An egg roll sandwich is a delicious and unique sandwich made by stuffing an egg roll with sandwich fillings. It combines the crispy exterior of an egg roll with the flavors and textures of a classic sandwich. Egg roll sandwiches are handheld, savory, and make for a fun twist on traditional sandwich fare.
Where did the egg roll sandwich originate?
The origins of the egg roll sandwich are unclear, but this creative sandwich concept likely emerged in the United States. The egg roll itself was popularized in America as takeout fare at Chinese restaurants. Home cooks and professional chefs eventually came up with the idea to stuff an egg roll skin with regular sandwich fillings to create a fusion food.
Egg roll sandwiches seem to have emerged as popular diner and sandwich shop items in the 1950s and 1960s. They allowed cooks to get creative with the fillings while taking advantage of the crispy, crunchy texture of an egg roll wrapper. The concept likely spread as more American diners and restaurants embraced Asian influences.
How is an egg roll sandwich constructed?
An egg roll sandwich starts with an egg roll wrapper, also known as egg roll skin. These wrappers are made from wheat flour and water dough. They are thin and round wrappers that can be stuffed and rolled.
Typical sandwich ingredients are placed in the center of the egg roll skin and then rolled up burrito-style into a tight cylinder. The seam is sealed with a bit of flour and water paste to prevent unrolling. The rolled sandwich is then fried in oil until golden brown and crispy.
An egg roll sandwich is typically made with the following construction steps:
- Place egg roll wrapper on clean, dry surface
- Layer sandwich fillings in center of wrapper
- Fold sides of wrapper over filling
- Brush edges of wrapper with flour and water paste
- Tightly roll into cylindrical shape
- Seal edges and ends closed
- Fry in hot oil for 4-6 minutes until golden brown
- Remove from oil and drain on paper towel
- Slice in half diagonally and serve warm
What are some typical fillings and ingredients?
One of the appeals of the egg roll sandwich is creativity with fillings. They can be stuffed with any combination of favorite sandwich meats, cheeses, vegetables, and condiments. Some popular options include:
- Ham, turkey, roast beef
- Provolone, Swiss, cheddar cheese
- Shredded lettuce or cabbage
- Onions, bell peppers, pickles
- Tomatoes, cucumbers, avocado
- Mustard, mayo, hot sauce
- Hummus, tahini
Ingredients are chopped small so they can be compactly rolled in the wrapper. Seasonings like garlic, salt, pepper, and spices can add extra flavor. The fillings possibilities are endless!
What are some popular versions of egg roll sandwiches?
Some classic versions of stuffed egg roll sandwiches include:
- Italian – Salami, pepperoni, provolone, lettuce, tomato, onion, Italian dressing
- Philly cheesesteak – Shaved steak, onions, peppers, cheese sauce
- Buffalo chicken – Shredded chicken, hot sauce, blue cheese dressing, celery
- Club – Ham, turkey, bacon, Swiss, lettuce, tomato
- BLT – Bacon, lettuce, tomato, mayo
- Barbecue – Pulled pork, barbecue sauce, coleslaw
Vegetarian options can be made by stuffing egg rolls with seasoned vegetables, cheese, hummus, or falafel. The wrapped sandwiches are then fried until the exterior becomes ultra crispy and golden brown.
Why are egg roll sandwiches popular?
Egg roll sandwiches have become popular diner and sandwich shop fare for several reasons:
- They have an appealing crunch from the crispy wrapper
- They are fun, unique twists on classic sandwiches
- Customizable fillings allow for creativity
- They are hand-held and easy to eat
- Egg roll wrappers add a burst of flavor from frying
- Wrapping contains fillings and prevents mess
For many diners, the surprise factor of biting into a crispy egg roll and discovering sandwich fillings makes this dish a memorable experience. The portability and dippability of egg roll sandwiches also makes them a convenient meal or snack.
How can you make egg roll sandwiches at home?
Making your own egg roll sandwiches at home is totally doable. Here is a simple recipe to try:
Ingredients
- 1 package egg roll wrappers (about 20)
- 1 pound deli meat (ham, turkey, etc.)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 4 slices cheese
- 1 cup shredded carrot
- Ranch dressing or condiments for dipping
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Lay egg roll wrappers flat on cutting board or clean counter
- Layer about 2-3 slices of deli meat on lower third of each wrapper
- Top with lettuce, shredded carrot, and cheese slice
- Brush edges of wrapper lightly with water
- Roll up wrapper around filling tightly into cylinder
- Seal edges with extra water to prevent unrolling
- Heat 2 inches of oil in skillet or pot to 350°F
- Fry egg roll sandwiches 3-4 minutes until golden brown, flipping once
- Drain on paper towel lined plate
- Slice in half diagonally and serve warm with desired dipping sauce
Get creative with your favorite sandwich fillings. Try wrapping up ingredients like seasoned ground beef, chicken salad, or scrambled eggs for breakfast. Egg roll sandwiches make for fun, crunchy meals or snacks.
What are some tips for making great egg roll sandwiches?
To take your egg roll sandwiches to the next level, keep these tips in mind:
- Drain and dry fillings – Use paper towels to soak up excess moisture from meats, veggies, and cheeses. Too much liquid can make the wrappers soggy.
- Chop small – Dice fillings into small pieces to make rolling easier.
- Don’t overfill – Egg roll wrappers tear easily. Keep fillings in a tight row near lower third of wrapper.
- Seal tightly – Make sure egg roll seams are fully sealed with paste to prevent opening.
- Rest rolled sandwiches – Let assembled sandwiches rest 5-10 minutes before frying so wrappers stick together.
- Get oil hot – Frying in oil between 350-375°F makes wrappers ultra crispy.
- Don’t crowd oil – Fry sandwiches in batches with room around each for even browning.
- Blot excess oil – Drain fried sandwiches on paper towel-lined plate before serving.
Taking the time to assemble egg roll sandwiches carefully will pay off in terms of a crunchy and delicious final product. Don’t be afraid to experiment with inventive fillings and dipping options.
Conclusion
Egg roll sandwiches are creative combinations of the portability of an egg roll with the flavors of a classic sandwich. Originating in American diners and sandwich shops, they can be stuffed with almost any filling. When tightly wrapped and fried until crispy and golden brown, egg roll sandwiches make for fun handheld meals or snacks.
At home, all you need are egg roll wrappers, sandwich fillings of choice, oil for frying, and desired dipping sauces. Assembly takes a bit of finesse, but the results are well worth it. So next time you want to shake up your sandwich routine, reach for egg roll wrappers and whip up a batch of these crunchy, customizable treats.