Egg roll wrappers are a staple in many Asian cuisines, and can be used to make a variety of tasty dishes. Whether you want authentic Chinese egg rolls, Vietnamese spring rolls, or even some creative fusion recipes, having the right wrapper is essential.
In this article, we’ll discuss everything from what an egg roll wrapper is and where to find them , to how to roll them and what ingredients to fill them with.
What is Egg Roll Wrapper?
An egg roll wrapper is a thin, sheet of dough made from wheat flour and water. It is a traditional component of many Asian cuisines and is used to wrap fillings such as vegetables, meats, or cheese before they are deep fried or steamed. The wrappers are usually round or square in shape and provide an extra layer of flavor and texture to the dish. They are also commonly referred to as spring roll wrappers or wonton wrappers.
The history of egg roll wrappers dates back centuries. In ancient China, wrappers made from wheat flour and water were used to wrap a variety of dishes, such as dumplings and steamed buns. By the mid-1800s, egg roll wrappers had become popular in Sichuan cuisine, where they were served with fillings like pork or mushrooms.
Today, egg roll wrappers are a staple in many Asian cuisines and are used to make a variety of dishes, from traditional Chinese egg rolls to innovative fusion recipes.
Why egg roll wrapper is a great ingredient for cooking?
Egg roll wrappers are a great ingredient for cooking because they are versatile and easy to use. Egg roll wrappers can be used for a variety of recipes, from classic Asian favorites like egg rolls and spring rolls to creative dishes such as lasagna rolls or breakfast burritos.
The thin sheets of dough are easy to work with and can be filled with a variety of savory ingredients for a delicious meal. Egg roll wrappers are also a great way to use up leftovers, as the thin layers of dough can be filled with whatever ingredients you have on hand. All in all, egg roll wrappers are an easy and versatile ingredient that can help liven up any recipe.
Ingredients of egg roll wrapper
Flour
Egg roll wrappers are typically made with wheat flour, which is a type of flour made from finely milled wheat grains. Wheat flour provides the wrapper with structure and elasticity, allowing it to be rolled and filled without tearing. All-purpose flour can also be used, although it may not provide as much structure as wheat flour. Additionally, some recipes call for the addition of starch, such as cornstarch or tapioca starch, to give the wrapper a more tender texture.
Water
In addition to flour, egg roll wrappers also require water in order to form a dough. The amount of water needed depends on the type of flour being used and the desired texture of the wrapper. Generally, a ratio of 1 part flour to 2 parts water is recommended for most recipes. Too much water can make the wrapper too sticky and difficult to work with, while too little water can make it dry and crumbly.
Salt
Salt is often added to egg roll wrappers to give them additional flavor. Adding salt can also help to bring out the flavor of other ingredients, such as herbs or spices. When using salt in an egg roll wrapper recipe, it should be added in small amounts, as too much can lead to a harsh and unpleasant taste. Salt should be added near the end of the mixing process, as it can cause the wrapper dough to become too sticky if mixed in too early.
Eggs
Eggs are a common ingredient in egg roll wrappers, as they provide structure and flavor. It is important to use the right type of eggs when making egg roll wrappers, as this will affect both the flavor and texture of the final product.
For best results, it is recommended to use large eggs with a high fat content. To incorporate eggs into the wrapper dough, crack them into a bowl and whisk until they are well-combined, then slowly add them to the flour mixture while mixing.
Types of egg roll wrapper
Homemade egg roll wrapper
Making your own egg roll wrappers from scratch is a great way to enjoy the flavors of your favorite fillings without having to buy pre-made wrappers. Making homemade egg roll wrappers is surprisingly simple and requires just a few ingredients: flour, water, salt, and eggs.
To make homemade egg roll wrappers, combine the flour, salt, and eggs in a bowl and slowly add water until a soft dough forms. Roll the dough into thin sheets and cut into 4-inch squares. Fill the wrappers with your desired filling and fold them according to instructions before frying or steaming.
Store-bought egg roll wrapper
Store-bought egg roll wrappers are a convenient and time-saving alternative to making wrappers from scratch. These pre-made wrappers are widely available in the refrigerated section of most Asian supermarkets and can be found in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Store-bought egg roll wrappers are typically made with wheat flour, water, salt, eggs, and sometimes starch for extra tenderness. They are designed to be filled and fried or steamed without requiring any additional preparation.
