Egg rolls are a popular appetizer or side dish in American Chinese restaurants. They are cylindrical, fried wrappers filled with vegetables, meat, seafood, or a combination of ingredients. But are egg rolls truly an American creation or do they have roots in authentic Chinese cuisine? There is some debate around the origin and history of egg rolls.
What are egg rolls?
Egg rolls are cylindrical appetizers made by wrapping ingredients in wheat flour wrappers and deep frying them until crispy. They can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or snack. The most common fillings in American Chinese restaurants are:
- Shredded cabbage, carrots, and other vegetables
- Chopped pork, chicken, beef, or shrimp
- Bean sprouts
- Chopped onion and garlic
- Glass noodles or chopped mushrooms are also sometimes added
The ingredients are seasoned with soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and other spices before being wrapped tightly in the wrappers. The egg roll wrappers are made from wheat flour and water that is stretched very thin before wrapping.
History and origins
Egg rolls have a complex history and the exact origins are uncertain. There are a few main theories about the origins of American egg rolls:
Egg rolls descended from ancient Chinese spring rolls
Spring rolls are an ancient food in Chinese cuisine that likely originated in the Fujian province. Spring roll wrappers were traditionally made from very thin wheat dough or rice paper that was stuffed with fresh vegetables and eaten in the spring. This became a traditional Chinese New Year food.
As Chinese immigrants came to America, they brought spring roll recipes with them. Over time, the thin and delicate wrappers were replaced with thicker, fried wheat flour wrappers that Americans came to know as egg rolls. The filling also evolved from mostly fresh vegetables to contain more meat and cabbage.
Egg rolls were invented by Chinese immigrants in America
While egg rolls are related to spring rolls, some claim they were invented completely independently by Chinese immigrants in America as a fusion food. Chinese workers building the Transcontinental Railroad in the 1860s cooked and served simple fried spring rolls to railroad workers. Over time, these evolved into the larger, meat-filled, deep fried egg rolls served in Chinese-American restaurants today. Under this theory, egg rolls are viewed as a uniquely American Chinese food, rather than having direct roots in China.
Egg rolls have roots in Chinese-American communities on the east coast
New York City and the east coast had bustling Chinatowns by the late 1800s. Chinese immigrants created quick, portable foods that could be eaten on-the-go by factory workers and sold from food carts. The modern egg roll may have evolved from spring rolls and other fried Chinese snacks commonly eaten by workers in east coast cities in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
When did egg rolls become popular in America?
Egg rolls grew in popularity across America throughout the 20th century. Key events that increased the popularity of egg rolls include:
- Early 1900s – Chinese restaurants began opening across America in the early 20th century. Restaurant menus included fried spring rolls that later evolved into egg rolls.
- World War II – American soldiers stationed in Asia during WWII were introduced to spring rolls and other Chinese foods. Demand for American-style Chinese food grew upon their return.
- 1950s-60s – Post-war affluence, increasing cultural diversity, and greater availability of Asian ingredients caused surge of interest in Americanized Chinese food including chop suey, chow mein, and egg rolls.
- 1970s – Mass production of frozen egg rolls emerged, making them much more accessible nation-wide and fueling their popularity.
By the 1970s, egg rolls had cemented themselves as one of the classic appetizers at American Chinese restaurants and takeouts across the country.
Are egg rolls authentic Chinese food?
Egg rolls served at American Chinese restaurants are generally not considered authentic Chinese cuisine. However, they are related to some authentic Chinese dishes like spring rolls. Here are some key differences between American egg rolls and authentic Chinese egg rolls and spring rolls:
| American Egg Rolls | Chinese Spring Rolls | Chinese Egg Rolls |
|---|---|---|
| – Thick fried wheat wrappers | – Thin, delicate rice paper wrappers | – Thin fried wheat wrappers |
| – Filled with meat like pork, chicken | – Usually vegetable fillings | – Contain meat and/or vegetable fillings |
| – Often include cabbage | – Do not contain cabbage | – Do not contain cabbage |
| – Larger cylindrical shape | – Smaller rolled shape | – Thinner roll shaped similar to spring rolls |
While not exactly authentic, American egg rolls do share similarities with Chinese spring rolls and egg rolls. They have just evolved over time and been adapted to American tastes.
Egg rolls as American fusion food
Instead of being seen as inauthentic, many view egg rolls as representing American creativity and the blending of cultures. Food historians point out that almost no cuisine is “authentic” and most have been shaped by outside cultural influences and adaptation over time. Just like American pizza is different from traditional Italian pizza, American egg rolls have evolved into something different from the traditional Chinese dishes they were derived from. The evolution of the egg roll represents how American cuisine absorbs influences from around the world and makes them its own.
Characteristics of American egg rolls
While egg rolls trace some roots to Chinese cooking, they have distinctive characteristics that make them a truly American food:
- Thick, crispy fried wrappers – Chinese spring rolls have thin, delicate wrappers while egg rolls are crispier.
- Fillings adapted for American tastes – More meat, cabbage, and more heavily seasoned fillings appeal to American palates.
- Larger portions – Egg rolls evolved to be a heartier appetizer or side dish compared to smaller Chinese spring rolls.
- Mass production – Egg rolls became a ubiquitous American food thanks to mass production and freezing technology allowing wide distribution.
- A classic Chinese-American restaurant item – Egg rolls became a standard menu item at Chinese restaurants across America.
Popularity of egg rolls in America
While their historical origins may be debated, what is clear is that egg rolls are now an iconic and beloved American food. Evidence of the popularity of egg rolls in the United States includes:
They are on the menus of almost every Chinese restaurant
It is nearly impossible to find a Chinese restaurant in the United States that doesn’t serve egg rolls on their appetizer menu. They have become synonymous with American Chinese food and one of the classic dishes that define the cuisine.
Hundreds of millions sold per year
As a nation, Americans consume egg rolls in huge quantities. It is estimated that over 200 million egg rolls are sold from U.S. Chinese restaurants every year. This does not even include the large numbers of frozen egg rolls sold in grocery stores for home cooking.
Commonly served at events and gatherings
Egg rolls are a popular appetizer or side dish featured at American events and gatherings. They are a common menu item at catered events, potlucks, and parties. Egg rolls pair perfectly with casual American favorities like burgers, fried chicken, and pizza.
Beloved regional varieties have emerged
Different regional twists on egg rolls have emerged around the United States showcasing America’s creativity. Some examples include:
- New England egg rolls – Stuffed with seafood like lobster and crab
- Buffalo chicken egg rolls – Filled with spicy buffalo chicken and served with blue cheese dipping sauce
- Philly cheesesteak egg rolls – Stuffed with Philly cheesesteak ingredients
Egg rolls as American comfort food
In addition to being popular and widely consumed, egg rolls have come to represent a classic American comfort food. They check many of the boxes that define comfort food:
- Fried – The crispy, fried wrapper is comforting and crave-worthy.
- Savory – The umami flavors of the meat and vegetable filling satisfy appetites.
- Portable – Their handheld size makes them easy, casual finger food.
- Nostalgic – They are a nostalgic taste of American Chinese restaurants for many people.
- Customizable – There are endless possibilities for creative fillings.
For all these reasons and more, egg rolls conjure up feelings of comfort, nostalgia, and satisfaction for Americans from all walks of life.
Conclusion
While the exact origins are debatable, egg rolls as we know them today have emerged as an American classic. They represent the blending of different food cultures and adaptation for evolving American tastes over time. Whatever their original roots may be, egg rolls are now a beloved and ubiquitous symbol of American comfort food from Chinese restaurants and beyond.