Crispy Corned Beef Egg Rolls: The Ultimate Leftover Creation & Party Appetizer
Prepare to revolutionize your approach to leftovers with these incredible Corned Beef Egg Rolls! Imagine a perfectly golden, undeniably crispy fried shell that shatters to reveal a warm, savory filling of tender corned beef, lusciously melted Swiss cheese, and a delightful crunch from fresh coleslaw. This recipe isn’t just a clever way to use up that leftover corned beef from your holiday feast or a St. Patrick’s Day celebration; it’s a culinary upgrade that transforms familiar flavors into an exciting, addictive appetizer or a fun, unexpected main dish. Get ready to impress your taste buds and your guests with these irresistible, flavor-packed pockets of joy!
Why These Corned Beef Egg Rolls Are a Must-Try
While you might be familiar with the classic Reuben egg roll, this corned beef variation offers a refreshingly distinct and equally delicious experience. The key difference lies in our choice of crisp coleslaw over traditional sauerkraut. This seemingly small alteration introduces a delightful textural contrast and a milder, fresher cabbage flavor that beautifully complements the salty, rich corned beef, reminiscent of a comforting plate of corned beef and cabbage.
Each bite of these savory egg rolls delivers a symphony of textures and flavors. The initial crunch of the perfectly fried wrapper gives way to the tender, savory strands of corned beef, the creamy, melty embrace of Swiss cheese, and the vibrant, tender-crisp bite of sautéed coleslaw. These irresistible parcels are genuinely downright delicious – in fact, we dare say they’re a superior and far more exciting way to enjoy your corned beef leftovers than a simple sandwich! They offer an elevated appetizer experience that’s perfect for entertaining, game nights, or simply adding a touch of gourmet flair to your weeknight meals.
Essential Ingredients for Your Crispy Corned Beef Egg Rolls
Before diving into the cooking process, let’s gather all the necessary components. You’ll find all precise measurements, ingredients, and detailed instructions conveniently laid out in the printable recipe card located at the very end of this comprehensive guide.
Ingredient Spotlight: Tips & Substitutions
Let’s take a closer look at the stars of our corned beef egg roll recipe, along with some helpful tips for preparation and potential substitutions to suit your preferences.
CORNED BEEF – This recipe truly shines as a fantastic solution for using up leftover corned beef. If you have a beautiful roast from a recent dinner, simply shred or finely dice it. The tender, savory beef forms the hearty backbone of our filling. If you don’t have leftovers on hand, you can easily purchase pre-cooked, sliced corned beef from your local deli counter. Be sure to give it a few coarse chops to break up any stringy pieces and ensure it’s evenly distributed throughout the egg roll. For an extra layer of flavor, consider rendering some of the fat from your leftover corned beef before adding it to the filling, though this is optional.
COLESLAW MIX – To streamline your preparation and make this recipe even more accessible, we highly recommend using a pre-bagged shredded coleslaw mix from the grocery store. These mixes typically contain a combination of green cabbage, red cabbage, and carrots, adding both color and a wonderfully crisp texture. When sautéed lightly, the cabbage softens slightly while retaining a pleasant bite, creating the perfect tender-crisp element for the filling. If you prefer a completely homemade touch, you can certainly purchase a head of green or savoy cabbage and finely shred it yourself. Don’t let any extra coleslaw mix go to waste; it’s excellent for making delicious pulled pork sandwiches or BBQ chicken sliders!
SWISS CHEESE – The Swiss cheese is non-negotiable for that authentic, melty, and slightly nutty flavor profile that pairs impeccably with corned beef. Its creamy texture when melted provides a beautiful contrast to the beef and coleslaw. We suggest using shredded Swiss for ease of incorporation and even melting. If you can’t find pre-shredded, a block of Swiss cheese grated at home will work perfectly. If Swiss isn’t your favorite, a mild provolone or even a sharp white cheddar could be interesting alternatives, though they will alter the traditional flavor.
EGG ROLL WRAPPERS – This is a critical distinction: ensure you are using genuine egg roll wrappers for this recipe, not smaller wonton wrappers. Egg roll wrappers are significantly larger, providing ample space for our generous filling. Their robust nature also ensures they are sturdy enough to hold everything together without tearing during the rolling or frying process. The thicker texture of an egg roll wrapper also contributes to that satisfying, substantial crispiness once fried. You’ll typically find them in the refrigerated section near other specialty doughs or produce.
OLIVE OIL, GARLIC SALT, AND BLACK PEPPER – These foundational seasonings and cooking oil are essential for sautéing the coleslaw and building a flavorful base. Olive oil provides a medium for cooking, while garlic salt and black pepper enhance the natural flavors of the cabbage, making it a delicious component of the filling.