Preparation of egg roll wrapper
Homemade egg roll wrapper
Mixing the ingredients
To make homemade egg roll wrappers, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of salt, and 1 large egg in a bowl. Slowly add 3 tablespoons of cold water and mix to form a soft dough. Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic. Cover with plastic wrap and let rest for 30 minutes before using.
Kneading the dough
Kneading the dough is necessary to give the wrapper its desired shape and texture. To knead the dough, use your hands to press down firmly and fold it over itself repeatedly until it is smooth and elastic. This process should take about 5 minutes and can be done on a lightly floured surface or directly in the bowl. Once the dough is kneaded, cover with plastic wrap and let rest for 30 minutes before using.
Rolling the dough
Rolling the dough is essential for creating thin and even egg roll wrappers. To roll out the dough, lightly dust a flat work surface with flour and divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Take one piece of dough at a time and shape it into a smooth ball. Use a rolling pin to flatten the ball of dough until it is about 1/16 inch thick. Cut the dough into 4-inch squares and set aside.
Cut into squares
Cut the rolled dough into 4-inch squares using a knife or pizza cutter. Make sure to cut the edges of each square straight for even cooking. Once all of the squares are cut, you can fill them with your desired filling and proceed with folding and cooking as instructed. When cutting the egg roll wrappers, it is important to be careful to avoid tearing or stretching the dough too much as this can cause the wrappers to break when cooked.
Store-bought egg roll wrapper
How to prepare the store-bought egg roll wrapper
Store-bought egg roll wrappers require minimal preparation before use. Simply remove the wrappers from the package and fill according to your desired recipe instructions. For best results, it is recommended to let the wrappers come to room temperature before filling and cooking. To ensure even cooking, make sure that each wrapper is filled with an equal amount of filling and folded properly. Once the wrappers are filled and folded, they can be fried or steamed according to the recipe instructions.
Cooking with egg roll wrapper
Egg rolls
Recipe for egg rolls
Egg rolls are a classic Asian appetizer that can be filled with a variety of savory ingredients. For this egg roll recipe, you will need the following ingredients: 2 cups shredded cabbage, 1 cup shredded carrots, 1/2 cup chopped onion, 1/4 cup soy sauce or tamari, 2 tablespoons sesame oil, and 25-30 store-bought egg roll wrappers.
Spring rolls
Recipe for spring rolls
Spring rolls are an equally popular Asian appetizer that can be filled with a variety of flavors. For this spring roll recipe, you will need the following ingredients: 1/2 cup chopped cabbage, 1/4 cup shredded carrots, 1/4 cup chopped onion, 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari, 2 tablespoons sesame oil, and 25-30 store-bought egg roll wrappers.
Tips and Tricks
Storage tips
Egg roll wrappers are a versatile kitchen staple that can be used for a variety of recipes. To ensure that your egg roll wrappers stay fresh and pliable for use, it is important to store them properly. Store-bought egg roll wrappers should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one month. Homemade egg roll wrappers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Tips
When rolling egg rolls or spring rolls, it is important to follow the instructions included in the recipe. This will help ensure that your egg rolls or spring rolls are evenly cooked and have a consistent shape and texture. It is also important to be gentle when folding the wrapper, as overworking it can cause the wrappers to break when cooked.
Be generous with filling. To ensure that your egg rolls or spring rolls are flavorful and satisfying, it is important to be generous when filling the wrappers.
Avoiding cracking and tearing
When rolling the egg roll wrappers and filling them, it is important to follow the recipe instructions closely. This will help ensure that the wrappers are rolled to the correct thickness and filled with an appropriate amount of filling, which can help prevent cracking and tearing.
Use warm water. When assembling the egg rolls, it is important to use warm water when sealing the edges together. Cold water can cause the wrappers to lose their flexibility and become brittle, which can lead to cracking and tearing.
Conclusion
Egg roll wrappers are a versatile kitchen staple that can be used for a variety of recipes. Store-bought egg roll wrappers should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one month, while homemade egg roll wrappers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. When rolling egg rolls or spring rolls, it is important to follow the recipe instructions and be generous with filling. Additionally, it is important to be gentle when folding the wrapper and use warm water when sealing the edges together to avoid cracking and tearing.
