I thought this was going to be complicated and messy,
but it was actually quite easy. It came out almost perfect
the first time.
What you'll need, some of which is optional so you
don't actually need it:
2 tbsp vegetable oil 12 oz cooked, minced
shrimp or beef or pork or chicken. Or uncooked fake
crab meat. 3 cups finely
shredded Chinese cabbage 1/4 cup water chestnuts,
cut into thin strips 2 stalks celery, minced
(optional) 1 cup bean sprouts (optional) 1
tsp salt 1 tbsp soy sauce 1 tsp sugar 6
egg roll wrappers 1 egg, beaten oil for deep
frying
I listed the celery and bean sprouts as optional
because I just don't care for them in egg rolls, but
other recipes include them. So, put 'em in if you want.
Put in other stuff, like shredded carrot, if you
feel like it.
Heat the two tablespoons of vegetable oil in
a deep pan. Stir fry the shrimp, cabbage, and water
chestnuts for 2 to 3 minutes. Then add the salt, soy
sauce, and sugar. Don't overcook it or the cabbage will
get all limp. There will likely be liquid in the
pan when you're done with this. If so, drain it, or
it could soak through the wrappers and cause them to
tear while cooking.
Put some of the filling in the middle of
an egg roll wrapper. Brush the wrapper edges with the
beaten egg. Fold the bottom corner up just
beyond the center. Then fold the corners on either side
inward, overlapping just a little. Finally, roll down
the remaining corner to form a cylinder. Repeat until
all the wrappers are filled. Cover them with a damp
paper towel so they don't dry out before you fry them.
Heat the deep-fryin' oil to 375. Fry the egg rolls
until skins are crisp and golden brown, turning if the
oil is shallow. Add them in one at a time, with about
half a minute in between, if you have problems with
the wrappers sticking together. Drain them on paper
towels.
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