Dive into the bold and comforting flavors of Smashed Honey Pork Egg Rolls with Pepper Crunch, a modern take on a classic Asian street food favorite. Inspired by the vibrant tastes of global cuisines, this recipe will transport your taste buds on a flavor-packed adventure, perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying as a satisfying snack.
Why You’ll Love This Smashed Honey Pork Egg Rolls With Pepper Crunch
These Smashed Honey Pork Egg Rolls with Pepper Crunch are a true delight for the senses. The juicy, caramelized pork filling is balanced by the crisp, golden-brown exterior of the egg roll wrapper, creating a heavenly contrast of textures. The sweet and savory honey glaze adds a luscious layer of flavor, while the fiery pepper crunch topping delivers a delightful kick of heat and crunch in every bite. This dish is a perfect blend of comfort and adventure, making it a must-try for any food enthusiast.
Ingredients
Gather your ingredients for a flavor-packed experience. You’ll need ground pork, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, honey, sriracha, egg roll wrappers, and a selection of crunchy vegetables like carrots, cabbage, and green onions. For the pepper crunch topping, you’ll use crushed red pepper flakes, roasted peanuts, and sesame seeds.
- 1 lb – Ground pork
- 3 cloves – Garlic, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp – Ginger, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp – Soy sauce
- 1/4 cup – Honey, plus more for drizzling
Ingredient Substitutions
- Ground Pork: Ground turkey or chicken (for a leaner option)
- Soy Sauce: Coconut aminos (for a gluten-free alternative)
How to Make Smashed Honey Pork Egg Rolls With Pepper Crunch
Let’s dive into the step-by-step process for creating these mouthwatering egg rolls.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by preparing your ingredients. Finely chop the garlic and ginger, shred the cabbage and carrots, and slice the green onions. Mix the ground pork with the soy sauce, honey, and sriracha in a bowl, then set it aside. For the pepper crunch topping, combine the crushed red pepper flakes, roasted peanuts, and sesame seeds in a small bowl.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil and the pork mixture, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Sauté until the pork is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the pork to a bowl and let it cool slightly.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Lay an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface, with one corner pointing towards you. Place a heaping tablespoon of the pork mixture in the center of the wrapper. Fold the corner closest to you over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll it up tightly. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat 2-3 inches of oil to 350°F. Carefully add the egg rolls to the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain the egg rolls on a paper towel-lined plate, then drizzle with the remaining honey and sprinkle with the pepper crunch topping.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Baked Version: Brush the egg rolls with a bit of oil and bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.
- Alternative Proteins: Try shredded chicken or tofu as a protein replacement.
- Adjust Heat Level: Vary the amount of sriracha or red pepper flakes in the filling and topping to suit your spice preference.
- Dipping Sauces: Serve the egg rolls with a zesty dipping sauce like sweet chili or spicy mayo.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: zesty dipping sauces like sweet chili or spicy mayo.
Storage: Leftover egg rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat the egg rolls in the oven or air fryer to restore the crispy texture.
Make-Ahead: The egg roll filling can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Assemble and fry the egg rolls when ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
Each Smashed Honey Pork Egg Roll with Pepper Crunch is a delightful balance of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Indulge in the cozy, satisfying flavors while enjoying the nutritional benefits of the pork, vegetables, and crunchy toppings.
- Serving Size: 1 egg roll
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Protein: 16 g
- Carbs: 23 g
- Fat: 14 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to ensure the egg rolls are crispy?
Maintaining the proper oil temperature is key to achieving crispy egg rolls. Aim for a temperature of 350°F, and be sure not to overcrowd the pot when frying. Draining the egg rolls on a paper towel-lined plate also helps wick away excess oil for a perfectly crisp exterior.
Can I make the egg rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! The egg roll filling can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to assemble, simply follow the rolling and frying instructions. For a make-ahead option, you can also assemble the egg rolls and freeze them for up to 3 months. Just be sure to fry them straight from frozen.
How can I make the egg rolls healthier?
To create a healthier version, try baking the egg rolls instead of frying. Brush the assembled egg rolls with a bit of oil and bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown. You can also experiment with alternative fillings, such as grilled or sautéed vegetables, or use a leaner protein like ground turkey or chicken.
Can I customize the flavor profile?
Absolutely! Feel free to play with the seasonings and spices in the filling to suit your taste preferences. Try adding a pinch of five-spice powder, or swap the sriracha for a different hot sauce. You can also experiment with different crunchy toppings, such as toasted sesame seeds, chopped cashews, or crushed wonton crackers.
How do I store leftover egg rolls?
Leftover Smashed Honey Pork Egg Rolls with Pepper Crunch can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven or air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
Try These Next
- honey jalapeno pork roast pull apart with pepper crunch
- smashed onion deviled eggs dip with maple pepper glaze
- buttery butter egg rolls knot pizza with jalapeno crunch
Smashed Honey Pork Egg Rolls With Pepper Crunch
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: 🌍 Global Flavors & Street Food
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
Smashed Honey Pork Egg Rolls with Pepper Crunch are a delicious fusion of sweet and savory flavors, perfect for a quick snack or appetizer. Crispy egg rolls filled with tender, smashed honey pork and topped with a vibrant pepper crunch make for a delightful bite!
Ingredients
1 lb ground pork
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon ginger powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup coleslaw mix
10 egg roll wrappers
Vegetable oil for frying
1/2 cup bell peppers, diced
1/4 cup green onions, chopped
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine ground pork, honey, soy sauce, garlic powder, ginger powder, and black pepper. Mix well.
2. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the pork mixture until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the coleslaw mix to the skillet and stir until well combined. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. Lay an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface, with one corner facing you. Place 2-3 tablespoons of the pork mixture in the center.
5. Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the sides, and roll tightly to seal.
6. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
7. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the egg rolls in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
8. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels.
9. In a small bowl, combine diced bell peppers, green onions, and sesame seeds for the pepper crunch.
10. Serve the egg rolls hot, topped with the pepper crunch.
Notes
For extra flavor, you can add red pepper flakes to the pork mixture for a spicy kick.
Serve with sweet chili sauce or soy sauce for dipping.
Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to ensure crispy egg rolls.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 egg roll
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: egg rolls, pork, street food, appetizer