These Corned Beef & Cabbage Egg Rolls offer a fun and crispy twist on the classic flavors of corned beef and cabbage. Wrapped in a crunchy golden shell, the filling combines savory corned beef, fresh cabbage, and aromatic seasonings, making each bite irresistibly delicious. Served with a tangy mustard dipping sauce, they deliver a satisfying contrast of textures and flavors.Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations or as a creative appetizer any time of the year, these egg rolls are easy to prepare and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re a fan of corned beef or just love trying new fusion recipes, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your snack rotation.
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Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked corned beef, shredded
- 1 ½ cups green cabbage, finely shredded
- 1 small carrot, julienned
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 12 egg roll wrappers
- 1 egg, beaten (for sealing wrappers)
- 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
Mustard Dipping Sauce:
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Directions:
- In a bowl, mix corned beef, cabbage, carrot, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and soy sauce.
- Lay an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface, placing 2 tablespoons of the mixture in the center.
- Fold the bottom corner over the filling, tuck in the sides, and roll tightly, sealing the edge with a little beaten egg.
- Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
- Heat vegetable oil in a pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry egg rolls in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels.
- For the dipping sauce, whisk together mustard, honey, vinegar, and garlic powder.
- Serve egg rolls hot with mustard dipping sauce.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 280 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Crispy Corned Beef & Cabbage Egg Rolls: A Delicious Fusion of Flavors
Corned Beef & Cabbage Egg Rolls offer a delightful twist on two beloved culinary traditions—classic Irish-American corned beef and crispy Asian-style egg rolls. This dish brings together the tender, salty richness of slow-cooked corned beef with the fresh crunch of cabbage and carrots, all wrapped in a golden-brown, crispy egg roll shell. Served with a tangy mustard dipping sauce, these egg rolls are perfect for parties, game nights, or celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in a fun and unexpected way.
But why is this recipe so special? Let’s dive into its history, benefits, and why you need to try it.
The Origins of Corned Beef and Cabbage
Corned beef and cabbage is a dish deeply associated with Irish-American cuisine, particularly during St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. However, its roots are more American than Irish. In Ireland, pork and potatoes were the more traditional staples, but when Irish immigrants arrived in the United States in the 19th and early 20th centuries, they found that beef was more affordable and widely available.
Jewish butchers in New York’s immigrant neighborhoods sold a salt-cured beef known as corned beef, which the Irish quickly adopted as a substitute for their traditional pork dishes. Paired with cabbage, a budget-friendly and readily available vegetable, corned beef and cabbage became an essential dish in Irish-American households. Over time, it became synonymous with St. Patrick’s Day, even though it is not commonly eaten in Ireland itself.
Why This Recipe is the Best Way to Enjoy Corned Beef and Cabbage
While traditional corned beef and cabbage is hearty and delicious, this egg roll version elevates it in several ways:
- Perfectly Crispy Texture – Boiled cabbage can sometimes become soft and mushy, but when wrapped in an egg roll and fried, it retains a slight crunch that enhances the overall eating experience.
- Portion-Controlled & Easy to Serve – These egg rolls are ideal for parties, making them a fantastic appetizer or snack. No need for plates and cutlery—just grab and dip!
- Fusion of Cuisines – This dish blends Irish-American flavors with an Asian-inspired egg roll wrapper, creating a truly unique and exciting taste.
- Customizable Fillings – You can easily tweak the filling to match your taste preferences, adding cheese, sauerkraut, or even mashed potatoes for an extra twist.
- Great Use of Leftovers – If you have leftover corned beef from a big meal, this recipe is a creative and delicious way to repurpose it.
Health Benefits of This Recipe
While fried foods should be enjoyed in moderation, this recipe has several surprising benefits:
- Good Source of Protein – Corned beef is rich in protein, which helps keep you full and supports muscle repair and growth.
- Packed with Vegetables – Cabbage and carrots are full of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants that support digestion and overall health.
