Crispy Shrimp and Cabbage Egg Rolls

The perfect marriage of crispy texture and savory filling, these shrimp and cabbage egg rolls are a must-try for anyone who loves fusion-style finger food. The outer shell is perfectly golden and crunchy, while the inside delivers a flavorful combination of juicy shrimp, tender cabbage, and aromatic garlic and ginger.

What makes this recipe stand out is its simplicity and satisfaction factor. With a few fresh ingredients and a quick fry, you get a snack or appetizer that’s restaurant-quality yet totally homemade. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce—like sweet chili—for a crowd-pleaser that works for parties, potlucks, or a quick bite on a busy weeknight.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 pound raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, and finely chopped

• 2 cups green cabbage, shredded

• 1 medium carrot, grated

• 2 green onions, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 10 egg roll wrappers

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for sealing)

• Vegetable oil for frying

• Sweet chili sauce, for serving

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, combine chopped shrimp, shredded cabbage, grated carrot, green onions, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, ground ginger, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.

2. Lay one egg roll wrapper on a clean surface in a diamond shape. Place about 2 tablespoons of the filling near the center.

3. Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the sides. Roll tightly toward the top corner. Brush the top corner with cornstarch slurry to seal. Repeat with remaining wrappers.

4. In a deep skillet or saucepan, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).

5. Fry egg rolls in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy—about 3–4 minutes per batch.

6. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

7. Serve hot with sweet chili sauce on the side.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 210 kcal per roll | Servings: 10 rolls

If you’re a fan of Asian-inspired appetizers or love anything with a satisfying golden crunch, these Crispy Shrimp and Cabbage Egg Rolls are about to become a household favorite. Combining succulent shrimp, crisp shredded cabbage, aromatic garlic and green onions, and a light yet flavorful seasoning blend, these egg rolls offer a restaurant-quality experience right at home. They’re a tasty twist on a classic takeout treat that’s simple enough for even beginner cooks to try.

A Brief Background: From Asian Street Food to Home Kitchen Staple

Egg rolls trace their origin back to Chinese-American cuisine and were developed as a popular restaurant appetizer in the United States in the early 20th century. While the authentic Chinese spring roll is smaller with a thinner, more delicate wrapper, the egg roll is characterized by its thicker wrapper and a fried, bubbly exterior. Over the years, the fillings have evolved—ranging from pork and vegetables to tofu or even cheeseburger-inspired mixes.

This shrimp and cabbage variation pays homage to the traditional egg roll style while introducing a vibrant seafood flavor. Shrimp has long been a beloved protein in East and Southeast Asian dishes for its versatility and fast cooking time. Paired with cabbage, a common ingredient in Chinese cuisine known for its crunch and nutritional value, this recipe offers a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Why These Egg Rolls Are the Best:

There are countless egg roll recipes out there, but this version stands out for several reasons:

1. Balanced Texture: The contrast between the crispy, golden shell and the juicy, tender shrimp filling makes each bite exciting and satisfying.
2. Flavor-Packed: Garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and soy sauce infuse the shrimp and vegetables with deep umami flavor, eliminating the need for excessive salt or heavy sauces.
3. Quick and Easy: The recipe takes less than 40 minutes from start to finish and requires no deep-frying expertise—just a good pan and some hot oil.
4. Customizable: You can easily add other veggies like shredded carrots, bean sprouts, or mushrooms, or substitute the shrimp with ground chicken, tofu, or crab meat depending on dietary needs.
5. Party-Perfect: These egg rolls are ideal for entertaining. They hold their shape well, can be made in advance, and pair beautifully with dips like sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, hoisin, or spicy mayo.

