Southwestern egg rolls are a delightful fusion of Tex-Mex flavors, packaged in a crispy, savory egg roll wrapper. This recipe is perfect for casual get-togethers, game nights, or just a fun family dinner. The creamy avocado ranch sauce adds an unexpected twist and is sure to be a hit. This is not your typical egg roll and it's a dish that will impress your guests for sure.
Most of the ingredients for Southwestern egg rolls should be readily available in your local supermarket. However, two items that you might need to specifically look for are the egg roll wrappers and Monterey Jack cheese. Egg roll wrappers are typically found in the refrigerated section near tofu or in the international aisle. Monterey Jack cheese, known for its mild flavor and perfect melting quality, can be found in the cheese aisle, but you can substitute it with a similar mild white cheese if unavailable.
Ingredients for Southwestern Egg Rolls
Red bell pepper: A sweet, mild pepper that adds a pop of color and slight sweetness.
Corn kernels: Adds a slight crunch and sweetness to the egg rolls.
Black beans: A classic Southwestern ingredient, black beans add protein and fiber.
Green onions: They provide a mild, oniony flavor.
Jalapeno pepper: Adds a spicy kick to the rolls; adjust to taste.
Frozen spinach: A convenient way to add greens. It's virtually flavorless and pairs well with the other ingredients.
Monterey Jack cheese: A mildly flavored cheese that melts well.
Chicken breast: Lean protein that absorbs the flavors of other ingredients.
Egg roll wrappers: The envelope that holds all the flavorful ingredients. Crisps up nicely when fried.
Oil: Needed for frying the egg rolls to a golden brown.
Ranch dressing: The base for the avocado ranch sauce, adds a tangy, creamy element.
Avocado: Blended into the ranch dressing for a creamy, rich sauce.
Cilantro leaves: Adds a fresh, herby taste to the avocado ranch sauce.
One reader, Alejandra Harrelson says:
I recently tried the southwestern egg rolls recipe and it was a hit! The combination of flavors and textures was fantastic. The avocado ranch sauce was the perfect complement. I loved how easy it was to make and how delicious the end result turned out. I'll definitely be making these again!
Key Techniques for Making Southwestern Egg Rolls
How to prepare the filling: Mix together the red pepper, corn, beans, jalapeno pepper, green onion, spinach, cheese, chicken, salt, chili powder, pepper, and cumin in a large bowl until well combined.
How to roll the egg rolls: Place an egg roll wrapper on a cutting board, spoon 2 heaping tablespoons of the filling onto the wrapper, and roll up according to the package directions, sealing the edge with a little water. Repeat the process with the remaining filling and egg roll wrappers.
How to freeze the egg rolls: Place the rolled egg rolls on a parchment-lined sheet pan, cover, and freeze for at least 2 hours, or up to a month.
How to fry the egg rolls: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and pour oil into the pan until it reaches a depth of 1 inch. Heat the oil to 350 degrees F. Place 4 to 5 egg rolls in the pan, making sure not to overcrowd, and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side or until deep golden brown. Drain the cooked egg rolls on paper towels. Repeat the process with the remaining egg rolls.
How to make the avocado ranch sauce: In a food processor or blender, blend together the ranch dressing, avocado, cilantro, salt, and pepper until completely smooth.
How to serve: Cut the egg rolls in half on the diagonal and serve with the avocado ranch sauce for dipping. Enjoy!
How To Make Southwestern Egg Rolls
Serve some Southwestern-style appetizers with these egg rolls! They’re packed with chicken, veggies, and cheese, then served with an avocado ranch sauce.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1cupred bell pepper,finely diced
- 1cupcorn kernels
- 1cupblack beans
- ¼cupgreen onions,sliced
- ¼cupjalapeno pepper,seeded, minced
- ½cupfrozen spinach,thawed, excess water squeezed out
- 2cupsMonterey Jack Cheese,shredded
- 1½cupschicken breast,cooked, diced
- 1tspsalt
- 2tspchili powder
- ¼tspblack pepper
- ½tspground cumin
- 1pkgegg roll wrappers,(21 count pack)
- oil,for frying
For Avocado Ranch Sauce:
- 1cupranch dressing
- ½avocado
- ⅓cupcilantro leaves
- salt and pepper,to taste
Instructions
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In a large bowl, mix together the red pepper, corn, beans, jalapeno pepper, green onion, spinach, cheese, chicken, salt, chili powder, pepper, and cumin.
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Place 1 egg roll wrapper on a cutting board. Place 2 heaping tablespoons onto the wrapper and roll up according to package directions, sealing the edge with a little water. Repeat the process with the remaining filling and egg roll wrappers.
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Place the egg rolls on a parchment-lined sheet pan. Cover and freeze for at least 2 hours, or up to a month.
-
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pour oil into the pan until a depth of 1 inch is reached. Heat the oil to 350 degrees F.
-
Place 4 to 5 egg rolls in the pan, and do not overcrowd. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side or until deep golden brown, then drain on paper towels. Repeat the process with the remaining egg rolls.
-
In a food processor or blender, blend together the ranch dressing, avocado, cilantro, salt, and pepper until completely smooth.
