Are egg rolls gluten-free? If you are curious about this, this article will address your question, introduce the best gluten-free alternatives, and share a mouthwatering recipe!
Table of Contents
Who says you need gluten to enjoy crispy, delicious egg rolls? These Gluten-Free Egg Rolls are packed with a savory filling and wrapped in a golden, crunchy shell that’s perfect for dipping into your favorite sauces. Whether you’re gluten-sensitive or just looking to try something new, this recipe is a total game-changer.
What Makes Most Egg Rolls Not Gluten Free?
The key culprit is the egg roll wrapper. It is usually made from a dough that includes wheat flour. Wheat flour has gluten, a protein that causes issues for folks with gluten sensitivities. Hence, this makes conventional egg rolls unsafe for anyone needing to avoid gluten. So, when you are out at a restaurant, or buying pre-made egg rolls, always assume they aren’t gluten-free unless specifically stated.
The Rise of Gluten-Free Alternatives
Fortunately, food manufacturers and home cooks have recognized the need for gluten-free options. Accordingly, there’s now a variety of gluten free egg roll wrappers made with alternative flours. These may include rice flour, tapioca starch, and potato starch. Thus, finding or making gluten-free egg rolls is much easier these days.
Identifying Gluten Free Egg Rolls: What To Look For
Alright, now you know that traditional versions aren’t safe. Consequently, how can you tell which egg rolls are gluten free? It’s not always obvious, so keep a look out for specific labels and ingredients.
Decoding Labels: Look for “Gluten-Free”
First and foremost, always look for clear “gluten-free” labeling on product packaging. Specifically, many brands now make this very clear on their products. These labels mean the product has been tested and found to contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. This is generally considered safe for people with celiac disease. So if you see this, you can usually breathe a sigh of relief!
Reading the Ingredient List: A Crucial Step
In addition to the “gluten-free” label, it’s always a good idea to read the ingredient list. For example, look for ingredients like:
- Rice flour
- Tapioca starch
- Potato starch
- Corn starch
- Sorghum flour
- Buckwheat flour (even though it doesn’t contain wheat)
- Any mixes that mention gluten-free flourTherefore, if you find wheat flour, or any other ingredients with gluten, it’s best to avoid that product. Also, be mindful of cross-contamination, as well.
Cross-Contamination Concerns: A Real Issue
Cross-contamination can happen in production facilities or at restaurants. That’s when a product that should be gluten free comes into contact with gluten. So, if you’re highly sensitive, make sure to always inquire about the preparation process. When you are eating out, always ask questions about how the egg rolls are made. Ask questions like:
- Are they fried in a dedicated fryer?
- Are they prepared on a clean surface?
- Are the cooking utensils gluten-free?
This may seem like a lot, but it’s better to be safe, than sorry!
Are Egg Rolls gluten Free: The Better Option to Make Your Own Gluten-Free Egg Rolls
Honestly, the best way to ensure your egg rolls are gluten-free is to make them yourself. This way, you have full control over the ingredients and avoid cross-contamination. Let’s talk about how.
Finding Gluten Free Egg Roll Wrappers
First thing’s first: the wrappers. You can find premade gluten free egg roll wrappers at some specialty grocery stores and online retailers. Alternatively, there are different recipes you can find to make them yourself. Specifically, look for brands that use the alternative flours, which I mentioned before. Also, make sure to read reviews from other folks with gluten sensitivities to see their experiences.