Health Benefits of Shrimp and Cabbage

While fried foods aren’t usually labeled as “healthy,” these egg rolls are far better than greasy fast-food versions thanks to their clean, high-quality ingredients and manageable portion sizes. Here’s a closer look at the health perks:

Shrimp

• Low in Calories, High in Protein: Shrimp is one of the leanest animal proteins. A 3-ounce serving provides about 20 grams of protein and only 84 calories.
• Rich in Nutrients: It’s an excellent source of selenium (a powerful antioxidant), vitamin B12, and iodine, which supports thyroid health.
• Heart-Healthy Fats: Shrimp contain omega-3 fatty acids that help reduce inflammation and support cardiovascular health.

Cabbage

• Fiber-Rich: Cabbage is low in calories but high in fiber, aiding digestion and promoting satiety.
• Loaded with Vitamins: Especially high in vitamin K and C, which are essential for blood clotting, immune support, and collagen production.
• Cancer-Fighting Compounds: Contains glucosinolates and antioxidants that are associated with reduced cancer risk.

By choosing to make your own egg rolls at home, you gain control over the ingredients and cooking method. For an even healthier version, you can air-fry or bake these egg rolls instead of deep-frying, significantly reducing the oil content without compromising crunch.

Tips for Success:

• Don’t Overfill: It’s tempting to stuff the egg rolls to the brim, but this increases the risk of tearing or uneven cooking. Keep it to about 2 tablespoons of filling per roll.
• Seal Properly: Use a cornstarch slurry to create a tight seal on the wrapper, which prevents the rolls from opening up in the hot oil.
• Keep Wrappers Moist: Cover unused wrappers with a damp towel while rolling to prevent them from drying out and cracking.
• Drain on a Rack or Paper Towels: This helps remove excess oil and keeps the outer shell crispy longer.

Dipping Sauce Ideas:

While sweet chili sauce is a go-to classic, feel free to experiment. These egg rolls also taste amazing with:

• Spicy Garlic Soy Sauce: Soy sauce + rice vinegar + minced garlic + red pepper flakes
• Creamy Sriracha Mayo: Mayonnaise + sriracha + lime juice
• Honey Ginger Glaze: Honey + fresh grated ginger + low-sodium soy sauce
• Peanut Dipping Sauce: Creamy peanut butter + soy sauce + garlic + a splash of water

When to Serve These Egg Rolls

These crispy shrimp egg rolls are the ultimate multi-purpose dish. Serve them:

• As a party appetizer for game nights, potlucks, or family gatherings.
• As a main dish, paired with a light Asian-style salad, miso soup, or jasmine rice.
• As a lunchbox favorite that can be reheated in the oven or air fryer for maximum crunch.
• As a freezer-friendly snack—make a double batch and freeze uncooked rolls for up to a month.

Make-Ahead and Storage

You can prepare the filling up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Rolled egg rolls can be frozen individually on a baking sheet and then transferred to a freezer bag for storage. When you’re ready to cook, fry them directly from frozen—no need to thaw. Just increase the cooking time slightly.

Cooked egg rolls can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness—avoid the microwave if you want to preserve the crunchy exterior.

Why Your Readers Will Love It

From a food blogging or cookbook perspective, this recipe is a showstopper. It photographs beautifully, offers crave-worthy texture, and is universally loved by seafood fans. It hits the sweet spot between comfort food and gourmet appetizer, and because it can be scaled up easily, it’s fantastic for feeding a crowd. It also appeals to diverse audiences—home cooks looking for easy Asian fusion recipes, party hosts seeking impressive snacks, and even health-conscious foodies who want a lighter take on classic fried foods.

Conclusion

Crispy Shrimp and Cabbage Egg Rolls are the perfect fusion of texture, flavor, and ease. With their golden, crunchy shells and savory, juicy fillings, these homemade egg rolls offer everything you love about restaurant-style appetizers—without the takeout box. Whether you’re planning a party, preparing a family meal, or just craving something satisfying and shareable, this recipe delivers in both taste and presentation. Plus, with the ability to customize the filling, choose healthier cooking methods, or make them ahead, it’s a versatile dish you’ll come back to again and again. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce and watch them disappear faster than you can make another batch!