Next, I lay out an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface. I like to keep a small bowl of water nearby, as it helps seal the wrappers. I place a generous spoonful of the crab mixture in the center, then I fold the wrapper over the filling, tucking it in like a little envelope. I dampen the edges with water to make sure it seals properly. It’s a bit like crafting but even tastier!
Once I have all the egg rolls assembled, I heat the oil in my frying pot to about 350°F (175°C). I carefully fry the egg rolls in batches, making sure not to overcrowd them. They only take about 3-4 minutes to turn golden brown and crispy, and I always feel a rush of excitement when I see them sizzling.
As the egg rolls finish frying, I remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil. The sound of that crunch is simply music to my ears, and I can hardly wait to dig in once they’ve cooled just a bit!
Pro Tips for Best Results
One of the biggest tips I can give is to ensure your oil is at the right temperature. I tested this three ways, and if the oil isn’t hot enough, the egg rolls will absorb too much oil and end up greasy. Conversely, if it’s too hot, they’ll brown too quickly without cooking through!
I also love to wrap my egg rolls tightly to prevent them from opening while frying. If you find the wrappers are a bit dry, don’t hesitate to cover them with a damp cloth while wrapping to give them a little moisture. This little step has saved me countless egg rolls from disaster!
Lastly, remember that practice makes perfect! The first few egg rolls might not look Instagram-worthy, but don’t worry; they’ll still taste delicious. Each batch gets easier, and before you know it, you’ll be rolling like a pro!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake I made early on was overfilling the egg rolls. It’s tempting to pile on the filling, but doing so can lead to a messy frying experience. A generous spoonful is perfect, but less really is more when it comes to keeping the filling contained. (See the next page below to continue…)