Original Egg Rolls

Instead of using standard egg roll wrappers, Wu bundles the filling in egg “crêpes,” then dips them in batter before frying. Slideshow: More Takeout Recipes 

Original Egg Rolls
Photo: Paola + Murray
Active Time:
1 hr 10 mins
Total Time:
2 hrs
Yield:
6

Ingredients

CRÊPES:

  • Vegetable oil, for brushing

  • 10 large eggs, beaten

FILLING:

  • 10 dried shiitake mushrooms

  • 2 tablespoons light soy sauce

  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch, divided

  • 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine

  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

  • 1 1/4 teaspoons sugar, divided

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, plus more for frying

  • 1/2 cup canned bamboo shoots, julienned

  • 1/2 cup small button mushrooms

  • 1/2 cup chopped baby corn

  • 1/2 cup finely chopped celery

  • 1/2 cup water chestnuts

  • 1 small carrot, julienned

  • 1 garlic clove, minced

  • 6 ounces shredded cooked chicken breast

  • Kosher salt

  • White pepper

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

Directions

  1. Make the crêpes Heat a 9-inch nonstick skillet over moderately high heat. Brush the skillet lightly with vegetable oil, then add 1/3 cup of the eggs, swirling the pan to coat evenly. Cook until light brown on the bottom and just set, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer the crêpe to a plate and cover loosely to keep warm. Repeat with the remaining eggs, stacking the crêpes as they’re done, to form 6 total.

  2. Make the filling In a small bowl, cover the dried shiitake mushrooms with boiling water and let stand until softened, about 20 minutes. Drain well and thinly slice.

  3. In a small bowl, whisk the soy sauce with 1 tablespoon of the cornstarch, the wine, sesame oil, and 1/4 teaspoon of the sugar. In a large skillet, heat the 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil until shimmering. Add the shiitakes, bamboo shoots, button mushrooms, baby corn, celery, water chestnuts, carrot, and garlic. Stir-fry over moderately high heat until the vegetables are softened, about 8 minutes. Add the soy sauce mixture and cook until thickened, about 2 minutes. Scrape into a medium bowl, stir in the chicken, and season with salt and white pepper. Let cool completely, then refrigerate until chilled, about 30 minutes.

  4. In a small bowl, whisk the remaining 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water. Place 1 crêpe on a work surface and spoon one-sixth of the filling onto one end. Roll up the crêpe into a neat bundle, folding in the sides. Dab the edges of the egg roll with cornstarch slurry to seal. Repeat with the remaining crêpes and filling to form 6 egg rolls.

  5. In a medium bowl, whisk flour and remaining 1 teaspoon of sugar with 1 cup of water until smooth. In a large saucepan, heat 3 inches of vegetable oil to 350°. Fry egg rolls in two batches: Coat egg rolls in batter one at a time. Using tongs, carefully lower into the hot oil. Fry until lightly browned and crisp, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain. Repeat with remaining egg rolls and batter. Serve immediately.

Make Ahead

The filling can be prepared through Step 3 and chilled for up to 4 hours.

Originally appeared: January 2018
Related Articles