Egg rolls are a popular appetizer or side dish in many Asian cuisines. They are made by wrapping ingredients like chopped vegetables, meat, and noodles in a thin wheat dough or rice paper wrapper before being fried. Freshly made egg rolls taste delicious when hot and crispy straight from the oil. However, they don’t keep that texture for long after cooking. Knowing how to properly store leftover egg rolls is important for preserving their texture and flavor as long as possible.
Should you refrigerate egg rolls?
Yes, refrigeration is the best way to store leftover egg rolls and extend their shelf life. The refrigerator will slow down bacteria growth and drying out. Here are some refrigeration tips for egg rolls:
- Let egg rolls cool completely before refrigerating. Putting hot egg rolls straight into the fridge can create moisture condensation, making them soggy.
- Store egg rolls in airtight containers or resealable plastic bags. This prevents them from drying out and keeps surrounding fridge odors from seeping in.
- Use egg rolls within 3-4 days for best quality. They will gradually lose their crispiness over time.
Refrigerating egg rolls properly allows them to keep for up to 4 days. After that, the texture and flavor will decline. Discard any egg rolls that smell bad or look moldy.
Can you freeze egg rolls?
Freezing is an excellent long-term storage method for cooked egg rolls. With freezing, egg rolls can keep for 2-3 months while still tasting relatively fresh after reheating. Follow these tips for freezing egg rolls:
- Let egg rolls cool completely after cooking before freezing. Freeze them as soon as possible.
- Place egg rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 2 hours. Transfer to freezer bags or airtight containers.
- Squeeze out excess air from bags and seal tightly. Air causes freezer burn.
- Label bags with the date and contents. Use within 2-3 months for best flavor.
- Avoid refreezing egg rolls after thawing.
Microwave reheating
To reheat frozen egg rolls in the microwave:
- Place 1-3 egg rolls on a microwave-safe plate lined with a paper towel.
- Microwave in 30 second intervals until hot and sizzling, about 1-2 minutes depending on thickness.
- Let sit 1 minute before serving so filling can heat through.
Oven reheating
To reheat frozen egg rolls in the oven:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Place egg rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a wire rack.
- Bake 10-15 minutes until hot and crispy.
The oven reheating method will yield the crispiest results. Microwaving can make the exterior soft and rubbery.
How to maintain crispiness
Egg rolls lose their signature crispiness quite fast after being cooked. Here are some tips for keeping egg rolls as crispy as possible:
- Use wrappers made from wheat flour rather than rice paper. Rice paper turns soggy more easily.
- Don’t overstuff egg rolls which can make them prone to sogginess from excess moisture inside.
- Fry egg rolls at 350-375°F oil temperature. Too low can make them oily.
- Let excess oil drip off after frying before refrigerating or freezing.
- Reheat using the oven method rather than microwave.
- Consume within 3-4 days and don’t refreeze after thawing.
How long do egg rolls last in the fridge?
Properly stored egg rolls will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator. They will start losing their signature crunch after day 1 but are still safe to eat. Here are some signs egg rolls have gone bad and should be discarded:
- Mold growth
- Slimy texture
- Off odors
- Weeping liquid or soggy texture
As long as refrigerated egg rolls have not exceeded their shelf life and show no signs of spoilage, they are perfectly safe to eat. The texture just gradually goes downhill over the storage period.
Can you store egg rolls at room temperature?
It is unsafe to store egg rolls at room temperature. The filling ingredients are prone to rapid bacterial growth without refrigeration. Here are the risks of leaving egg rolls out:
- Potential food poisoning from bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella, and Staphylococcus aureus
- Rapid mold growth in warm, humid environments
- Bad odors and slick textures from bacterial overgrowth
For food safety, egg rolls should always be stored chilled in the refrigerator or freezer unless being served immediately. Leftovers should be refrigerated within 2 hours.
What’s the best way to reheat egg rolls?
The oven is the best reheating method for maintaining egg roll crispiness. Microwaving can make them rubbery and soft. Here is a comparison of common egg roll reheating methods:
| Method | Instructions | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oven | Bake at 400°F for 10-15 minutes |
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| Microwave | Microwave in 30 second intervals until hot |
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| Air fryer | Cook at 400°F for 4-8 minutes, shaking halfway |
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| Stovetop | Pan fry over medium heat until hot |
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The oven strikes the best balance between crispiness and thorough heating. Air frying also works well if you have a small batch. Microwaving should only be used if you have no other reheating options and want egg rolls fast.
How to make leftover egg rolls taste fresh
Leftover egg rolls inevitably won’t be as hot and crispy as freshly fried ones. But you can take some steps to make them taste closer to the original:
- Double fry: Quickly frying leftover egg rolls in 375°F oil for 1-2 minutes refreshes their crispiness.
- Brush with oil: Lightly brushing egg rolls with oil before reheating adds back moisture lost in storage.
- Use condiments: Dipping sauces like duck, sweet chili, or hot mustard sauce can perk up their flavor.
- Change textures: Chop chilled egg rolls into bites to use in fried rice, salads, or stir fries.
- Disguise in dishes: Leftover egg roll filling makes a great addition to soups, slaws, or quesadillas.
With clever usage, leftovers can take on a whole new life. Frying and sauces restore some of the original appeal, while incorporating them into other dishes disguises changes in texture.
Signs egg rolls have gone bad
It’s important to know when leftover egg rolls are past their prime and potentially unsafe to eat. Here are some signs egg rolls have gone bad:
- Mold: Any fuzzy spots or mold growth means egg rolls should be discarded immediately.
- Off odors: A sour, rotting, or unpleasant smell means bacteria have multiplied and egg rolls are spoiled.
- Odd textures: Weeping liquid, sliminess, or mushiness signals spoilage.
- Discoloration: Green, gray, or other unnatural colors on the surface is a bad sign.
Trust your senses – if refrigerated egg rolls smell, look, or feel off in any way after 3-4 days of storage, do not eat them. When in doubt, throw them out.
What makes egg rolls go bad?
There are a few key factors that can cause egg rolls to spoil faster:
- Improper storage temperatures – leaving egg rolls at room temperature too long allows bacteria to multiply quickly
- Too much moisture in the filling – this speeds up microbial growth and sogginess
- Ruptured wrapper – exposed filling will degrade faster and allow contamination
- Frequent temperature changes – repeated warming and cooling speeds starch breakdown
Sticking to proper refrigeration guidelines and avoiding moisture buildup minimizes the chances of egg rolls going bad prematurely.
Conclusion
Storing egg rolls properly is important for preserving their signature taste and texture. Refrigerating soon after cooking can extend their shelf life to 3-4 days. For longer term storage up to 2-3 months, freeze egg rolls immediately after frying. Reheat in the oven instead of the microwave to maintain crispiness. With the right storage and reheating methods, you can enjoy leftover egg rolls that come close to freshly fried quality.