If you’re looking for a great side dish to serve with spring rolls, think about what foods match well with the flavor of the spring roll. Whether you are hosting an Asian-themed dinner party for friends or want to try something new, spring rolls are a great addition to any meal.
What to serve with egg rolls? Usually, they are great with various delicious Asian-style dipping sauces and rice, wonton, noodles, and vegetables.
Egg Rolls. Credit: canva
The problem is, what should you serve with them? This blog post will cover delicious main and side dishes and sauces that perfectly complement the spring rolls.
Egg roll is a Chinese cuisine that includes vegetables, meat, and rice rolled into a thin dough wrapper. You can find it in almost every Chinese Restaurant in the world.
You can make an egg Roll from thin pieces of pastry, wrap it around the filling, and deep-fried until crispy. You usually serve it alongside soy sauce for dipping or plum sauce.
The rolls have their Philippine cousins, such as spring rolls, salad rolls, or lumpia.
What’s in It?
The ingredients used in an egg roll can vary depending on the type of cuisine. However, most Chinese-style versions contain cabbage, carrots, onion, and other vegetables wrapped with pork or chicken.
Some standard classic egg roll filling is:
Pork – Ground Pork is often included as a filling for traditional spring rolls, but chicken is also typical.
Shrimp – Shrimp can be used as a traditional filling, similar to spring rolls.
Vegetarian – Vegetarians often use tofu and other vegetables like mushrooms in their egg roll fillings.
Is It Healthy?
Egg roll is a tasty and healthy alternative to traditional Chinese cuisine. Since it’s usually made from vegetables, they are low in calories and high in protein.
In addition to being highly nutritious, they can be gluten-free, with lettuce or cabbage leaves as wrapper replacements instead of pastry dough. The dish makes for some great appetizers and are an excellent addition to any meal.
Homemade egg rolls video
How to Make It?
Making it is easier than you might think. If you want a healthier option, consider replacing the wrapper with lettuce or cabbage leaves instead of pastry dough.
You will need some spring roll wrappers, favorite filling ingredients, and oil for frying them up until golden brown.
First, place the wrapper on a flat surface and add your filling to one end. Then fold over the sides and roll up tightly while ensuring that everything inside is secure.
Place the rolls in hot oil or deep fry them until they turn golden brown before serving with dipping sauce for an extra tasty treat.
What Goes With Egg Rolls?
There are several types of what to eat with egg rolls: egg roll dipping sauce, main dishes, and side dishes.
What Do You Dip Egg Rolls in?
You can serve them with various quick and easy sauces to complement the flavor. The best sauce for egg rolls is soy sauce, sweet and sour sauce, or even Thai peanut sauce.
Try something new next time by adding a couple of dashes of hot chili sauce (or sweet chili) to your favorite soy sauce-it’ll make your mouth tingle! These sauces can provide a nice contrast to the rich flavor of the egg roll.
I suggest serving them with a sauce that contrasts nicely with the egg roll. Options of Asian dipping sauces include sweet and sour, soy sauce, Thai peanut sauce, or hot chili.
Spicy peanut sauce
Many people are familiar with the famous peanut sauce served with chicken satay. This same dipping sauce also goes excellent with egg rolls.
As you know, peanut sauce is the most popular of all Chinese sauces. It’s easy to make, too. Just combine 4 cups of salted peanuts with 1/2 cup of water in a large pot and simmer on low heat for several minutes until the base is firm. If desired, add chili oil to enhance the hot chili flavor. This sauce works well with the rolls that are fried or baked.
Teriyaki sauce
Terriyaki sauce is an unusual choice for an egg roll, but this way, you can use a teriyaki sauce with a robust and sweet flavor. If you prefer a more savory sauce, try a sweet and sour.
Teriyaki Sauce. Credit: canva
Ketchup
It’s easy to make your own from scratch – mix ketchup with water or tomato juice, enough to give you the consistency of ketchup without being too thick. Alternatively, if you have a bottle of Heinz Ketchup, you can use that.
Chili sauce
It’s a good idea to serve these rolls with chili or hot sauce, as this will give them a nice kick. However, if you want to be more daring, go for Thailand’s fiery chili pepper sauce! Alternatively, try the sweet chili sauce or a combination of both.
Seafood & black bean sauce
Seafood and black bean sauce are popular in some parts of the US, especially in some Asian restaurants that serve westernized Chinese dishes. You can buy black bean sauce on try making one yourself. The best type for this purpose is the deep-fried spring roll.
