Egg rolls are a popular appetizer or side dish in American Chinese cuisine. They are filled wrappers rolled around a variety of fillings, usually containing meat and vegetables. There are many variations when it comes to the fillings used in egg rolls, so there is no single meat that is definitively the “typical” or standard filling. However, there are some common meats and combinations that are prevalent. In this article, we’ll take a look at the most popular meat fillings used in egg rolls and discuss whether there is a meat typically associated with egg rolls.
Common Meat Fillings
Here are some of the most common meat fillings used in egg rolls:
Pork
Ground or chopped pork is one of the most popular and traditional fillings used in egg rolls. Pork provides savory umami flavor and tender texture to balance out the crispy egg roll wrapper. Ground pork is often seasoned with soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Thinly sliced pork shoulder or belly may also be used.
Shrimp
Small whole shrimp or chopped shrimp are another common filling. The briny sweetness of shrimp pairs well with fresh veggies in the filling. Shrimp add extra protein and moisture as well.
Chicken
Shredded or finely chopped chicken thigh or breast meat is commonly used as an egg roll filling. Chicken provides an alternative to pork and shrimp. It has a mild flavor that pairs well with seasoning.
Beef
Ground beef or thinly sliced beef get added to some egg roll recipes. Beef provides hearty, savory flavors to complement the other filling ingredients.
Mixed Meats
Some egg roll fillings use a combination of different meats. For example, pork and shrimp is a popular mix. The contrasting flavors and textures of two meats can provide more complexity.
Common Vegetable Fillings
In addition to meat, egg rolls are usually filled with a variety of vegetables. Here are some typical veggie fillings:
– Cabbage: Finely shredded green or napa cabbage are the most commonly used vegetables. Cabbage provides crunch and balances out the rich meats.
– Carrots: Shredded or julienned carrots add more crunch and sweetness.
– Bean sprouts: For added crisp texture.
– Green onions: Diced green onions give flavor and freshness.
– Shiitake mushrooms: Sliced shiitake mushrooms add hearty, savory notes.
– Bamboo shoots: Canned bamboo shoots are featured in some fillings.
– Bean thread noodles: For extra starch and texture.
The vegetables complement the meat and provide texture contrasts in the filling.
Traditional vs. Modern Fillings
More traditional egg roll fillings utilize pork, cabbage, carrots, and green onions as the base. Shrimp, chicken, beef, and other vegetables got incorporated into fillings later on.
Here are some examples of traditional and modern fillings:
Traditional:
– Ground pork, cabbage, carrots, green onions
– Chopped pork shoulder, cabbage, green onions
– Shrimp, cabbage, carrots
Modern:
– Chicken, cabbage, bean sprouts, shiitake mushrooms
– Beef, carrots, bean thread noodles
– Mixed pork and shrimp, cabbage, bean sprouts, water chestnuts
While the classic pork, cabbage, and onion filling still remains popular, there are many creative combinations of meats and vegetables used in egg rolls today. The fillings reflect the diversification of American Chinese cuisine over time.
Regional Differences
Egg roll fillings also vary across different regional American Chinese cuisines. Here are some regional differences:
Cantonese
– Pork and shrimp are most common
– Often feature mushrooms like straw mushrooms
– Seasonings like oyster sauce used
Sichuan
– Spicier fillings with chili oil or Sichuan peppercorns
– May contain fermented black beans, bamboo shoots, wood ear mushrooms
Hunan
– Spicy flavor profiles
– Features cured meats like ham or bacon
Northern Chinese
– Lamb or mutton used more often
– Cumin and curry spices featured
So the prevalent types of meat and seasoning used in egg rolls can differ across Chinatowns. But cabbage and green onions remain consistent staples.
Fillings by Egg Roll Type
Egg roll fillings also sometimes vary based on the type of egg roll. For example:
Spring Rolls
Spring roll wrappers are thinner and more delicate. Fillings may contain:
– More tender meats like shrimp, chicken, or pork loin
– More fresh, light vegetables like bean sprouts and lettuce
– Rice noodles instead of cabbage for the starch/texture
Lumpia
Lumpia are Filipino egg rolls. Fillings include:
– Sweeter elements like raisins or sayote
– Heartier meats like beef or sausage
– Pickled vegetables
Thai Egg Rolls
Thai fillings have more aromatic herbs and spices like lemongrass, fish sauce, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves.
Typical Filling Ingredients
While the exact meats and vegetables in egg roll fillings vary, there are some typical ingredients that appear across many recipes:
| Meat | Vegetables | Seasonings | Binders |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pork | Cabbage | Soy Sauce | Cornstarch |
| Shrimp | Carrots | Sesame Oil | Eggs |
| Chicken | Onion | Ginger | Breadcrumbs |
| Beef | Bean Sprouts | Garlic |
As seen above, pork, cabbage, soy sauce, and cornstarch tend to be the most prevalent ingredients across all kinds of egg roll fillings. While the recipes vary, most egg rolls include some combination of the common meats, vegetables, seasonings, and binders shown above.
The Most Typical Fillings
Based on all the information provided, here are the egg roll fillings that could be considered the most “typical”:
#1 – Pork and cabbage
Ground pork and shredded cabbage cooked with soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger would likely be the most classic, archetypal egg roll filling. This pairing of pork and cabbage appears in egg roll recipes across all regional styles. The soy sauce and aromatics provide signature Chinese flavors.
#2 – Pork and vegetables
Chopped pork with shredded cabbage, carrots, bean sprouts, and green onions is another very common old school filling. This combination provides a balanced flavor and texture profile.
