Vegetable Egg Rolls (Veggie Fritters, Pan-Fried Rolls)

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🌱 Vegetable Egg Rolls (Veggie Fritters, Pan-Fried Rolls)

These crispy, golden vegetable egg rolls (also known as veggie fritters or pan-fried rolls) are stuffed with a colorful medley of fresh vegetables, lightly seasoned, and pan-fried until perfectly crunchy. Unlike deep-fried rolls, these are made with less oil, giving you a healthier yet still delicious appetizer or snack. They’re versatile, easy to prepare, and can be enjoyed with dipping sauces like sweet chili, soy sauce, or garlic yogurt dip.

🥕 Ingredients for Vegetable Egg Rolls (Veggie Fritters, Pan-Fried Rolls)

For the Filling:

  • 1 cup cabbage, finely shredded

  • 1 medium carrot, julienned

  • 1/2 cup bell pepper (any color), thinly sliced

  • 1/2 cup bean sprouts (optional)

  • 2 green onions, chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated

  • 2 tbsp soy sauce (low-sodium if preferred)

  • 1 tbsp sesame oil (or olive oil)

  • 1 tsp rice vinegar (optional, for tang)

  • Salt & black pepper, to taste

For the Rolls:

  • 10–12 spring roll wrappers (or egg roll wrappers)

  • 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for sealing edges)

  • 3–4 tbsp neutral oil (for pan-frying – like canola, sunflower, or avocado oil)

🍳 Instructions

  1. Prepare the Filling:

    • Heat sesame oil in a pan.

    • Add garlic and ginger; sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

    • Add cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, and bean sprouts. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes.

    • Add soy sauce, rice vinegar, salt, and pepper. Cook until veggies are tender-crisp.

    • Remove from heat and let cool.

  2. Assemble the Rolls:

    • Place a wrapper on a flat surface (corner facing you like a diamond).

    • Spoon 2–3 tbsp of filling near the bottom corner.

    • Fold bottom corner over filling, then fold sides inward, and roll tightly.

    • Seal the edge with the cornstarch slurry. Repeat for all wrappers.

  3. Pan-Fry the Rolls:

    • Heat 2–3 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium heat.

    • Place rolls seam-side down and cook, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy on all sides (about 2–3 minutes per side).

    • Remove and drain on paper towels.

  4. Serve:

    • Enjoy hot with dipping sauces such as sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, or garlic yogurt dip.

📝 Notes

  • Don’t overstuff the rolls, or they may tear while cooking.

  • Keep the wrappers covered with a damp cloth to prevent drying out while rolling.

  • If you prefer baked rolls, brush lightly with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes, turning halfway.

  • For gluten-free, use rice paper wrappers instead of wheat-based ones.

💡 Tips

  • Add protein: Toss in tofu, paneer, or finely shredded chicken.

  • Spice it up: Mix in chili flakes or sriracha for heat.

  • Make-ahead: Assemble rolls and refrigerate (uncooked) for up to 24 hours. Cook just before serving.

  • Freezer-friendly: Freeze raw rolls on a tray, then store in a ziplock bag. Pan-fry or bake directly from frozen.

🍽 Servings

  • Makes: 10–12 rolls

  • Serving size: 2 rolls per person (about 4–6 servings)

🔢 Nutritional Info (per serving of 2 rolls, approx.)

  • Calories: 190

  • Protein: 4 g

  • Carbohydrates: 28 g

  • Fat: 7 g

  • Fiber: 3 g

  • Sodium: 340 mg

(Values vary depending on wrapper brand and oil used.)

🌟 Benefits

  • Nutrient-dense: Packed with fiber, vitamins A & C from fresh vegetables.

  • Lighter than deep-fried: Uses minimal oil for crispiness without excess calories.

  • Customizable: Can easily adapt to different veggies or dietary needs.

  • Great snack or appetizer: Pairs well with both Asian-style dips and Western sauces.

❓ Q&A

Q1: Can I bake instead of pan-fry?
👉 Yes! Brush with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway.

Q2: What dipping sauce goes best?
👉 Sweet chili sauce, soy sauce with sesame seeds, hoisin sauce, or garlic yogurt dip are all excellent.

Q3: Can I make them ahead of time?
👉 Yes, assemble the rolls and refrigerate up to 24 hours before cooking, or freeze for up to 2 months.

Q4: Can I make them vegan?
👉 Yes, just use vegan-friendly wrappers (some egg roll wrappers contain egg, but spring roll wrappers are usually vegan).

Q5: Why are my rolls not crispy?
👉 Make sure the pan and oil are hot before adding rolls, don’t overcrowd the pan, and flip until evenly golden brown.

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