Spiced oil
This spiced oil is the most commonly used dipping sauce in China. You can buy it or make it yourself.
Honey mustard sauce
Stir together 1 cup of honey, two tablespoons of prepared mustard, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce, plus 1/2 cup vinegar or lemon juice in a bowl; then blend in 1/4 cup vegetable oil and two tablespoons melted butter. Toss with spring roll strips.
Hoisin sauce
You can buy prepared hoisin sauce. Or, you can make it yourself by combining 1 cup of soy sauce, two tablespoons of light soy sauce, 1/2 cup of honey, three tablespoons of rice wine vinegar, one tablespoon of sesame oil, and a pinch of cayenne pepper, and some ground ginger together in a bowl. For more heat, add hot chilis to the mixture using hot chili sauce.
Tartar sauce
Tartar sauce is a great sauce to serve with the dish because it’s creamy and rich in flavor. You will need to make your tartar sauce from scratch. It’s not impossible to make from scratch, and most recipes only require a few simple ingredients.
The sweet and spicy sauce
You can buy prepared sweet and spicy sauce or use a combination of the following ingredients: 2 tablespoons sugar, one tablespoon sodium soy sauce, one teaspoon red wine vinegar or rice vinegar, and one teaspoon sesame oil, hot chili powder to taste, black pepper as needed.
Sweet and sour sauce
Egg Rolls with Sweet Sour Sauce. Credit: canva
This famous dipping sauce is usually made from a combination of sugar, vinegar, and ketchup. If you prefer a more savory version, use a teriyaki sauce as your dipping sauce.
Mix 1 cup sugar, two tablespoons corn syrup, one tablespoon vinegar, and two teaspoons chili oil in a small saucepan and simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes until the sugar has dissolved completely. Add 1 cup ketchup and mix well. Chill for at least an hour before using it.
Egg rolls dipping sauce video
Indian-style dipping sauce
Combine 1/2 cup yogurt, one tablespoon garam masala, two teaspoons green chili pickle, finely chopped green chilies, salt & pepper to taste in a small bowl.
Sweetened condensed milk
Sweetened condensed milk works well as a dip, as the sweet taste is a nice contrast with the savory flavors of the egg roll. You can also use this as a dressing for other dishes.
Sweet chili sauce
This famous sauce is usually made from a combination of sugar, vinegar, and ketchup. If you prefer a more savory version, use a teriyaki sauce as your dipping sauce.
What Goes Well with Egg Rolls for Dinner (Main Dishes)
You can enjoy egg rolls for dinner. While I usually prefer brown rice or cauliflower rice, you can also serve them over cooked rice noodles or soba noodles.
Rice
Rice is a staple side dish in many meals throughout Asia. A perfect complement, rice is the ideal accompaniment for any entree with an Asian twist.
Fried rice
Fried Rice with Egg Rolls. Credit: canva
Similar to rice, fried rice is a popular side dish throughout Asia. It has the same Asian twist as egg rolls and goes excellent with Chinese food to Japanese sushi or sashimi dishes.
In addition, adding veggies such as carrots, peas, and green onions will make your meal even healthier!
Chow mein noodles
Another popular dish served throughout Asia, chow mein noodles, is a delicious complement to the rolls. They taste delicious even on their own and taste great with rice or fried rice!
Teriyaki steak and shrimp with steamed rice
Ensuring a delicious dinner for your guests, teriyaki steaks and shrimp will go great with egg rolls.
However, if you want to make things even easier by serving fewer dishes, vegetables such as cucumbers and carrots are an excellent choice too!
Sides for Egg Rolls
Vegetables such as carrots, cucumbers, and peppers to dip in the peanut sauce or eat separately.
Fresh veggies are an excellent choice if you want a healthy, low-calorie approach as an appetizer or the main course of your meal. You can eat them by themselves or dip them in peanut sauce for even more flavor – it’s up to you!
Wontons
Wontons are the way to go if you’re looking for a delicious side dish! Similar in shape and size to an egg roll, they make it easy for your guests to enjoy both dishes at once.
However, vegetables like carrots and peppers are a great alternative if you want something even easier (and healthier) to eat.
Egg drop soup
Egg Drop Soup with Egg Rolls. Credit: canva
Egg drop soup is a traditional Chinese dish that will go great with egg rolls! Similar to wontons, it’s an easy way for your guests to enjoy both dishes at once.
General Tso’s chicken
General Tso’s chicken is another traditional Chinese dish that will compliment your dish perfectly.
If you want to try something a little lighter and healthier than fried rice or chow mein noodles, vegetables such as carrots and cucumbers are an excellent side dish too!
