Panda Express Chicken Egg Rolls Copycat

There’s something nostalgic about indulging in Panda Express Chicken Egg Rolls Copycat that takes me back to my college days. Whenever I visited the campus, I could always count on their delicious egg rolls to satisfy my cravings. As the crispy exterior gave way to the savory filling, it was like a little party in my mouth. One evening, I decided it was time to recreate that experience at home. The kitchen filled with mouthwatering aromas as I experimented, and I found that making these egg rolls from scratch was not only fun but incredibly rewarding. Sharing them with friends and family has made gatherings even more special, and I can’t wait for you to try my version!

What to Gather for Panda Express Chicken Egg Rolls Copycat

The philosophy behind the ingredients for Panda Express Chicken Egg Rolls Copycat is all about harmony. Each component plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture. The key players include ground chicken, which provides protein, and cabbage and carrots, which add freshness and crunch. Together, they create a filling that is both satisfying and delicious.

• 1 pound ground chicken – The main protein source, giving the egg rolls a hearty base.
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or canola oil – Used for sautéing the filling, adding moisture and flavor.
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced – Adds a warm, spicy kick to the filling.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced – Provides a rich, aromatic foundation for the dish.
• 1 1/2 cups cabbage, finely shredded – Offers a crunchy texture and absorbs flavors.
• 1 cup carrots, shredded – Adds sweetness and color to the filling.
• 1/4 cup green onions, sliced – Brings freshness and a mild onion flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste – Enhances all the flavors of the filling.
• 1 teaspoon white sugar – Balances the savory flavors for a well-rounded taste.
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil – Adds a nutty flavor that enhances the dish.
• 1/4 teaspoon Chinese five spice powder – A blend of spices that brings an authentic depth of flavor.
• 20 egg roll wrappers – The outer layer that holds the filling together.
• 1 large egg, beaten – Used to seal the wrappers and give them a golden finish when fried.
• 4 cups vegetable oil or peanut oil – for frying – Essential for achieving that crispy texture.

Panda Express Chicken Egg Rolls Copycat Instructions

Making Panda Express Chicken Egg Rolls Copycat is a rewarding experience that fills your kitchen with delicious aromas. Let’s roll up our sleeves and get started! Follow these detailed steps to create your own batch of crispy egg rolls.

1. Place a large wok over medium-high heat and add the two tablespoons of vegetable oil. Allow it to heat until shimmering. This step ensures that the chicken will cook evenly and absorb the oil’s flavor.
2. Once the oil is hot, add the ground chicken, ginger, and garlic. Use a wooden spoon to crumble the meat as it cooks. You want to cook it until it is no longer pink, which usually takes about five to seven minutes. Make sure to stir frequently to prevent sticking.
3. Drain any excess fat from the skillet and return it to heat. This is important for keeping your filling light and not greasy.
4. Add the shredded cabbage, carrots, green onions, salt, sugar, sesame oil, and Chinese five-spice to the cooked chicken. Stir everything together and cook until the cabbage and carrots are tender, about seven to ten minutes. The aroma should be incredible!
5. Let the mixture cool slightly before filling the wrappers. This step is crucial because filling hot egg roll wrappers can make them soggy.
6. Take a wrapper and place about two tablespoons of the chicken mixture on top. Leave some space on the edges to allow for sealing.
7. Brush the edges of the wrapper with the beaten egg. This acts as glue, helping to keep the egg roll sealed during frying.
8. Tightly roll up the egg rolls into logs, enclosing the filling. Make sure they are sealed well to prevent any filling from leaking out during frying.
9. Preheat a deep fryer to 375°F or bring a heavy-bottomed pot filled with approximately two inches of oil to the same temperature. The right temperature is crucial for frying.
10. Once the oil is hot, fry the egg rolls in batches until they are crispy and golden brown. This will take about three to five minutes per batch. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
11. Drain the fried egg rolls on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. This step ensures they stay crispy.
12. Serve with sweet chili sauce for dipping and enjoy your homemade Panda Express Chicken Egg Rolls Copycat!

Make It Your Own

Personalizing your Panda Express Chicken Egg Rolls Copycat is part of the fun! Here are some tips to get you started:

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet for the best texture.
• Freezing: Uncooked egg rolls can be frozen. Lay them flat on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer bag. Fry directly from frozen.
• Pairing: Serve with a variety of dipping sauces like sweet chili or soy sauce to enhance the flavors.
• Vegetarian Option: You can substitute the chicken with tofu or additional vegetables for a vegetarian twist.
• Gathering Size: For larger gatherings, double the recipe and prepare a buffet-style setup for a fun cooking experience with friends!

