These crispy homemade Beef Egg Rolls are packed with savory ground beef, crunchy cabbage, fresh carrots, garlic, and ginger, all wrapped in golden, crispy egg roll wrappers.
Perfect as an appetizer, party snack, or easy dinner served with your favorite dipping sauce.
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 12 egg rolls
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 2 cups finely shredded cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- ½ medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
For the Egg Rolls
- 12 egg roll wrappers
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons water
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For Serving
- Sweet chili sauce
- Sweet and sour sauce
- Soy sauce
Instructions
- Cook the Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef and cook for about 6–8 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully browned.
Drain any excess grease if necessary.
- Add the Aromatics
Add the chopped onion, garlic, and ginger.
Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
- Add the Vegetables
Add the shredded cabbage and carrots.
Stir-fry for 3–5 minutes, until the vegetables soften slightly but still have some texture.
Add the soy sauce, sesame oil, black pepper, and salt.
Stir well and cook for another minute.
Remove from the heat and stir in the green onions.
- Cool the Filling
Transfer the filling to a bowl and allow it to cool for about 10–15 minutes.
Cooling the filling helps prevent the wrappers from becoming soggy or difficult to roll.
- Make the Egg Roll Seal
In a small bowl, mix the flour and water to make a smooth paste.
This will be used to seal the wrappers.
- Roll the Egg Rolls
Place one egg roll wrapper on a clean surface with one corner pointing toward you.
Add approximately 2–3 tablespoons of filling near the bottom center of the wrapper.
Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in both sides.
Roll tightly toward the remaining corner.
Brush the final corner with the flour-water paste and seal.
Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
- Fry Until Golden
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to approximately 350°F (175°C).
Carefully place the egg rolls into the hot oil in batches. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
Fry for about 3–4 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are crisp and golden brown.
Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack to drain.
- Serve
Serve the crispy Beef Egg Rolls immediately with sweet chili sauce, sweet and sour sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Pro Tips
- Don’t overfill the wrappers: Too much filling can make them difficult to seal and may cause them to burst while frying.
- Cool the filling first: Hot filling can soften the wrappers and make rolling difficult.
- Keep the oil around 350°F (175°C): This helps the egg rolls become crispy without absorbing too much oil.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry in small batches for more even browning.
- For extra crispiness, place the fried egg rolls on a wire rack instead of directly on paper towels.
Air Fryer Option
For a lighter version, brush or spray the assembled egg rolls lightly with oil.
Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for about 10–14 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Storage
Store leftover egg rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For best results, reheat them in an air fryer or oven until hot and crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these egg rolls ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the egg rolls, place them in a single layer, and refrigerate until ready to cook.
Can I freeze Beef Egg Rolls?
Yes. Freeze uncooked egg rolls in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What sauce goes best with Beef Egg Rolls?
Sweet chili sauce, sweet and sour sauce, and spicy mustard are all excellent choices.
Can I use different vegetables?
Absolutely. You can add finely sliced bell peppers, bean sprouts, mushrooms, or extra green onions depending on your preference.