. They also make a fantastic main course when served with a side of coleslaw or a fresh, crisp green salad to balance out the richness. For more breakfast inspiration, check out these breakfast bowl recipes with eggs.
Nutrition Facts for Southern Style Crispy Egg Rolls
When you’re enjoying these delightful egg rolls, it’s helpful to know what you’re fueling up with. Each bite offers a satisfying crunch and a burst of savory flavor, reminiscent of a hearty Southern fried egg.
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
How to Store and Reheat Southern Style Crispy Egg Rolls
Keeping your delicious egg rolls fresh is easy, whether you have leftovers or want to prep ahead. For short-term storage, make sure the egg rolls have cooled completely on a wire rack to maintain that perfect crispiness. Once cool, place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay wonderfully homestyle crispy fried egg-like for about 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. If you want to save them for longer, freeze them! Wrap each cooled egg roll tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to reheat, the oven is your best friend. Place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes for refrigerated ones, and 10-15 minutes for frozen ones, until heated through and crispy again, just like a freshly made Southern fried egg. For other delicious recipes, you might enjoy these mini citrus cloud bites.
Frequently Asked Questions About Southern Style Crispy Egg Rolls
Are these egg rolls spicy?
The base recipe isn’t spicy, but you can easily add a kick! A little bit of finely diced jalapeño in the filling or a dash of your favorite hot sauce can transform them into a wonderfully savory and spicy treat, making them an even more exciting take on a classic Southern fried egg experience.
Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of pork?
Absolutely! Ground chicken or turkey are great substitutes if you prefer a lighter protein. The cooking process is the same, and they’ll still absorb all those delicious Southern seasonings beautifully, making for an equally tasty and easy Southern fried egg-inspired dish.
What dipping sauces do you recommend for these Southern Style Crispy Egg Rolls?
For that perfect Southern touch, I love serving these with a homemade comeback sauce or a spicy remoulade. Sweet chili sauce or a simple soy-ginger dipping sauce also work wonderfully, offering a nice contrast to the savory filling and crispy wrapper.
How do I get that super crispy texture like a Southern fried egg?
The key is ensuring your oil is at the correct temperature (350°F/175°C) and not overcrowding the pan. This allows the wrappers to fry evenly and puff up beautifully. Letting them drain on a wire rack after frying also helps maintain their crispiness, giving you that satisfying crunch you crave.
Variations of Southern Style Crispy Egg Rolls You Can Try
Feeling adventurous? These egg rolls are incredibly adaptable, allowing you to tailor them to your preferences and dietary needs. Get creative and explore new flavor dimensions!
- Vegetarian Delight: Swap the ground pork for a hearty mix of finely chopped mushrooms, crumbled firm tofu, and extra shredded carrots. Season with the same spices for a delicious meat-free option that still captures the essence of Southern cooking crispy eggs.
- Spicy Kick: For those who love a bit of heat, add finely diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of your favorite hot sauce directly into the filling mixture. This gives them a delightful warmth that’s perfect for a chilly evening.
- Cheesy Goodness: Stir in about half a cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the filling just before assembling. The cheese melts beautifully during frying, adding a creamy, decadent element.
- Baked for Lightness: If you prefer a lighter version, skip the frying! Arrange the assembled egg rolls on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.
Southern Style Crispy Egg: 10 Min Magic
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12-15 egg rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian (with substitutions)
Description
These Southern-style crispy homemade egg rolls offer a unique twist on a classic, featuring seasoned ground pork, tender cabbage, and carrots wrapped in a perfectly fried, golden shell. They are a delicious fusion of Asian and Southern comfort food, perfect as a snack, appetizer, or main dish.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground pork
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 package egg roll wrappers
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook the ground pork over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the shredded cabbage, carrots, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the soy sauce, black pepper, salt, onion powder, and paprika. Mix well and remove from heat to cool slightly.
- Lay an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface with one corner pointing toward you. Place about 2 tablespoons of the pork mixture in the center.
- Fold the corner closest to you over the filling, then fold in the sides. Roll tightly, sealing the edge with a dab of water.
- Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
- In a deep skillet or fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the egg rolls in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per batch.
- Remove from oil and drain on paper towels. Serve hot.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute pork with mushrooms and tofu.
- Add jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Add shredded cheddar cheese for a cheesy variation.
- For a lighter option, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes instead of frying.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course, Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern, Fusion, Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 egg roll
- Calories: 280 kcal