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Unraveling the Mystery of Egg Rolls: A Delicious Journey

Ever wondered why those crispy, savory treats are called egg rolls? The answer might lie in the original egg-based wrapper or a dish called dan gun. Let’s embark on a culinary adventure to uncover the history and explore mouth-watering variations to try at home.

Theories Behind the Name

One possibility is that the traditional dough used to make the wrapper required eggs, although many modern recipes omit this ingredient. Another fascinating theory suggests that egg rolls are actually inspired by a Chinese-American dish called dan gun, which features a thin egg omelette wrapped around chicken, ham, sprouts, and mushrooms.

9 Delicious Egg Roll Variations to Try

Crispy Chinese Egg Rolls

Ditch the takeout menu and try making these crispy, deep-fried rolls stuffed with ground pork, cabbage, carrots, and shiitake mushrooms at home. You won’t regret it!

Crispy Avocado Egg Rolls

Forget avocado toast and try wrapping your favorite mash in egg roll paper instead. This crispy, deep-fried finger food is addictively delicious and perfect for vegetarians.

Cuban Egg Rolls

This ham, roast beef, Swiss cheese, and pickle-filled variety captures the essence of the beloved Cubano sandwich. All you need is a Mojito and a lounge chair on South Beach!

Freezer-Friendly Shrimp Egg Rolls

Looking for a make-ahead cooking project? These savory, crunchy shrimp and slaw-stuffed egg rolls can be prepped in large batches and frozen until needed.

Breakfast Egg Rolls

If you’re in the mood for an egg roll, these come stuffed with a mixture of cheesy scrambled egg, bacon, and potato hash. Think breakfast burrito but skinnier, crispier, and deep-fried.

Crab Rangoon Egg Rolls

This classic Chinese-American appetizer mash-up is a two-for-one special. You’ll love the crab and cream cheese-filled rolls that are about double the size of the usual crab puff.

Baked Tofu and Vegetable Egg Rolls

These baked egg rolls are teeming with tofu and fresh veggies, making them a guilt-free snack. Go ahead, have thirds (and fourths)!

Egg Roll Soup

Shake up your egg roll routine with this deconstructed soup variation. The classic filling ingredients take center stage, but you still get that satisfying crunch from fried egg roll wrapper strips.

Apple Pie Egg Rolls

The egg roll proves it can play sweet just as well as savory in this creative bite-sized revamp of the iconic dessert. Think of it as a Chinese-American spin on an apple hand pie.