Before we dive into the delightful world of making Panda Express-style chicken egg rolls, let’s chat about what pairs beautifully with these tasty treats. Imagine yourself at a casual gathering, the chatter of friends mingling with the enticing smell of fried goodies wafting through the air. What would make that experience even better?
Sweet and Sour Sauce: This classic dipping sauce complements egg rolls perfectly, offering a tangy twist that cuts through the richness.
Chow Mein: The savory noodles, stir-fried with colorful veggies, make for a hearty side dish.
Spring Rolls: Keeping the Asian theme going, spring rolls add variety to your table.
Sweet Chili Sauce: A hint of spice and sweetness enhances the overall flavor.
Now, let’s roll up our sleeves and get our hands sticky with some deliciousness!
Picture this: It’s a Friday night. You’re looking for something delicious yet simple. You open the fridge and find some leftover rotisserie chicken staring back at you. What do you do? You transform it into crispy, golden egg rolls. Yes! Today, I’m sharing my take on Panda Express’s chicken egg rolls. These little bundles of joy are not just easy to make; they are also a fantastic way to impress your friends. So grab your apron, and let’s embark on this culinary adventure.
What Is the Panda Express Chicken Egg Rolls Recipe?
At its core, the Panda Express chicken egg roll is a delightful spring roll wrapper filled with a savory blend of chicken, veggies, and spices. The crispy exterior and the warm, flavorful filling create an irresistible bite-sized snack. Perfect for parties, family dinners, or just a cozy night in with a movie, these egg rolls epitomize comfort food.
You will also like the following Appetizers recipes!
- How to make Best Instant Pot Chicken Wings From Fresh Or Frozen
- Pizza Hut Breadsticks
- Sesame Rice Cracker
Why Does This Recipe Work?
Why should you trust this recipe? Here’s the simple truth: it combines fresh ingredients with tried and true methods. Each component is designed to balance flavors and textures. Using rotisserie chicken saves you time, while the addition of sesame oil and green onions gives it that authentic touch. You’ll find that this recipe will clock in at under an hour, making it perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs.
What You’ll Need to Make this Dish
Gathering the right ingredients is key. Here’s your shopping list:
1 cup cooked, shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken adds flavor with minimal effort.
3/4 cup finely grated carrots: For crunch and a hint of sweetness.
1/2 cup glass noodles: These add texture and heartiness.
2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger: A must for that aromatic kick.
1 tablespoon neutral cooking oil: Essential for sautéing.
1 & 1/2 cups thinly shredded cabbage: Robust and crunchy.
3 cloves garlic: The quintessential flavor enhancer.
1/4 cup diced green onions: Freshness personified.
1/2 tablespoon light brown sugar: Adds depth and balance.
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil: Depth of flavor in a bottle.
1 teaspoon oyster sauce: For that umami richness.
1 teaspoon rice vinegar: Brightens up the mix.
2 tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce: salty and savory, you can’t skip this.
1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper: To taste, naturally.
12 store-bought egg roll wrappers: Because who has the time to make them?
Vegetable oil for deep frying: The star of the show when it comes to crisping.
How to Make Panda Express Chicken Egg Rolls Recipe: A Brief Overview
Creating these egg rolls is like piecing together a fun puzzle. The outcome is delicious, and best of all, you can customize them! We’ll roll through the steps shortly, but let’s get into the nitty-gritty.
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
First, heat 1 tablespoon of neutral oil in a large pan over medium heat. Toss in the garlic and ginger, sautéing for about a minute until fragrant. The smell will make you hungry!
Step 2: Add Vegetables
Next, stir in the grated carrots and shredded cabbage. Cook for about 3-4 minutes. We’re looking for veggies that are still crunchy yet tender.
Step 3: Mix in Chicken and Noodles
Now, add in the shredded chicken and snipped glass noodles. Stir them together until well-combined.
Step 4: Season It Right
At this stage, pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Don’t forget the brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix it all thoroughly. The flavors should dance together nicely.
Step 5: Cool the Mixture
Remove the pan from heat and allow the filling to cool. This step is essential, as hot filling can tear the wrappers.
Step 6: Wrap It Up
Now comes the fun part – wrapping! Lay a wrapper on a clean surface, place a generous amount of filling near a corner, and roll it up tightly, tucking in the sides as you go. Use a touch of water to seal the edge.
Step 7: Frying
Heat oil in a deep frying pan. Once hot, gently place the egg rolls into the oil. Fry until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides—usually 3-4 minutes.
Step 8: Drain and Serve
Remove them, letting excess oil drain on a paper towel. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Egg Rolls
Don’t Overfill: It’s tempting to pack them tight, but leave some space for easier rolling.
Seal Well: A poorly sealed roll can burst. Use water and press firmly.