- Portion Control – Since these egg rolls are individually wrapped servings, it’s easier to enjoy them without overeating.
- Gluten-Free Alternative Available – If you want a gluten-free version, you can use rice paper wrappers instead of traditional egg roll wrappers.
Ingredient Breakdown and Flavor Profile
Every component of these egg rolls plays an important role in achieving the perfect balance of taste and texture:
- Corned Beef – Salty, savory, and tender, corned beef brings a rich umami flavor to the filling.
- Cabbage – Slightly sweet and crunchy, cabbage provides freshness and a contrasting texture.
- Carrots – Adds a hint of sweetness and a beautiful pop of color.
- Green Onions – A mild onion flavor enhances the depth of taste without overpowering the dish.
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder – Boosts the overall flavor profile, adding warmth and savory notes.
- Soy Sauce – Adds a touch of umami and enhances the saltiness of the corned beef.
- Egg Roll Wrappers – When fried, they become golden, crispy, and flaky—giving these rolls their irresistible crunch.
- Mustard Dipping Sauce – The combination of Dijon mustard, honey, and vinegar creates a tangy, slightly sweet dip that pairs beautifully with the savory filling.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Corned Beef & Cabbage Egg Rolls
If you’ve never made egg rolls before, don’t worry! They’re easier to prepare than you might think.
1. Prepare the Filling
- Finely shred the corned beef and cabbage to ensure even distribution inside the egg rolls.
- Mix in seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, and soy sauce to boost the flavors.
- Let the filling rest for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
2. Assemble the Egg Rolls
- Lay out an egg roll wrapper in a diamond shape.
- Place a small portion of the filling in the center.
- Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the sides.
- Roll tightly, sealing the edge with a little beaten egg to keep it secure.
3. Fry to Perfection
- Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry the egg rolls until golden brown.
- Fry in small batches to avoid crowding and ensure even cooking.
- Drain on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
4. Make the Mustard Dipping Sauce
- Whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, and garlic powder until smooth.
- Adjust sweetness or acidity based on your taste preferences.
5. Serve and Enjoy
- Serve the egg rolls fresh and hot, paired with the mustard dipping sauce.
- Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for extra flavor.
Serving Ideas and Pairings
These egg rolls can be enjoyed in multiple ways:
- As an Appetizer – Serve them with additional dipping sauces like spicy mayo or horseradish sauce.
- With a Side Salad – A light cabbage slaw with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the egg rolls.
- Alongside a St. Patrick’s Day Feast – Pair them with Irish soda bread, Guinness beef stew, or mashed potatoes.
- As a Game Day Snack – These crispy bites are perfect for dipping while watching your favorite game.
Creative Variations
Want to put a personal spin on this recipe? Here are a few fun variations to try:
- Reuben-Style Egg Rolls – Add Swiss cheese and sauerkraut for a take on the classic Reuben sandwich.
- Air Fryer Version – For a healthier alternative, air fry at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Spicy Kick – Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for a spicy version.
- Cheesy Delight – Mix in shredded cheddar or mozzarella for a gooey, cheesy filling.
- Vegan Alternative – Use plant-based corned beef substitutes or sautéed mushrooms instead of meat.
Conclusion
Corned Beef & Cabbage Egg Rolls are more than just a delicious fusion dish—they’re an exciting way to reinvent a classic meal. Whether you’re looking for a festive St. Patrick’s Day snack, a creative appetizer, or a crispy, savory treat, this recipe delivers bold flavors and satisfying crunch in every bite. The contrast between the crispy wrapper, the tender corned beef, and the tangy mustard sauce makes this dish a guaranteed hit. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftovers in a unique and irresistible way. So why not give these egg rolls a try? They’re fun to make, incredibly tasty, and perfect for sharing. Once you take your first crispy, flavorful bite, you’ll understand why this dish is an absolute must-have for any occasion!