Chinese Egg Rolls Using Flour Tortillas (A Substitute)

Do you love Chinese egg rolls? They are one of my favorite appetizers! But what if you don’t have egg roll wrappers and all you have are flour tortillas?

The good news is that you can still make Chinese egg rolls using flour tortillas as a substitute. They’re a great way to use those leftover flour tortillas.

They are just as delicious as the traditional version but much easier to make! Let’s find out more and learn how to make them.

Table of Contents

Egg Roll Wrappers Vs. Flour Tortillas: What’s the Difference?

Egg roll wrappers vs. flour tortillas. Credit: canva

Egg roll wrappers are made with wheat flour, water, and eggs. Thanks to the eggs, they’re thinner and more delicate than flour tortillas and have a bit of a shine.

Flour tortillas are made with refined white flour, water, shortening, and salt. They’re thicker and more sturdy than egg roll wrappers and have a matte finish.

Egg roll wrappers are typically used for savory dishes like egg rolls or spring rolls, while flour tortillas are used for dishes like tacos or burritos.

Chinese Egg Rolls Using Flour Tortillas

Easy Recipe

Egg rolls using tortillas. Credit: canva

If you’re looking for a new and exciting way to enjoy egg rolls, give this recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!

Ingredients:

1 package of flour tortillas (8-10 tortillas)
1/2 pound of ground pork
1/4 cup of finely chopped onion
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
1/2 cup of shredded cabbage
1/4 cup of shredded carrots
1/4 cup of hoisin sauce
Vegetable oil for frying
Egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon of water)

Optional: green onions for garnish

Instructions:

Combine the pork, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix well.
Heat about 1/4 inch of oil in a frying pan or wok over medium heat.
Add the cabbage and carrots to the pork mixture and mix well. Set aside.
Place the tortillas on a cutting board and cut them in half. Place 1-2 tablespoons of the pork mixture into each tortilla, keeping it away from the edges.
Fold the bottom end over the filling, then fold on both sides and roll up tightly.
Gently brush each egg roll with egg wash to help them brown.
Carefully place the rolls in the hot oil, seam side down. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
Serve immediately with hoisin sauce for dipping, if desired. Garnish with green onions, if desired.

Comparison: Taste and Texture

Compared to the ones made with egg roll wrappers, Chinese egg rolls using flour tortillas have a slightly different taste and texture.

While both versions are delicious, the flour tortilla version is thicker and sturdier, giving your mouth a heartier and more substantial feel. Additionally, using refined white flour in flour tortillas gives them a slightly sweeter flavor than the ones using egg roll wrappers made with wheat flour and eggs.

Whether you prefer the traditional version or the new twist is a matter of personal taste!

Tips

To save time, use ground meat that’s already been pre-seasoned.
For best results, fry in batches at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Consider using a deep fryer instead of a frying pan or wok if you’re making a lot.
If you like extra crisp, consider dusting them with cornstarch before frying.
Serve with a spicy dipping sauce or a sweet and tangy chili sauce for an extra-delicious flavor.

FAQs

Can the egg rolls be made with gluten-free tortillas?

Yes, you can use gluten-free flour tortillas to make egg rolls.

Several gluten-free tortillas include almond flour tortillas or corn tortillas.

Can these egg rolls be baked instead of fried?

Yes, you can bake them for a healthier alternative to frying.

You’ll want to brush with egg wash and bake them at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10-15 minutes or until they’re crispy and golden brown.

Can these egg rolls be frozen for later?

Yes, you can freeze the prepared the rolls for future meals. Just make sure to wrap them well before freezing.

Can other fillings be used in addition to or instead of the traditional pork and vegetables?

Yes, you can. Feel free to experiment with different fillings, such as chicken and shrimp. For vegan alternatives, you can use tofu or edamame.

You can add extra vegetables like bean sprouts, spinach, or mushrooms.

How long do these egg rolls take to cook?

Depending on the thickness, they should cook for about 5-8 minutes.

Try cooking them on each side for 2-3 minutes in a frying pan filled with hot oil. The exact timing will depend on the temperature of your cooking surface and the size of your crust.