Are Egg Rolls gluten Free: A Delicious Gluten-Free Egg Rolls Recipe
Here is a super simple recipe that you can follow to make delicious gluten free egg rolls:
Ingredients You Will Need:
Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
---|---|---|
Gluten-Free Wrappers | 1 package | Use rice paper if desired for a lighter version. |
Ground Beef | 1 pound | Use ground chicken or turkey as an alternative. |
Cabbage | 4 cups, shredded | Green cabbage works well, but feel free to mix in some purple cabbage |
Carrots | 1 cup, shredded | |
Onion | 1/2 cup, finely chopped | |
Garlic | 2 cloves, minced | |
Ginger | 1 teaspoon, minced or grated | Fresh is best, but ground ginger can be used as a substitute. |
Gluten-Free Soy Sauce | 3 tablespoons | Tamari works great |
Sesame Oil | 2 teaspoons | |
Salt | 1 teaspoon | |
Black Pepper | 1/2 teaspoon | Adjust to your liking |
Egg | 1, beaten | |
Oil for Frying | Enough for deep frying | Vegetable or canola oil is great |
Optional: | ||
Green Onion | 1/4 cup chopped | Garnish |
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Filling: First, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the ground pork (or your choice of protein). Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it is nicely browned. Remove the pork and place it into a bowl. Set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the onion, garlic, and ginger to the skillet. Cook for a few minutes until they become fragrant and softened. Add the shredded cabbage and carrots to the pan. Cook until the veggies begin to wilt. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked pork back to the skillet with the veggies. Stir in the gluten-free soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly. Simmer for 2-3 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
- Assemble the Egg Rolls: Lay out a gluten-free egg roll wrapper on a clean, flat surface. Place a few tablespoons of the filling in the center of the wrapper. Be careful not to overfill the wrappers to prevent them from splitting! Moisten the edges of the wrapper with the beaten egg. Fold the sides of the wrapper inwards. Roll it up tightly from the bottom to the top to form an egg roll shape. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
- Fry the Egg Rolls: Heat enough oil for deep frying in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place a few egg rolls into the hot oil, avoiding overcrowding. Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side, until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove the egg rolls from the oil and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Serve: Serve the freshly fried gluten-free egg rolls with your favorite dipping sauce. They’re delicious as an appetizer or part of a larger meal.
Tips for Success: Some Helpful Advice
- Don’t Overfill: Overfilling can make the wrappers tear and cause the filling to spill out during cooking.
- Seal Properly: Make sure you’re using the beaten egg to properly seal the edges of the wrappers to ensure they hold together.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When frying, do not overcrowd the pot, or the temperature of the oil will drop, resulting in less crispy egg rolls.
- Work Quickly: Gluten-free wrappers can dry out fast. So, try to assemble the egg rolls without too many breaks.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ingredients will help the overall flavor of your egg rolls.
Nutritional Information (Per 100g)
Nutrient | Amount |
Calories | 200-250 kcal |
Total Fat | 10-15 g |
Saturated Fat | 3-5 g |
Trans Fat | 0 g |
Cholesterol | 40-60 mg |
Sodium | 300-400 mg |
Total Carbohydrate | 20-30 g |
Dietary Fiber | 2-4 g |
Total Sugars | 2-4 g |
Protein | 10-15 g |
Please note: These are approximate values and can vary based on the specific ingredients and cooking method.
Are Egg Rolls Gluten Free In Restaurants? What To Do?
Let’s be honest, sometimes it’s just more convenient to order egg rolls out. So, what do you do if you’re in the mood for egg rolls but also need to make sure they are safe?
Asking the Right Questions: Be Prepared
When dining out, be sure to ask detailed questions about the food preparation. Don’t be shy about asking about cross-contamination and ingredients used! If the staff can’t give you direct answers, it’s best to choose another option. It’s all about making sure your food is safe!
Exciting Gluten-Free Egg Roll Filling Ideas
Okay, so you know how to make the basic gluten-free egg rolls. But, what about some other options? Let’s get creative!
Vegetarian Options
For those avoiding meat, you can add things like:
- Tofu or tempeh (for protein)
- Mushrooms (such as shiitake or cremini)
- Water chestnuts and bamboo shoots for crunch
- Shredded zucchini or spinach
Seafood Delights
Shrimp and crab are great fillings that add a touch of elegance. Always buy quality seafood and cook it before you put it in the egg roll. Moreover, these fillings pair nicely with ginger and garlic.