Fry in Batches: Crowding the pan can lower oil temperature, making them soggy.
Experiment with Fillings: Don’t hesitate to add other veggies like bell pepper or zucchini!
Use Parchment Paper: For a non-stick surface when assembling, this can ease the wrapping process.
How to Store Leftovers?
If you find yourself with leftover egg rolls, here’s how to handle it. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3-4 days. To reheat, an air fryer or oven works best to maintain their crispy texture. Alternatively, you can quickly microwave them, but you’ll sacrifice some crunch.
Nutrition Information
Curious about nutrition? Here’s a general rundown of one egg roll (without dipping sauces):
Of course, nutrition can vary depending on exact ingredients and cooking methods. That said, they’re still a great option when looking for a quick snack!
How Would I Recommend Serving Panda Express Chicken Egg Rolls?
With Sweet and Sour Sauce: This pairing cuts through the fat, enhancing flavor.
Alongside Freshly Made Fried Rice: The flavors complement each other beautifully.
With a Side Salad: A light salad can balance out the meal.
In a Platter for Parties: Create a buffet-style spread for guests to enjoy.
What Alternatives Can You Use for the Ingredients if Not Available?
Rotisserie Chicken: Shredded turkey can easily substitute if you have leftovers.
Glass Noodles: Rice vermicelli or even shredded cabbage can work instead.
Oyster Sauce: If you’re in a pinch, use fish sauce, but it’s stronger, so less is more.
Sesame Oil: Regular olive oil can replace it, but you’ll miss that nutty kick.
Panda Express Chicken Egg Rolls Recipe
Equipment
- large skillet
- paper towels
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken
- 3/4 cup finely grated carrots
- 1/2 cup glass noodles
- 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon neutral cooking oil
- 1 & 1/2 cups thinly shredded cabbage
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup diced green onions
- 1/2 tablespoon light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper.
- 12 store-bought egg roll wrappers
- Vegetable oil for deep frying
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
- First, heat 1 tablespoon of neutral oil in a large pan over medium heat. Toss in the garlic and ginger, sautéing for about a minute until fragrant. The smell will make you hungry!
Step 2: Add Vegetables
- Next, stir in the grated carrots and shredded cabbage. Cook for about 3-4 minutes. We’re looking for veggies that are still crunchy yet tender.
Step 3: Mix in Chicken and Noodles
- Now, add in the shredded chicken and snipped glass noodles. Stir them together until well-combined.
Step 4: Season It Right
- At this stage, pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Don’t forget the brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix it all thoroughly. The flavors should dance together nicely.
Step 5: Cool the Mixture
- Remove the pan from heat and allow the filling to cool. This step is essential, as hot filling can tear the wrappers.
Step 6: Wrap It Up
- Now comes the fun part – wrapping! Lay a wrapper on a clean surface, place a generous amount of filling near a corner, and roll it up tightly, tucking in the sides as you go. Use a touch of water to seal the edge.
Step 7: Frying
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan. Once hot, gently place the egg rolls into the oil. Fry until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides—usually 3-4 minutes.
Step 8: Drain and Serve
- Remove them, letting excess oil drain on a paper towel. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy!
Notes
- Don’t Overfill: It’s tempting to pack them tight, but leave some space for easier rolling.
- Seal Well: A poorly sealed roll can burst. Use water and press firmly.
- Fry in Batches: Crowding the pan can lower oil temperature, making them soggy.
- Experiment with Fillings: Don’t hesitate to add other veggies like bell pepper or zucchini!
- Use Parchment Paper: For a non-stick surface when assembling, this can ease the wrapping process.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake the egg rolls instead of frying?
Yes! Brush them lightly with oil and bake them at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway to achieve a nice crunch.
What can I do if my wrappers keep tearing?
Make sure your filling is cool and not too wet. Also, try working with fresh wrappers and sealing them carefully.
Can I freeze these egg rolls?
Absolutely! Freeze them before frying. When ready to cook, there’s no need to thaw; just fry them straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
Are there vegetarian options for the filling?
Most definitely! Replace the chicken with tofu or a medley of your favorite vegetables.
What’s the best way to chop the veggies for the filling?
Aim for uniform, thin pieces to ensure even cooking. A food processor can be a great help!
How many egg rolls does this recipe make?
You can generally expect to make around a dozen, depending on how full you stuff them.
Conclusion
Making your own Panda Express chicken egg rolls at home isn’t just a cooking task; it’s an experience. From the sizzle of the filling to the crispiness of the fried wrapper, the process is as fun as the result is delicious. Once you master the basics, you can customize your fillings, experimenting with flavors and ingredients. So, the next time you’re craving that crunchy, savory flavor, you can whip up a batch in your kitchen, and share a laugh and a meal with your loved ones. Enjoy your culinary journey!