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Cut the egg rolls in half on the diagonal, then serve with avocado ranch sauce for dipping. Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 522.53kcal
- Fat: 27.29g
- Saturated Fat: 8.26g
- Trans Fat: 0.18g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 8.67g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 8.52g
- Carbohydrates: 46.14g
- Fiber: 5.71g
- Sugar: 3.04g
- Protein: 23.57g
- Cholesterol: 55.46mg
- Sodium: 672.77mg
- Calcium: 264.86mg
- Potassium: 599.66mg
- Iron: 3.49mg
- Vitamin A: 110.90µg
- Vitamin C: 23.75mg
Helpful Technique Tip for Southwestern Egg Rolls
When preparing your Southwestern egg rolls, it's important to ensure that the oil is heated to the correct temperature before frying. If the oil is not hot enough, the egg rolls will absorb too much oil and become greasy. Conversely, if the oil is too hot, the egg rolls will burn on the outside before the filling is fully heated. Using a cooking thermometer can help you maintain the ideal frying temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, remember to not overcrowd the pan, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in uneven cooking.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Southwestern Egg Rolls
Prep ahead: Prepare the filling and assemble the egg rolls in advance, then freeze them for later use. This will save time when you're ready to cook and serve.
Use store-bought: Consider using pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken to cut down on prep time for the filling.
Double batch: Make a larger batch of egg rolls and freeze the extras for a quick and convenient meal or snack later on.
Assembly line: Enlist the help of family or friends to create an assembly line for wrapping the egg rolls, making the process faster and more enjoyable.
Invest in a deep fryer: If you frequently make fried foods like egg rolls, consider investing in a deep fryer to streamline the cooking process and maintain consistent results.
Prep station: Set up a designated prep station with all the ingredients and tools you need to streamline the assembly process.
Substitute Ingredients For Southwestern Egg Rolls Recipe
Red bell pepper - Substitute with orange bell pepper: Orange bell peppers have a similar sweet and crisp flavor, making them a suitable substitute for red bell peppers in this recipe.
Corn kernels - Substitute with frozen corn: Frozen corn can be used as a convenient substitute for fresh corn kernels, providing a similar texture and flavor to the dish.
Black beans - Substitute with pinto beans: Pinto beans can be used as a substitute for black beans, offering a similar creamy texture and mild flavor to the southwestern egg rolls.
Green onions - Substitute with chives: Chives can be used as a substitute for green onions, providing a mild onion flavor and a similar visual appeal to the dish.
Jalapeno pepper - Substitute with serrano pepper: Serrano peppers can be used as a substitute for jalapeno peppers, offering a slightly hotter flavor and similar heat level to the dish.
Frozen spinach - Substitute with fresh spinach: Fresh spinach can be used as a substitute for frozen spinach, providing a vibrant green color and a slightly different texture to the filling.
Monterey Jack cheese - Substitute with pepper jack cheese: Pepper jack cheese can be used as a substitute for Monterey Jack, adding a spicy kick to the southwestern egg rolls.
Chicken breast - Substitute with tofu: Tofu can be used as a vegetarian substitute for chicken breast, providing a protein-rich alternative for the filling.
Ranch dressing - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can be used as a healthier substitute for ranch dressing, offering a creamy and tangy flavor for the avocado ranch sauce.
Presentation Ideas for Southwestern Egg Rolls
- Elevate the plating: Arrange the southwestern egg rolls in a visually appealing manner, ensuring each element is showcased beautifully.
- Incorporate vibrant colors: Integrate colorful garnishes such as sliced jalapenos and fresh cilantro to add visual interest and freshness to the plate.
- Utilize negative space: Embrace the use of negative space on the plate to allow the egg rolls to stand out and be the focal point of the dish.
- Create a harmonious composition: Arrange the egg rolls alongside a dollop of the avocado ranch sauce and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro to create a balanced and visually appealing composition.
- Incorporate texture: Add a crispy element such as tortilla strips or crispy kale to provide textural contrast and elevate the overall dining experience.
- Use high-quality serving ware: Present the dish on elegant ceramic plates or slate boards to enhance the sophisticated presentation.
- Garnish with microgreens: Sprinkle a few delicate microgreens on top of the egg rolls to add a touch of elegance and a pop of color to the dish.
Essential Tools for Making Southwestern Egg Rolls
- Cutting board: A flat board used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning foods.
- Sheet pan: A flat, rectangular metal pan used for baking and roasting foods in the oven.
- Food processor: A kitchen appliance used for chopping, blending, and pureeing ingredients.
- Blender: A kitchen appliance used for mixing, pureeing, and emulsifying food and other substances.
- Parchment paper: A heat-resistant, non-stick paper used for lining baking sheets and pans.
- Paper towels: Absorbent towels used for drying and cleaning up spills in the kitchen.
Storing and Freezing Southwestern Egg Rolls
- Once the egg rolls have been assembled, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Make sure they are not touching each other to prevent them from sticking together during the freezing process.
- Cover the baking sheet with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, ensuring a tight seal to protect the egg rolls from freezer burn.
