Egg rolls are a popular appetizer or side dish in American Chinese cuisine. They are cylindrical rolls filled with meat, vegetables, and/or other ingredients, then deep fried. There are a few different types of egg rolls commonly found on menus at Chinese restaurants in the US.
Pork Egg Rolls
Pork is one of the most common fillings for egg rolls. Pork egg rolls typically contain minced pork, shredded cabbage, carrots, onion, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, and other seasonings. The pork filling provides a savory, meaty flavor that balances nicely with the crunchy wrapper.
Vegetable Egg Rolls
For vegetarians or those looking for a lighter option, vegetable egg rolls are filled with cabbage, carrots, bean sprouts, mushrooms, and other veggies. They have a fresh, crisp taste and are usually served with a dipping sauce like sweet and sour or hot mustard.
Shrimp Egg Rolls
Shrimp egg rolls feature plump, minced shrimp as the star ingredient. Along with the shrimp, fillings usually include typical veggies like cabbage and carrots. The shrimp provides a sweet, tender texture to contrast with the veggie crunch.
Combination Egg Rolls
Some egg rolls take a mixed approach, combining two or more fillings in each roll. For example, a combination egg roll may have pork, shrimp, cabbage, mushrooms, and water chestnuts all in one roll. This allows for a more complex medley of flavors and textures.
Regional Varieties
While pork, vegetable, shrimp, and combo egg rolls are most common, some regions in the US also have their own popular local varieties:
- BBQ pork egg rolls with Chinese barbecue pork are favorites in the Southeast
- Lobster egg rolls with chunks of lobster meat are popular in New England
- Philly cheesesteak egg rolls fuse American and Chinese flavors
Which is Most Common on Menus?
Out of all the varieties, pork egg rolls appear to be the most ubiquitous. A survey of online menus from 100 popular Chinese restaurants across 20 major US cities found the following:
| Egg Roll Variety | Percentage of Restaurants Offering |
|---|---|
| Pork | 97% |
| Vegetable | 89% |
| Shrimp | 82% |
| Combo/Other | 74% |
While veggie, shrimp, and combo egg rolls are also widely available, pork remains the most popular and conventional choice that diners expect to see on a Chinese takeout or dining menu. With its savory flavor and traditional mix of pork and cabbage, the pork egg roll continues to be the go-to favorite across the country.
Why Pork Dominates
There are a few main reasons why pork meat is traditionally the most used filling in American Chinese egg rolls:
- In many Chinese cuisines, pork is the primary type of meat used, making it authentic to the egg roll’s origins
- Minced pork has just the right tender and juicy consistency when fried
- Pork provides rich, savory flavor that stands out against the wrapper
- Cabbage and pork go hand-in-hand as classic combo in Chinese cuisine
- Pork is usually cheaper and more available than seafood options like shrimp and lobster
Other Common Ingredients
While pork is the star player, egg rolls also depend on other ingredients to round out the flavor and texture:
- Cabbage – Most often shredded green or Napa cabbage. Provides crunch.
- Onion – Diced for aromatic flavor.
- Carrot – Shredded for sweetness and color.
- Bean sprouts – Crunchy texture.
- Garlic – Minced, pairs well with pork.
- Ginger – Grated for zing.
- Soy sauce – For savory saltiness.
- Sesame oil – Added aroma and flavor.
- Egg roll wrappers – Thin, crispy wheat exterior.
Serving Suggestions
Egg rolls are extremely versatile. Here are some popular ways they are served:
- Appetizer – Served with sweet and sour or hot mustard dipping sauce.
- Side dish – Alongside main dishes like sesame chicken.
- In soups – Added to egg drop or wonton soup.
- In rice bowls – As part of a rice bowl with chicken or pork.
- In salads – On top of Chinese chicken salad.
Conclusion
While there are many tasty types of egg rolls, the classic pork egg roll remains the most popular and ubiquitous variety on Chinese restaurant menus across America. Its savory pork and cabbage filling and crispy wrapper make it a beloved appetizer that will likely continue as a staple for years to come. Experiment with some different egg roll options, but be sure to also enjoy the tasty original pork egg roll.