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Own Corned Beef Egg Rolls
These detailed step-by-step photos and clear instructions are provided to help you visualize each stage of making this delightful recipe. For your convenience, you can easily jump directly to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post, which includes all precise measurements and instructions.
- Sauté the Coleslaw: Begin by heating two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You’ll know it’s ready when the oil begins to shimmer gently. Add your coleslaw mix to the hot skillet. Season generously with garlic salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Sauté the coleslaw for approximately 2-3 minutes, just until it becomes tender-crisp. You want it softened but still retaining some of its refreshing crunch, not fully limp. This brief sautéing step enhances the flavor and makes the coleslaw easier to incorporate into the egg rolls.
- Prepare Your Wrappers: Lay your egg roll wrappers out onto a clean, flat work surface. It’s best to work with a few at a time to prevent them from drying out. Have a small bowl of water nearby for sealing.
- Layer the Filling: To the center of each egg roll wrapper, begin layering your delicious filling. First, place a portion of shredded Swiss cheese, followed by a spoonful of the cooked coleslaw, and finally, a generous amount of shredded or chopped corned beef. Ensure the filling is centered and forms a relatively compact mound, leaving enough space around the edges for proper sealing and rolling. Do not overfill, as this can lead to wrappers tearing.
- Seal the Edges: Dip your finger in the small bowl of water and lightly moisten all four edges of the egg roll wrapper. This creates a seal that will prevent the filling from escaping during frying and helps maintain the egg roll’s shape.
- Master the Roll: Carefully fold the bottom corner of the egg roll wrapper up and over the filling, tucking it in snugly. Then, fold in the two side corners towards the center, creating an envelope shape. Use your fingers to gently but firmly tuck the filling, making sure it’s compact. Now, roll the wrapper up towards the remaining top corner, keeping it tight as you go. The moisture on the top edge will seal the egg roll securely. Repeat this process for all remaining egg rolls.
- Preheat Your Fryer: Prepare your deep fryer by preheating the oil to a precise 375°F (190°C). Maintaining the correct oil temperature is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy exterior without making the egg rolls greasy. We highly recommend using a reliable laser thermometer for accurate temperature monitoring.
- Fry to Golden Perfection: Working in small batches to avoid overcrowding the fryer (which can lower the oil temperature), carefully lower the egg rolls into the hot oil. Fry them for approximately 5-7 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown and begin to float to the top of the oil, indicating they are cooked through and crispy.
- Drain and Serve: Once golden and crispy, carefully remove the egg rolls from the fryer and place them on a plate lined with paper towels. This step is essential for draining any excess oil, ensuring your egg rolls remain delightfully crisp, and are not greasy.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Perfect Corned Beef Egg Rolls
To maintain their freshness and flavor, store any leftover cooked egg rolls in an airtight container. Place them in the refrigerator, and they will stay delicious for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, I highly recommend reheating them in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or in a conventional oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) until thoroughly warmed through and crispy. This method ensures the shell regains its desired crispness, avoiding a soggy texture that can result from microwave reheating.
Absolutely! Corned beef egg rolls are freezer-friendly, both cooked and uncooked. To freeze them uncooked, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a large zip-top freezer bag or an airtight container, ensuring they don’t stick together. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to cook, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and allow them to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before frying as directed. For freezing cooked egg rolls, let them cool completely after frying. Then, place them in an airtight container or a large zip-top freezer bag. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in an air fryer or oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot and crispy, similar to reheating fresh leftovers.
Yes, for a healthier alternative, you can certainly bake or air fry your corned beef egg rolls. To air fry, lightly brush the egg rolls with a thin layer of oil (or use cooking spray) and cook in a preheated air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. For baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly brush the egg rolls with oil and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until they are golden and crispy. While deep frying often yields the crispiest result, air frying and baking are excellent methods for a delicious outcome.
These egg rolls are incredibly versatile and pair wonderfully with a variety of dipping sauces. Classic choices include Thousand Island dressing or Russian dressing, which echo the flavors of a traditional Reuben sandwich and offer a creamy, tangy complement. For a slightly different twist, consider a creamy mustard aioli or a spicy brown mustard for a zesty kick. A simple horseradish sauce can also add a delightful pungency. You can even mix a bit of sriracha into mayonnaise for a quick and easy spicy mayo dip!
Absolutely! This recipe is a great canvas for culinary creativity. While the core ingredients are fantastic, you could experiment with finely diced sautéed onions or bell peppers for added flavor and texture. Some people like to add a pinch of caraway seeds to the coleslaw for an even deeper, more traditional corned beef and cabbage flavor profile. Feel free to adjust the cheese type if Swiss isn’t your preference, though it’s highly recommended for its classic pairing with corned beef.
