Vegan egg rolls offer a delicious and satisfying way to enjoy this beloved appetizer without using any animal products. Bursting with savory flavors and a satisfyingly crispy texture, these vegan egg rolls are surprisingly easy to make at home and are sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
What Makes These Vegan Egg Rolls So Special?
These aren’t your average vegetable spring rolls. This Vegan Egg Roll Recipe takes inspiration from classic egg rolls with a savory filling that’s both flavorful and protein-packed. We’ll be using a simple combination of sauteéd vegetables, tofu, and a blend of Asian-inspired spices to create a filling that’s both delicious and satisfying.
vegan egg roll filling
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this recipe, you’ll need a few pantry staples and fresh vegetables that can easily be found at your local grocery store.
For the Filling:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 1 (14-ounce) block firm tofu, pressed and crumbled
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Assembly:
- 1 package (10-12 count) vegan egg roll wrappers
- 2 tablespoons water, for sealing
- Vegetable oil, for frying (or cooking spray for baking)
vegan egg roll ingredients
Let’s Make Vegan Egg Rolls!
This recipe is easy to follow, even if you’re new to making egg rolls. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
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Prepare the Tofu: Wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and place it on a plate. Weigh it down with something heavy, like a cast-iron skillet or a few cans of food, and let it sit for at least 30 minutes to press out excess water. This will help the tofu absorb more flavor and crisp up nicely in the egg rolls.
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Make the Filling: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic, cabbage, carrots, and bean sprouts and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are slightly softened but still retain some crunch.
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Add the Tofu and Seasonings: Crumble the pressed tofu into the skillet. Pour in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the tofu is heated through and the flavors meld. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the filling cool slightly before assembling the egg rolls.
cooking vegan egg roll filling
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Assemble the Egg Rolls: Lay one egg roll wrapper on a clean, flat surface with a corner facing you, resembling a diamond shape. Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the cooled filling onto the center of the wrapper. Fold the bottom corner over the filling and tuck it tightly. Fold in the side corners, then roll up towards the remaining corner, sealing the edge with a bit of water. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
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Cook to Perfection:
- Frying: Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Carefully place a few egg rolls in the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Baking: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the egg rolls in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops of the egg rolls with cooking spray. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
wrapping vegan egg rolls
Serving and Enjoying Your Vegan Egg Rolls
These vegan egg rolls are best served immediately while hot and crispy. They pair wonderfully with a variety of dipping sauces, such as:
- Sweet and sour sauce
- Soy sauce mixed with sriracha
- Peanut sauce
- Spicy mustard
“The key to a great vegan egg roll is all about the balance of textures and flavors in the filling,” says renowned vegan chef, Anya Green. “The combination of crisp vegetables, savory tofu, and aromatic spices creates a symphony of flavors that will have you coming back for more.”
Vegan Egg Roll FAQs
Can I make these egg rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the egg rolls up to a day in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, fry or bake as directed.
Can I freeze leftover vegan egg rolls?
Yes, you can freeze cooked egg rolls. Let them cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat frozen egg rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
What are some other filling variations?
Feel free to get creative with your fillings! You can add different vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or water chestnuts. You can also experiment with different protein sources like tempeh, lentils, or even jackfruit for a pulled “pork” style filling.
Can I make these egg rolls gluten-free?
To make gluten-free vegan egg rolls, simply use gluten-free egg roll wrappers, which are readily available in most supermarkets.
What are some other ways to enjoy these egg rolls?
These versatile vegan egg rolls can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or even as part of a larger meal. You can also add them to salads for extra crunch and flavor.
crispy vegan egg rolls
There you have it! A delicious and easy recipe for vegan egg rolls that everyone will love. These crispy and flavorful bites are perfect for any occasion and are sure to satisfy your cravings for this classic appetizer. Enjoy!
