Chinese Egg Rolls with Bean Sprouts – A Delicious and Healthy Option
Who doesn’t love egg rolls? They are delicious, crunchy, and perfect for dipping in your favorite sauce. But what if I told you there was a way to make them even better?
Introducing Chinese egg rolls with bean sprouts! This recipe is full of flavor and nutrition, and it’s sure to be a hit with the whole family. Let’s take a look at how to make this fantastic dish!
To make this simple yet scrumptious dish, you will need five main ingredients.
The first is bean sprouts – they provide an unexpected crunchy texture to the mix.
You will also need some diced carrots and roasted peanuts. If you want extra flavor, substitute the peanuts for cashews or almonds.
For the final two ingredients, you will need some garlic chives and some beaten eggs – these will help bind everything together into a tasty ball of goodness.
The Preparation
Once your ingredients are ready, it’s time to start cooking!
Start by heating oil in a wok or large skillet over medium heat.
Next, throw in the bean sprouts and carrots, occasionally stirring until they soften up (about 5 minutes).
Then add in your roasted nuts along with the garlic, chives, and eggs, constantly stirring until everything is thoroughly combined (about 2 minutes).
Turn off the heat once everything is cooked through but still slightly crunchy.
Credit: canva
Making The Rolls
Now comes the fun part – rolling up your egg rolls!
To do this, remove one sheet of spring roll pastry from its package (usually frozen in packs of 10 sheets) and lay it flat on your work surface.
Take two tablespoons of your mixture from earlier and place it near one end of the pastry sheet.
Roll up the pastry around this mixture tightly so that no filling escapes during frying later on. You can use some water to help seal up any cracks or gaps between each roll.
Continue doing this until all of your mixtures are used up!
Chinese egg rolls. credit: canva
Frying
Finally, it’s time to fry those bad boys up!
Heat a pot of oil over medium heat until hot enough (around 350°F).
Gently slide each roll into the hot oil one by one using tongs or chopsticks until golden brown – this should take about 4-5 minutes per batch. Ensure not to overcrowd them, as this can cause them to stick together while frying!
Once fried, transfer them onto a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any excess oil before serving them hot or cold with your favorite dipping sauce.
Enjoy!
Chinese Egg Rolls
They are a type of appetizer that is popular in American-Chinese cuisine.
They are made by wrapping a filling of shredded vegetables and ground meat in a wrapper made from a flour dough and then frying them.
The dish was created by American-Chinese immigrants in the early 20th century and is now a staple in many Chinese American restaurants.
Nutrition Facts
Egg rolls made with bean sprouts are one of the healthiest options for Chinese cuisine.
Bean sprouts contain vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, iron, and calcium. Additionally, they are low in calories but high in fiber which helps keep you full longer and aids digestion.
All these benefits combined make egg rolls with bean sprouts an excellent choice for those looking for a nutritious meal that won’t break the bank.
Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium heat.
Add the bean sprouts and carrots, stirring until they soften up (about 5 minutes).
Stir in the peanuts, garlic chives, and eggs until everything is combined.
Turn off the heat and cool the mixture before forming rolls with the spring roll pastry.
Fry the rolls in hot oil, one at a time, until golden brown.
Serve hot or cold with your favorite dipping sauce, and enjoy!
Bean Sprouts
Various types of bean sprouts. Credit: canva
Various bean sprouts can be used in egg rolls, but the most common type is mung bean sprouts. They have a crispy texture and slightly sweet taste that goes well with the other ingredients in an egg roll.
Other types of bean sprouts that can be used include soybean sprouts and black bean sprouts.
When choosing fresh bean sprouts, look for firmly packed ones free of yellowish shoots. The sprout size should be uniform, and the leaves should be dark green.
Store them in a sealed bag or container in your refrigerator until ready to use, where they will keep for up to 3 days.
Tips
Use bean sprouts that are as fresh as possible for the best flavor and texture. You can also use other types of nuts in this recipe, such as walnuts or almonds.
Add additional seasonings or spices to the filling, such as ginger, soy sauce, or chili paste, for a more flavorful dish.
Avoid overcrowding them in the wok to prevent your rolls from sticking together and separating while frying. Instead, fry them one at a time using tongs or chopsticks.
If you’re not a fan of frying, you can also bake your egg rolls in the oven for about 15 minutes at 350°F instead. Keep an eye on them so you don’t end up with a burnt filling!
If you want to save time and make the process easier, use store-bought pastry instead of making your own from scratch. Just be sure to keep an eye out for any shortcuts that might compromise the quality of your egg rolls in terms of taste or nutrition.
If you don’t have access to peanuts, try using walnuts or almonds instead. They are a great substitution that will give your egg rolls the crunch they need to make them stand out!
How do bean sprouts differ from other types of sprouts?
Bean sprouts are typically made from mung beans, while other sprouts can be made from various beans or seeds.
What nutritional benefits do bean sprouts offer?
Bean sprouts are a good source of protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and iron.
Can you grow your bean sprouts at home?
It is possible to grow bean sprouts at home using mung beans and a sprouting jar or tray.
How should bean sprouts be stored?
It is best to store bean sprouts in the refrigerator in a sealed container or plastic bag. They should be used within a few days for optimal freshness.
Can you eat raw bean sprouts?
Yes, raw bean sprouts can be eaten in salads or sandwiches, but they can also be cooked in stir-fries or soups.
Are there any potential risks associated with consuming bean sprouts?
Foodborne illness has been linked to consuming contaminated raw bean sprouts, so it is essential to wash them thoroughly.
How do you incorporate bean sprouts into meals?
Bean sprouts can be added as a crunchy topping on sandwiches or wraps, tossed into stir-fries or soups, or used as a base for a refreshing noodle salad.