Bok Choy
Served throughout Asia, bok choy is a tasty and nutritious vegetable that will compliment your spring roll perfectly.
Green Beans
Steamed green beans with miso dressing, soy, sugar, sake, and white sesame seeds are another great pairing with the roll dish.
Hot and sour soup
Hot and sour soup is also an excellent choice for a side dish. The tangy flavors of the hot and sour broth go well with the rolls, especially if you’re looking to switch things up from fried rice or chow mein noodles!
Easy Homemade Egg Roll Recipe
This classic recipe is one of the favorite recipes that are an ideal make-ahead appetizer for any occasion! Chinese egg rolls are a fantastic snack or starter for Asian cuisine. These homemade ones are filled with pork and vegetables and then wrapped and fried to golden brown perfection.
Ingredients
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
3/4 pound ground pork (or ground chicken/ground beef as an alternative)
salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon minced cloves of garlic
1 teaspoon ground ginger
3 cups coleslaw mix and/or bean sprouts
1/4 cup sliced green onions
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
12 egg roll rice paper wrappers
1 egg beaten
oil for frying
Instructions
In a large pan over medium-high heat, heat the 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil. Season the ground pork with salt and pepper before adding it to the pan.
Stir fry the pork in a large pan with oil over medium-low heat for 5 minutes, breaking up the meat with a spatula until it is browned and cooked. Add the garlic and ginger, then cook for 30 seconds.
Stir in the coleslaw mix and green onions. Sauté until the cabbage is tender, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the soy sauce and sesame oil, then remove from heat.
Spoon 2-3 teaspoons of filling into each egg roll wrapper and fold it according to package direction, using the beaten egg to seal the edges as you go.
Pour 2-3 inches of oil into a deep pot.
To fry, heat the oil to 350°F. Fry 3-4 rolls at a time, turning once or twice until browned on all sides, approximately 3-5 minutes.
Drain on paper towels or put on parchment paper, and serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
What to Make with Egg Rolls?
Some ideas for things to make with them are as follows:
Philly cheese steak egg rolls
Saute some thin slices of beef until it’s nice and browned. Then mix in some onions, peppers, and cheese. Roll it up in an egg roll wrapper and fry until golden brown.
Crab rangoon
Mix some cream cheese with canned crab meat, green onions, and a touch of garlic salt. Then spoon it into a wrapper and fry until crispy.
Veggie egg rolls
Shred carrots, cabbage, and any other veggies you like. Mix in a bit of hoisin sauce, then roll it up and fry until crispy.
Egg roll in a bowl
Saute your favorite egg roll fillings, put them in a bowl and enjoy!
Egg roll soup
Mix some chicken broth with shredded chicken, veggies, and egg roll wrappers. Let it all simmer until the wrappers are soft, then enjoy!
Egg roll casserole
Layer egg rolls, sauce, and cheese in a casserole dish. Bake until hot and bubbly.
Egg Roll in a Bowl
What Is It?
An egg roll in a bowl is all the excellent parts of an egg roll without the pesky wrapper. It’s super easy to make and versatile – you can tailor it to your preferences.
To make it, you’ll need some chopped vegetables (I like to use cabbage, carrots, and onions), ground meat (traditionally pork, but you could also use chicken or beef), and then some seasonings.
Once everything is cooked together until the meat is browned and the veggies are softened, spoon it into a bowl and enjoy!
It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or if you’re meal prepping for the week ahead.
Sauce To Eat
There are many different sauces that you could use with an egg roll in a bowl, but my personal favorite is a simple mixture of soy sauce and rice vinegar.
You could also try using a teriyaki sauce, hoisin sauce, or chili garlic sauce. Experiment and see which ones you like the best!
Spring Rolls
The difference
A spring roll is a light, savory snack originating from East Asia. It is made by rolling a thin sheet of unleavened dough around a filling, typically consisting of vegetables and minced pork or shrimp.
The main difference between spring rolls and egg rolls is that spring rolls are typically made with a lighter wrapper and include fresh vegetables. In comparison, egg rolls usually have a heavier wrapper filled with cooked meat and vegetables.
What to Serve with Spring Rolls
Spring rolls are served at room temperature and are sometimes eaten as an appetizer or main course.
Regarding side dishes, there are endless possibilities of what to eat with spring rolls. Here are just a few ideas to get you started:
A simple green salad
Jasmine rice
Forbidden rice (Black rice)
Noodles
Crudités
Dipping sauces such as soy sauce, hoisin sauce, or sweet chili sauce.
