What are eggrolls?

Eggrolls are a popular Chinese-American dish consisting of a thin, crispy wrapper filled with a savory mixture. Here's a breakdown:

What's inside:

* Filling: The most common fillings include:

* Vegetables: Cabbage, carrots, bean sprouts, onions, bamboo shoots

* Meat: Pork, chicken, shrimp, beef, sometimes even crab

* Seasonings: Soy sauce, salt, pepper, ginger, garlic

* Other ingredients: Sometimes you'll find noodles, mushrooms, or even cheese in eggroll fillings.

The wrapper:

* Thin, crispy dough: Traditionally made with wheat flour, water, and sometimes eggs.

* Shape: A rectangle, which is rolled up tightly to encase the filling.

How they're cooked:

* Deep-fried: This gives them their signature crispy texture.

* Baked: A healthier alternative to deep frying.

Serving:

* Typically served hot: They're often accompanied by sweet and sour sauce, soy sauce, or chili sauce for dipping.

Variations:

* Flavor: Different regions and restaurants have their own variations in fillings and flavor profiles.

* Size: Some are small, others are large.

* Shape: Some are perfectly rolled, others might be more rustic.

A note about the name: The name "eggroll" is a bit of a misnomer. While some recipes might include egg in the wrapper, it's not a defining characteristic. The name is likely a result of the roll's shape resembling a "rolled egg."

Eggrolls are a versatile and delicious appetizer or snack that are enjoyed by people of all ages.