Elevate Your Meal: Serving Suggestions for Corned Beef Egg Rolls
These savory corned beef egg rolls are incredibly versatile and can be served in many delightful ways. They make an exceptional appetizer, perfect for game day gatherings, festive New Year’s parties, or truly any occasion where you want to serve a memorable and unique finger food. Offer a selection of dipping sauces such as a classic Thousand Island dressing, a zesty Russian dressing, or even a sophisticated creamy mustard aioli to complement their rich flavors. For a full meal, pair them with a light green salad or a simple vegetable side. As highlighted earlier, they are a phenomenal and creative way to utilize any leftover corned beef from holiday dinners or St. Patrick’s Day festivities. Enjoy these crispy, flavorful bites and watch them disappear!
Discover More Delicious Recipes
If you loved these corned beef egg rolls, you’ll be thrilled to explore more of our inventive and delicious recipes that transform classic flavors into exciting new forms. Check out these related recipes for more culinary inspiration:
- Reuben Egg Rolls: The classic inspiration for our corned beef version, featuring sauerkraut for that tangy kick.
- Big Mac Egg Rolls: A fun and creative take on a beloved fast-food classic, packed into a crispy shell.
- Corned Beef Sandwich: For when you crave the traditional, hearty sandwich experience.
- Corned Beef Hash: Another fantastic way to repurpose leftover corned beef into a comforting breakfast or brunch staple.
I absolutely adore spending time in the kitchen, creating and experimenting with new flavors, and most importantly, sharing my culinary adventures with all of you! It can be challenging to remember to check back daily for new recipes, which is why I offer a convenient newsletter delivered straight to your inbox every time a fresh recipe is posted. Simply subscribe here and start receiving your free daily recipes to inspire your next delicious meal!
Corned Beef Egg Rolls
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 9 ounces coleslaw mix (about 4 cups, pre-shredded)
- garlic salt (to taste, for seasoning coleslaw)
- black pepper (to taste, freshly ground preferred)
- 11 egg roll wrappers (ensure they are egg roll, not wonton)
- 1 pound corned beef (cooked and shredded, can be leftover or deli-sliced)
- 6 ounces shredded Swiss cheese (for optimal melt and flavor)
Things You’ll Need
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Large skillet
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Deep fryer
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Candy thermometer (or laser thermometer for oil)
Before You Begin
- This recipe is an absolutely perfect way to utilize any leftover corned beef you might have from a previous meal or holiday celebration! If you’re starting fresh, simply purchase sliced corned beef from your deli and chop it into small, manageable pieces. If the corned beef is very stringy, a few coarse chops will help it integrate better into the filling.
- Depending on how generously you fill your egg rolls, you may find yourself with a small amount of leftover corned beef. This is normal, and it just means more delicious scraps for a quick snack!
- It is crucial to use specifically designed egg roll wrappers for this recipe, rather than smaller, more delicate wonton wrappers. Egg roll wrappers are larger and robust enough to hold a substantial amount of filling, ensuring they don’t tear while rolling or during the frying process. They also contribute to the desired hearty crispiness.
Instructions
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
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Add coleslaw mix and season to taste with garlic salt and pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, until the slaw is tender-crisp.
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Lay egg roll wrappers flat on a clean work surface.
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Place a portion of shredded Swiss cheese, followed by cooked coleslaw, and then corned beef onto the center of each egg roll wrapper.
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Using a finger dipped in water, lightly moisten all four edges of the egg roll wrapper to create a seal.
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Fold the bottom corner of the wrapper over the filling, then fold in the two side corners. Tuck the filling tightly with your fingers and roll the wrapper up towards the remaining top corner to seal.
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Preheat your deep fryer to 375°F (190°C).
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Working in small batches to avoid overcrowding, carefully fry the egg rolls for 5-7 minutes. They should become beautifully browned and will float to the top when done.
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Remove the fried egg rolls and drain them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil, ensuring maximum crispness.
Expert Tips & FAQs
- To keep any leftover egg rolls fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results and to retain their crispy shell, reheat them in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or in a 350°F (175°C) oven until they are thoroughly warmed through.
- These egg rolls can be frozen, either cooked or uncooked. To freeze uncooked egg rolls, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a large zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible. They can be stored for up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before bringing them to room temperature and frying as directed. Cooked egg rolls can also be frozen in an airtight container or zip-top bag. Thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat in an air fryer or oven at 350°F (175°C) until crispy and hot.
- When frying, always maintain the recommended oil temperature of 375°F (190°C). If the oil is too cool, the egg rolls will absorb too much oil and become greasy. If it’s too hot, they will brown too quickly on the outside, potentially leaving the inside cold or unevenly cooked.
- Do not overcrowd your deep fryer. Frying in small batches ensures the oil temperature remains consistent and allows each egg roll to cook evenly and achieve maximum crispiness.
- Ensure your egg rolls are sealed tightly! A good seal prevents the filling from leaking out into the hot oil and helps the egg rolls hold their shape.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.