These Southern-style crispy homemade egg rolls take the beloved Asian classic and give it a flavorful Southern twist. With seasoned ground pork, cabbage, and carrots all wrapped in a golden fried shell, they’re the perfect fusion snack or meal.
In a large skillet, cook the ground pork over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Add the shredded cabbage, carrots, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the soy sauce, black pepper, salt, onion powder, and paprika. Mix well and remove from heat.
Lay an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface with one corner pointing toward you. Place about 2 tablespoons of the pork mixture in the center.
Fold the corner closest to you over the filling, then fold in the sides. Roll tightly, sealing the edge with a dab of water.
Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
In a deep skillet or fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
Fry the egg rolls in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per batch.
Remove from oil and drain on paper towels. Serve hot.
Notes
Variations & Tips: For a vegetarian version, substitute pork with mushrooms and tofu. Add jalapeños or hot sauce for a kick. Want it cheesy? Toss in a little shredded cheddar. For a lighter version, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes instead of frying.