How to Serve Panda Express Chicken Egg Rolls Copycat

Serving your Panda Express Chicken Egg Rolls Copycat can be just as fun as making them! Here are some ideas to elevate your serving game:

• Appetizer Style: Serve them as an appetizer at parties with a selection of dipping sauces.
• Casual Dinner: Pair these egg rolls with a side of fried rice or a fresh salad for a hearty meal.
• Game Night: Set up a snack bar with your egg rolls, various sauces, and sides like edamame or potstickers.
• Holiday Gatherings: These egg rolls are perfect for festive occasions, offering a delicious finger food option for guests.
• Lunch Box: Pack them for lunch with fresh fruit and a dipping sauce for a tasty, on-the-go meal.
• Seasonal Pairing: In summer, serve with a refreshing cucumber salad; in winter, pair with a warm soup.

FAQ

Conclusion

In summary, the Panda Express Chicken Egg Rolls Copycat are a delightful treat that brings a taste of nostalgia to your kitchen. The combination of crispy wrappers and savory filling makes them a crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion. I encourage you to try making these at home; you might just find they’re better than the original!

Panda Express Chicken Egg Rolls Copycat

The ultimate comfort food, Panda Express Chicken Egg Rolls Copycat delivers crispy, savory goodness in every bite. Perfect for sharing or as a tasty snack, these egg rolls are made with fresh ingredients and are easy to prepare. Enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauces tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Appetizers

Cuisine American

Servings 20 egg rolls

Calories 220 kcal

Equipment

• Chef's Knife
• Skillet
• Mixing Bowl
• Wooden Spoon

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or canola oil
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1.5 cups cabbage, finely shredded
• 1 cup carrots, shredded
• 0.25 cup green onions, sliced
• 0.5 teaspoon salt or to taste
• 1 teaspoon white sugar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 0.25 teaspoon Chinese five spice powder
• 20 pieces egg roll wrappers
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 4 cups vegetable oil or peanut oil – for frying

Instructions

 

• Place a large wok over medium-high heat and add the two tablespoons of vegetable oil. Allow it to heat until shimmering. This step ensures that the chicken will cook evenly and absorb the oil’s flavor.
• Once the oil is hot, add the ground chicken, ginger, and garlic. Use a wooden spoon to crumble the meat as it cooks. You want to cook it until it is no longer pink, which usually takes about five to seven minutes. Make sure to stir frequently to prevent sticking.
• Drain any excess fat from the skillet and return it to heat. This is important for keeping your filling light and not greasy.
• Add the shredded cabbage, carrots, green onions, salt, sugar, sesame oil, and Chinese five-spice to the cooked chicken. Stir everything together and cook until the cabbage and carrots are tender, about seven to ten minutes. The aroma should be incredible!
• Let the mixture cool slightly before filling the wrappers. This step is crucial because filling hot egg roll wrappers can make them soggy.
• Take a wrapper and place about two tablespoons of the chicken mixture on top. Leave some space on the edges to allow for sealing.
• Brush the edges of the wrapper with the beaten egg. This acts as glue, helping to keep the egg roll sealed during frying.
• Tightly roll up the egg rolls into logs, enclosing the filling. Make sure they are sealed well to prevent any filling from leaking out during frying.
• Preheat a deep fryer to 375°F or bring a heavy-bottomed pot filled with approximately two inches of oil to the same temperature. The right temperature is crucial for frying.
• Once the oil is hot, fry the egg rolls in batches until they are crispy and golden brown. This will take about three to five minutes per batch. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
• Drain the fried egg rolls on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. This step ensures they stay crispy.
• Serve with sweet chili sauce for dipping and enjoy your homemade Panda Express Chicken Egg Rolls Copycat!

Notes

• Wet ingredients can also cause bubbles on the outside of the egg rolls.
• Another thing to watch is to wrap the egg rolls tightly to prevent them from exploding while frying.
• Do not overcrowd the pan, as that will make them soggy and cause them to explode.
• For crispy egg rolls, avoid reheating them in the microwave. Reheat in a skillet or the oven.

Keyword Appetizer Ideas, copycat recipes, egg roll recipe, Panda Express egg rolls

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Meet Elena Vance

I am passionate about the idea that we eat with our eyes first, so I strive to make food look just as good as it tastes. I work closely with the team to style and photograph our dishes, giving you a clear, beautiful guide on what to aim for. I had so much fun preparing this recipe, and I hope you find just as much joy in making it (and eating it!) as we did.