#3 – Shrimp and cabbage
A filling of shrimp, cabbage, carrots, and onions could also be considered traditional. Shrimp is one of the top proteins besides pork used in egg rolls.
#4 – Mixed pork and shrimp
For a filling with more depth, a mix of pork and shrimp with cabbage and various veggies covers the most typical bases. The two meats contrast nicely.
While other fillings abound, the above combinations capture the core essences of traditional egg roll flavor profiles that remain popular to this day.
Common Cooking Methods
No matter the filling ingredients, the general method for cooking egg roll filling is fairly standard:
– Aromatics like garlic, ginger, and green onion are cooked briefly in oil first to bloom flavor.
– Then the meats are cooked until nearly done.
– Next the vegetables are added and cooked until tender but still crunchy.
– A sauce with seasonings like soy sauce, rice wine, and sesame oil is tossed with the filling.
– Cornstarch slurry is added to thicken the filling slightly.
The filling is cooled before being wrapped in egg roll wrappers and fried or baked until crisp. This cooking method ensures the flavors marry while the textures remain distinct.
How Fillings Impact Egg Roll Experience
The filling really defines the final experience of eating an egg roll. Here are some ways fillings influence the end result:
Flavor Profile
The ingredients in the filling lend their own particular flavors – savory, salty, sweet, spicy, etc. This gives each egg roll its signature taste.
Texture
The choice of meats and vegetables impacts the egg roll’s mouthfeel. Crisp cabbage, tender pork, crunchy bean sprouts each contribute.
Moisture
Wetter fillings from ingredients like shrimp or mushrooms make egg rolls more juicy. Drier fillings can become soggy.
Seasoning
Saltiness, savoriness, and spice levels depend on seasonings and sauce used in filling.
Heartiness
Hearty meats like beef or duck make fills more substantial. Lighter veggies make them milder.
Balance
A balanced, nuanced filling prevents any one flavor or texture from overpowering the others.
Fillings Affect Cooking Method
The filling also impacts how the egg rolls need to be cooked.
Frying
Frying is traditional, giving the wrapper a shatteringly crisp texture. It works well with moist, seasoned fillings.
Baking
Baking can dry out some fillings, so baked egg rolls work best with saucy, juicy fills.
Air Frying
Air frying gives a crispiness close to frying. Fillings should be drained well so rolls don’t get soggy.
Microwaving
Microwaves quickly reheat leftover egg rolls without drying them out.
So the filling contents should dictate the ideal cooking method for the best final product.
Popular Cuisines Using Egg Rolls
While egg rolls are associated mainly with American Chinese food, they appear globally across multiple cuisines:
Chinese
Egg rolls are believed to have originated in southern China as a Cantonese dim sum item. They have migrated all over the Chinese diaspora.
Vietnamese
The fresh summer rolls in Vietnamese cuisine are a variation on egg rolls with delicate rice paper wrappers.
Filipino
Lumpia are the Filipino take on egg rolls, with unique savory-sweet fillings.
Thai
Thai egg rolls have fillings redolent with Southeast Asian spices like lemongrass and chilies.
Japanese
Tempura maki sushi rolls have a similarity to egg rolls with their fried exterior.
Korean
Korean egg rolls tend to be smaller with a heavier focus on vegetable fillings.
Egg roll wrappers adapt well across many cultures, allowing for endless regional filling variations.
Pop Culture References
Egg rolls have made their way into American pop culture as well:
Egg Roll Scene in A Christmas Story
In one memorable scene, the family enjoys a Chinese dinner complete with egg rolls. The father horrifies them by tapping the egg rolls on the table.
“Weird Al” Yankovic Song Eggrolls
The parody musician performs a song rhapsodizing about his love of egg rolls and other Chinese food.
TMNT III Film
In this sequel film, the ninja turtles travel back in time to ancient China, where Michelangelo requests an egg roll.
King of Queens Egg Roll Episode
In the sitcom, Doug and Carrie argue about who makes the best egg rolls using family recipes.
Egg rolls are now ingrained in the cultural consciousness as a go-to Chinese takeout appetizer.
Egg Roll Trivia
– The wrappers were originally made with eggs, giving egg rolls their name. Now they are more often egg-free.
– The world’s longest egg roll was over 900 feet, made in New York in 2018.
– Egg rolls are called “spring rolls” in Guangdong and Hong Kong.
– In China, egg rolls are traditionally eaten during Lunar New Year celebrations.
– Deep frying gives egg rolls their ideal texture, but air frying is a healthier cooking method.
– Vegetarian or vegan versions substitute tofu, jackfruit, or textured vegetable protein for the meat.
Egg Roll Fun Facts
– The first Chinese restaurants in America likely served egg rolls to cater to Western tastes.
– McDonald’s sold deep fried egg rolls on their menu in the 1970s and 80s.
– Egg rolls may have been brought to America by Chinese immigrants working on the Transcontinental Railroad.
– In the 1950s, Swanson sold frozen “Enchiritos” with egg roll wrappers stuffed with Mexican fillings.
– In San Francisco, chefs have innovated unique fillings like Philly cheesesteak egg rolls.
– Some daring cooks have made dessert egg rolls, with fillings like cheesecake or banana and Nutella.
Conclusion
While egg rolls come in many shapes and sizes, the classic pork and cabbage filling represents the quintessential egg roll flavor profile. However, part of their widespread appeal is the flexibility of the egg roll wrapper to envelop any combination of ingredients. Chefs continue to innovate creative new fillings to keep egg rolls relevant. No matter the filling, egg rolls satisfy as a crunchy, savory appetizer and bring a taste of Asian cuisine to the table. Their versatility ensures they will remain a staple of menus for years to come.