Egg rolls are a timeless favorite across many cultures, and this recipe brings together the satisfying richness of ground beef with the crunch and freshness of vegetables. These homemade beef and veggie egg rolls offer the perfect combination of savory, crisp, and juicy textures in every bite. Whether you enjoy them as an appetizer, snack, or part of a full meal, their versatility and crowd-pleasing flavor make them a go-to recipe for any occasion.
In this article, we’ll walk through how to make them traditionally deep-fried, then explore how to prepare them in a healthier way using either the oven or air fryer. Whichever version you choose, you’ll end up with golden, crisp egg rolls that rival your favorite takeout—maybe even better.
Ingredients
500 g ground beef
1 cup shredded cabbage
1/2 cup grated carrot
1/4 cup chopped green onions
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Egg roll wrappers
1 egg, beaten (for sealing)
Oil for frying
How to Prepare Crispy Beef and Veggie Egg Rolls (Fried Version)
- Cook the beef
Place the ground beef in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Break it up with a spatula and cook until it’s fully browned. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Once browned, drain any excess fat from the pan to prevent sogginess later on. - Add vegetables and seasoning
Add the shredded cabbage, grated carrots, minced garlic, and soy sauce to the beef. Stir everything together and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, just until the vegetables begin to soften slightly but still retain some texture. - Finish the filling
Turn off the heat and stir in the chopped green onions and sesame oil, if using. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the filling to cool before wrapping to prevent the wrappers from becoming soggy. - Wrap the egg rolls
Lay out one egg roll wrapper on a clean surface in a diamond shape. Spoon about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the cooled filling onto the bottom third of the wrapper. Fold the bottom corner up over the filling, then fold in both sides. Roll it up tightly like a burrito. Brush a little beaten egg on the top corner to seal the roll. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling. - Fry until golden
Heat oil in a deep pan or skillet to 180°C (350°F). Fry the egg rolls in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy. This takes about 3 to 5 minutes per batch. Remove the egg rolls and let them drain on paper towels. - Serve immediately
Serve hot with sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Air Fryer Version
Air frying egg rolls gives you a satisfying crunch without the need for deep oil frying.
- Prepare the filling and wrap the egg rolls the same way as the traditional method.
- Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (390°F). Lightly spray or brush the egg rolls with oil on all sides.
- Arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch.
- Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning halfway through. They should be golden and crisp when done.
- Let them cool slightly before serving.
Baked Version
Baking egg rolls is another great way to reduce oil without sacrificing too much of the crisp texture.
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- After wrapping the egg rolls, place them seam-side down on the prepared tray.
- Brush them lightly with oil or spray with cooking spray.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, turning once halfway, until golden brown on both sides.
- Let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Why These Egg Rolls Work So Well
The filling is flavorful yet balanced. The ground beef adds richness, while the cabbage and carrots provide crunch and a touch of sweetness. Green onions and garlic bring depth, and the soy sauce ties everything together with umami.
Using egg roll wrappers keeps the exterior thin and crispy while letting the filling shine. Whether you fry, bake, or air fry them, the result is a satisfying blend of crispy and juicy textures that’s hard to resist.
Customization Tips
This recipe is very flexible. Try these ideas if you’d like to mix things up:
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option
- Add thin rice noodles for a more traditional Asian twist
- Swap cabbage for napa cabbage or add chopped mushrooms for more umami
- Add a pinch of chili flakes for a little heat
- Include hoisin or oyster sauce for deeper flavor
Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips
Egg rolls are great for meal prep. Here’s how to make them ahead of time:
- Assemble and wrap the egg rolls
- Place them on a tray lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid
- Transfer to a freezer bag or container and store up to 2 months
When ready to cook, you can fry them directly from frozen. Just extend the cooking time by a few minutes. If baking or air frying, brush with oil and bake or air fry from frozen without thawing.
Serving Suggestions
Egg rolls can be served as a main dish or appetizer. Here are a few pairing ideas:
- With steamed jasmine rice and stir-fried vegetables
- Alongside a dipping sauce trio (sweet chili, soy sauce, and spicy mayo)
- As part of an Asian-inspired party platter with dumplings and spring rolls
- With pickled vegetables or kimchi for a bright contrast
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat:
- In the oven: 180°C (350°F) for 8 to 10 minutes
- In the air fryer: 180°C (350°F) for 5 to 7 minutes
- In a skillet: reheat over medium heat, turning until crispy again
Microwaving is not recommended if you want to keep the crispy texture
Conclusion
These crispy beef and veggie egg rolls are everything you want in a snack or meal—flavorful, crunchy, and deeply satisfying. They offer a perfect balance of textures and flavors, with the ability to adapt to your dietary preferences or cooking style. Whether deep-fried for that extra crunch, baked for convenience, or air-fried for a lighter option, they’re sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Egg rolls may seem like a restaurant-only item, but with this step-by-step recipe, they’re easy to master at home. Try different fillings, sauces, or cooking methods and make them your own. However you roll them, these egg rolls will deliver a warm, golden bite full of comfort and flavor every single time.