Spicy Kick
If you like a little heat, include:
- Chili garlic sauce
- Sriracha or other hot sauces
- Chopped jalapeños or serrano peppers
- Red pepper flakes
Sweet and Savory
Mix it up by trying fillings like:
- Pulled pork and apple slaw
- Sweet potatoes with black beans and corn
- Chicken with caramelized onions and dried cranberries
Understanding Gluten-Free Certifications
Sometimes, you’ll see gluten-free products with a specific certification. This means a third party has tested the product and made sure it meets certain standards. Therefore, these products are generally considered the safest for people with celiac disease. It also helps you feel more confident in the products you choose.
Navigating Gluten-Free Options in Different Cuisines
It’s also great to know what to look for when eating other types of food. That will help you stay safe while you are out and about.
Asian Cuisine and Gluten Free
Asian food can be delicious, but it can also have a lot of hidden gluten. Therefore, be careful. Always ask about:
- Soy sauce (make sure it is gluten-free tamari)
- Sauces and marinades (many have wheat in them)
- Noodles and wrappers
Other Cultural Considerations
It’s not just Asian cuisine you need to think about. For instance, some:
- Mexican foods (like some tortillas)
- Italian dishes (pasta)
- Middle Eastern foods (like pita bread)
They can have wheat. It’s always good to ask!
FAQs about Are Egg Rolls Gluten Free
Okay, let’s tackle some common questions that come up when discussing gluten-free egg rolls. Let’s get right to them:
What are egg roll wrappers made of?
Are all spring rolls gluten-free?
What are gluten-free egg roll wrappers made of?
Are egg wraps gluten-free?
Gluten free egg roll wrappers where to buy?
Conclusion: Are Egg Rolls Gluten Free
Finally, even if you’re cutting out gluten, you don’t have to cut out joy. Gluten-free cooking can be really fun and rewarding! It’s an opportunity to discover new ingredients and flavors that can transform your recipes. For instance, if you love crispy snacks, check out how to fry egg rolls in vegetable oil here. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the perfect homemade vegetable egg rolls recipe. So, enjoy trying new things and don’t be afraid to get creative in the kitchen!
PrintAre Egg Rolls Gluten-Free? A Guide Delicious Recipe
- Total Time: TT40M
- Yield: 12–15 egg rolls 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Yes, egg rolls can be gluten-free! This recipe uses gluten-free wrappers and simple whole ingredients to create a crispy, flavorful appetizer perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself.
Ingredients
- 1 package gluten-free wrappers (or rice paper for a lighter version)
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground chicken or turkey)
- 4 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- ½ cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon minced or grated ginger (fresh is best)
- 3 tablespoons gluten-free soy sauce (Tamari works great)
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten (for sealing)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Optional Garnish:
- ¼ cup chopped green onion
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it apart. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Then add shredded cabbage and carrots. Cook for 5–7 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
- Return cooked meat to the skillet. Stir in gluten-free soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well and simmer for another 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly.
- Lay out a gluten-free egg roll wrapper (or softened rice paper) on a clean surface. Add a few tablespoons of filling to the center.
- Moisten the wrapper’s edges with beaten egg. Fold the sides in and roll tightly from bottom to top to form an egg roll. Repeat with remaining wrappers.
- Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry egg rolls in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Do not overcrowd the pot.
- Drain cooked egg rolls on a wire rack lined with paper towels. Serve hot with gluten-free dipping sauce of your choice.
Notes
- Avoid overfilling to prevent wrapper tears and leaks during frying.
- Seal edges well using beaten egg to prevent unraveling.
- Work efficiently as gluten-free wrappers dry out quickly.
- Fresh ingredients will yield the best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: PT25M
- Cook Time: CT15M
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Per 100g
- Calories: 200–250 kcal
- Sugar: 2–4 g
- Sodium: 300–400 mg
- Fat: 10–15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3–5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7–10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20–30 g
- Fiber: 2–4 g
- Protein: 10–15 g
- Cholesterol: 40–60 mg