- Place the covered baking sheet in the freezer for at least 2 hours, or until the egg rolls are completely frozen solid.
- After the initial freezing, transfer the frozen egg rolls to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Remove as much air as possible from the bag before sealing to minimize the risk of freezer burn.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy identification and to keep track of how long they have been stored.
- Frozen egg rolls can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month without compromising their quality or taste.
- When you're ready to cook the frozen egg rolls, there's no need to thaw them first. Simply remove the desired number of egg rolls from the freezer and fry them directly in preheated oil, following the cooking instructions in the recipe. Keep in mind that frozen egg rolls may require an additional 1-2 minutes of cooking time compared to freshly made ones.
- If you have any leftover cooked egg rolls, allow them to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
How To Reheat Leftover Southwestern Egg Rolls
To reheat leftover southwestern egg rolls, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the egg rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Brush the egg rolls lightly with oil to help them crisp up again. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy on the outside. This method helps to maintain the crunchiness of the egg roll wrappers while evenly heating the filling inside.
Another option is to reheat the southwestern egg rolls in an air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the egg rolls in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching each other. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. This method is quick and helps to restore the crispy texture of the egg rolls without the need for additional oil.
If you're short on time, you can also reheat the egg rolls in the microwave. Place the egg rolls on a microwave-safe plate and heat them on high power for 30-45 seconds, or until heated through. However, keep in mind that microwaving the egg rolls may result in a softer, less crispy texture. To help improve the texture, you can place the microwaved egg rolls under the broiler for a minute or two to crisp up the exterior.
For a stovetop method, heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the egg rolls in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until heated through and crispy. This method works well if you only have a few egg rolls to reheat and want to quickly restore their crispiness.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to let the egg rolls cool slightly before serving to avoid burning your mouth on the hot filling. Serve the reheated southwestern egg rolls with the leftover avocado ranch sauce for dipping, and enjoy your delicious, crispy appetizer once again!
Interesting Fact About Southwestern Egg Rolls
The Southwestern Egg Rolls recipe is a delicious fusion of Tex-Mex flavors. These crispy appetizers are a popular dish in many restaurants and are a great way to enjoy a variety of flavors in one bite. They are perfect for parties or as a tasty snack.
Is Making Southwestern Egg Rolls at Home Cost-Effective?
This southwestern egg rolls recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as corn, black beans, and chicken breast, are affordable and versatile. The use of simple, readily available items makes it budget-friendly. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $20. The versatility of the ingredients also allows for variations, making it a practical choice. Overall Verdict: 9.
Are Southwestern Egg Rolls Healthy or Unhealthy?
The southwestern egg rolls recipe, while delicious, has some elements that may not be considered entirely healthy. Here's a breakdown:
- The recipe includes vegetables like red bell pepper, corn, black beans, green onions, jalapeno pepper, and spinach, which are nutrient-dense and provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- Monterey jack cheese and ranch dressing are high in saturated fat and calories, which can contribute to weight gain and increased risk of heart disease if consumed in excess.
- The egg roll wrappers are likely made from refined flour, which is low in fiber and nutrients compared to whole grain alternatives.
- Deep frying the egg rolls in oil adds a significant amount of unhealthy fats and calories to the dish.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Increase the proportion of vegetables in the filling to boost the nutrient content and fiber.
- Opt for a reduced-fat cheese or use a smaller amount of regular cheese to decrease the saturated fat content.
- Replace the ranch dressing in the avocado sauce with plain Greek yogurt, which is lower in fat and higher in protein.
- Bake the egg rolls instead of deep frying them. Brush them with a small amount of oil and bake in a preheated oven until crispy.
- Use whole wheat or vegetable-based egg roll wrappers to increase the fiber content.
- Serve the egg rolls with a side salad or additional vegetables to create a more balanced meal.
By making these adjustments, you can enjoy the flavors of southwestern egg rolls while making the dish more nutritious and health-friendly.
Editor's Opinion on This Southwestern Egg Rolls Recipe
The Southwestern egg rolls recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. The combination of vibrant bell peppers, sweet corn, hearty black beans, and tender chicken, all wrapped in a crispy egg roll wrapper, creates a satisfying dish. The avocado ranch sauce adds a creamy and zesty element that complements the spiciness of the filling. This recipe offers a perfect balance of Southwestern-inspired ingredients and is sure to be a hit at any gathering. The freezing step allows for convenient make-ahead preparation, making it a versatile and practical choice for entertaining or a flavorful snack.
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Why trust this Southwestern Egg Rolls Recipe:
This recipe offers a fusion of southwestern flavors, creating a tantalizing blend of red bell pepper, corn kernels, and black beans. The addition of jalapeno pepper and chicken breast infuses a zesty kick, while the creamy monterey jack cheese adds richness. The use of egg roll wrappers ensures a satisfying crunch. Moreover, the accompanying avocado ranch sauce elevates the dish with its creamy texture and refreshing cilantro leaves. Each ingredient is thoughtfully selected to deliver a harmonious and flavorful experience, making this recipe a trustworthy choice for a delightful appetizer.
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