FAQs
What do Chinese restaurants serve with egg rolls?
Generally, Chinese restaurants serve them with sweet and sour sauce. In addition, you can have shrimp or beef with lobster sauce, chicken with cashew nuts, or just plain chicken.
What is the difference between the Chinese egg roll wrap and a tortilla wrap?
A tortilla wrap is a flour-based mid-dish or side dish. A Chinese egg roll is a thin wrapper made from rice flour. The surface area of a tortilla wrap is much larger than that of a Chinese egg roll wrapper, so it holds more filling.
What foods go well with spring rolls?
Rice or vegetables are an excellent option to serve with spring rolls. In addition to most foods you would serve with regular egg rolls, plain white rice is a perfect addition to a meal containing spring rolls. You can also have everything from beans and corn to spicy tofu to chili fries.
What sauce goes with egg rolls?
The best egg roll sauce is a matter of personal preference. Some people dip theirs in soy sauce, while others prefer sweet and sour, hoisin, or chili garlic. Experiment and see which ones you like the best!
What to dip egg rolls in?
Soy sauce is the most popular dipping sauce, but many other sauces, such as duck sauce, sweet and sour sauce, or ranch dressing, can also be used.
What goes well with egg rolls?
Different side dishes go well with egg rolls, such as rice, noodles, vegetables, or a simple green salad.
Questions
What’s a good side dish for egg rolls?
Many delicious side dishes, such as rice, noodles, or salad, go well. Some popular dipping sauces include soy sauce, sweet and sour sauce, or duck sauce.
How do you make egg rolls crispy longer?
There are a few things you can do to keep them crispy longer.
First, ensure they are thoroughly cooked, so they aren’t soggy.
Second, let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container.
Finally, reheat in the oven or fryer before serving.
What’s typically in an egg roll?
The ingredients in an egg roll can vary, but typically they include a filling of cabbage, carrots, and pork or shrimp. The filling is then wrapped in a thin pastry dough and deep-fried.
What is wrapped around egg rolls?
Though the exact ingredients can vary, they are typically wrapped in thin pastry dough. The dough is then deep-fried until crispy.
Do you put eggs in egg rolls?
Eggs are not typically put in, although the exact ingredients can vary. The filling is usually a mix of cabbage, carrots, and pork or shrimp.
What side dishes go with lumpia?
Many delicious side dishes go well with lumpia, such as rice, noodles, or salad. Some popular dipping sauces include soy sauce, sweet and sour sauce, or duck sauce.
What’s the best oil to fry egg rolls?
The best oil to fry is one with a high smoke point, such as vegetable or canola oil. This will help to prevent it from burning.
How do I keep egg rolls from getting soggy?
You can do a few things to keep them from getting soggy.
First, make sure they are thoroughly cooked so that they aren’t soggy.
Second, let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container.
Finally, reheat in the oven or fryer before serving.
Can I make egg rolls the night before?
Yes, you can make them the night before. However, they may not be as crispy if you do not reheat them before serving.
It is best to store them in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat them in the oven or fryer before serving.
What is the difference between eggrolls and spring rolls?
They are both traditional Asian dishes. Egg rolls are typically made with a flour-based wrapper filled with cabbage, carrots, and pork or shrimp.
Spring rolls are usually made with a rice paper wrapper and filled with vegetables, such as cabbage, carrots, and bean sprouts. Both are typically deep-fried.
How do you make egg rolls crispy again?
If it has gotten soggy, you can do a few things to make them crispy again.
First, ensure they are thoroughly cooked, so they aren’t soggy.
Second, let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container.
Finally, reheat in the oven or fryer before serving.
How do you eat egg rolls?
There are many ways. You can dip them in sauces, such as soy sauce, sweet and sour sauce, or duck sauce. You can also eat them plain or with rice.
Which is healthier, egg rolls or spring rolls?
Spring rolls are typically healthier because they are made with a rice paper wrapper and contain more vegetables. However, the exact ingredients can vary.
Are egg rolls healthy for you?
They can be healthy for you if they are made with lean protein, such as chicken or shrimp, and vegetables. However, the exact ingredients can vary. If they are deep-fried, they will not be as healthy.
How long do you deep fry an egg roll?
It typically takes about 3-5 minutes. However, the exact time will depend on the size and thickness of the egg roll.
Why is it called an egg roll?
There are a few theories about why they are called egg rolls. One theory is that the original Chinese name sounds similar to the “egg roll.” Another theory is that the shape resembles that of a rolled-up egg.
