1. Prepare the filling by stir-frying your chosen ingredients, such as shredded cabbage, carrots, ground pork, onions, and seasonings like soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Cook until the mixture is well-seasoned and cooked through, then allow it to cool slightly.
2. Set up your workspace with egg roll wrappers, the prepared filling, a small bowl of water for sealing, and a clean surface for rolling.
3. Place an egg roll wrapper on your work surface in a diamond shape, with a corner pointing directly towards you.
4. Scoop 2-3 tablespoons of the cooled filling onto the lower third of the wrapper, leaving space on either side of the filling to fold the edges.
5. Begin rolling by folding the bottom corner of the wrapper up and over the filling, tucking the edge slightly under for a tight roll.
6. Fold in the left and right corners towards the middle, creating envelope-like folds that secure the sides.
7. Continue rolling the egg roll away from you, keeping the roll tight and compact for an even fry.
8. Moisten the top corner of the wrapper with water and press it firmly to seal the rolled egg roll.
9. Repeat the process with the remaining wrappers and filling, ensuring all rolls are sealed tightly to avoid bursting during frying.
10. Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Ensure the oil stays at this temperature for consistent frying results.
11. Carefully place the egg rolls into the hot oil, frying only a few at a time to avoid overcrowding.
12. Fry the egg rolls for 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are crispy and golden brown.
13. Use a slotted spoon to remove the egg rolls from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
14. Allow the egg rolls to cool slightly before serving.
15. Serve the egg rolls warm with dipping sauces like sweet and sour sauce, soy sauce, duck sauce, or hot mustard for added flavor.
16. If using alternative cooking methods like baking or air frying, follow these steps: Preheat your oven or air fryer, lightly brush the egg rolls with oil, then cook (bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes or air fry at 400°F for 6-8 minutes). Flip halfway through cooking for an evenly crispy result.
17. Store any leftover egg rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze them for longer storage. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
18. Enjoy your homemade egg rolls as an appetizer, snack, or part of a meal with complementary dishes like fried rice, kung pao chicken, or hot and sour soup.