If you’re looking to add a delightful twist to your appetizer lineup, this Irish Egg Rolls Recipe is an absolute must-try. It cleverly combines all the comforting flavors of a classic Irish meal, like corned beef and cabbage, wrapped up in a crispy, golden egg roll shell. Perfect for sharing or savoring on your own, these egg rolls bring a warm, savory crunch with every bite, making them an instant crowd-pleaser for St. Patrick’s Day or any time you crave something hearty yet fun.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these Irish Egg Rolls lies in their simple, fresh ingredients that balance flavor, texture, and color beautifully. Each component brings its own character, creating a well-rounded filling that crisps up perfectly when fried.
- 1 cup cooked corned beef, shredded or chopped: The star protein offering a salty, savory base that’s quintessentially Irish.
- 1 cup green cabbage, finely shredded: Adds crunch and a subtle earthiness that keeps everything light.
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots: Provides a natural sweetness and a vibrant pop of color.
- 1/2 cup Swiss cheese, shredded: Melts into the filling for a creamy, rich texture that ties the flavors together.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Brings a gentle aromatic depth without overwhelming the other ingredients.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness and savoriness.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a touch of mild heat and complexity.
- 8 egg roll wrappers: Your crispy, golden outer shell that crisps perfectly when fried.
- 1 egg, beaten (for sealing): Helps create a secure, leak-proof seal so the filling stays packed inside.
- Vegetable oil (for frying): Use enough for deep frying to ensure even, crisp cooking.
- 1/2 cup Thousand Island dressing: Forms the creamy base of a tangy, flavorful dipping sauce.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Lends a sharp, zesty kick to the dip.
- 1 teaspoon horseradish (optional): For those who crave a spicy punch in their Irish Egg Rolls Recipe dip.
How to Make Irish Egg Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by combining all the filling ingredients in a large mixing bowl: shredded corned beef, finely shredded cabbage and carrots, Swiss cheese, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly so that every bite is filled with a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. This filling captures the heartiness of classic Irish dishes with a fresh twist.
Step 2: Assemble the Egg Rolls
Place an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface so its corner points towards you like a diamond shape. Spoon about two tablespoons of the filling into the center. Carefully fold the bottom corner up over the filling, then tuck in the sides snugly before rolling the wrapper towards the top corner. Brush the top corner with the beaten egg to seal it tightly and prevent any filling from escaping during frying. Repeat this process until all eight egg rolls are nicely wrapped.
Step 3: Fry the Egg Rolls
Heat about two inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches roughly 350°F (175°C). Fry the egg rolls in batches, turning them occasionally, until they become a gorgeous golden brown and irresistibly crispy—this takes approximately three to four minutes per batch. Once fried, transfer the egg rolls to paper towels to drain any excess oil. The result is a crunchy, golden exterior with a warm, tender filling inside.
Step 4: Make the Dipping Sauce
While the egg rolls are frying, whisk together the Thousand Island dressing, Dijon mustard, and optional horseradish in a small bowl. This creates a rich and tangy sauce that beautifully complements the savory egg rolls and adds an extra layer of flavor to every bite. If you prefer a little less heat, simply omit the horseradish—it’s delicious either way!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Irish Egg Rolls piping hot alongside the dipping sauce. The crispy exterior against the melty, flavorful filling paired with the creamy, zesty dip is the kind of combination that will have everyone reaching for seconds. These rolls are great for parties, family dinners, or a satisfying snack any day of the week.
How to Serve Irish Egg Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top of the egg rolls to bring a fresh, herbal brightness that contrasts beautifully with the rich filling. A little extra cracked black pepper or a dash of paprika can also add a nice pop of color and mild spice.
Side Dishes
Pair these egg rolls with classic potato salad or a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the fried rolls. For a more filling meal, colcannon (mashed potatoes with cabbage) complements the Irish Egg Rolls Recipe perfectly and adds even more of that comforting Irish flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your presentation by slicing the egg rolls diagonally and fanning them out on a large platter with the dipping sauce in the center. You can also serve them on individual plates alongside small ramekins of the sauce, perfect for casual entertaining or family dinners where everyone can dunk and indulge.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place leftover Irish egg rolls in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. Storing properly helps maintain their fresh flavor and texture, so you can enjoy them as a quick snack or meal over the next few days.
Freezing
To freeze, assemble the egg rolls but don’t fry them yet. Arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They keep well for up to one month and can be fried straight from the freezer for a convenient homemade treat anytime.
Reheating
For reheating, it’s best to crisp the egg rolls in a hot oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes, turning halfway through. This method restores their golden crunch much better than microwaving, which can make them soggy.
FAQs
Can I use different meats in this Irish Egg Rolls Recipe?
Absolutely! While corned beef is traditional and a classic Irish flavor, you can substitute with cooked ham, turkey, or even a vegetarian alternative like seasoned mushrooms or tofu for a different twist.
Is it possible to bake these egg rolls instead of frying?
Yes, baking is a healthier alternative. Arrange the egg rolls on a baking sheet, brush them lightly with oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway, until crisp and golden.
What can I do if I don’t have Thousand Island dressing for the dip?
You can mix ketchup with mayonnaise and a bit of pickle relish as a quick homemade version. Adding Dijon mustard and horseradish will help mimic the tangy, zesty flavor of Thousand Island in your dipping sauce.
How do I prevent the egg rolls from bursting while frying?
Make sure not to overfill the wrappers and seal them well with the beaten egg. Also, maintain the oil temperature steady around 350°F to avoid splattering or breaking during frying.
Can I make these Irish Egg Rolls Recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Look for gluten-free egg roll wrappers or substitute with rice paper wraps. Just be mindful that cooking times may vary slightly and the texture will differ a bit from traditional wrappers.
Final Thoughts
This Irish Egg Rolls Recipe is a joyful mashup of classic flavors wrapped in crispy goodness that everyone will adore. Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or simply craving a flavorful snack, these egg rolls bring smiles to the table every time. Trust me—once you try this recipe, it will become your go-to party favorite and a delicious way to enjoy Irish-inspired comfort food in a whole new way!
Print
Irish Egg Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Irish-American
Description
These Irish Egg Rolls combine classic Irish corned beef with crisp vegetables and melty Swiss cheese, all wrapped in crispy, golden egg roll wrappers. Fried to perfection and served with a tangy Thousand Island-based dipping sauce with a hint of Dijon mustard and optional horseradish, these egg rolls make a delightful appetizer or snack with an Irish twist.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 cup cooked corned beef, shredded or chopped
- 1 cup green cabbage, finely shredded
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Assembly & Frying
- 8 egg roll wrappers
- 1 egg, beaten (for sealing)
- Vegetable oil (for frying), about 2 inches in a deep skillet
Dipping Sauce
- 1/2 cup Thousand Island dressing
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon horseradish (optional, for extra kick)
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded or chopped corned beef, finely shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, Swiss cheese, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Assemble the Egg Rolls: Lay an egg roll wrapper on a flat, clean surface with one corner pointing toward you to form a diamond shape. Place about 2 tablespoons of the prepared filling in the center of the wrapper.
- Fold and Seal: Fold the bottom corner of the wrapper over the filling, then fold in the left and right sides tightly. Roll the wrapper upward, encasing the filling snugly. Brush the top corner of the wrapper with the beaten egg to seal the roll. Repeat this process with the remaining wrappers and filling.
- Fry the Egg Rolls: Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet to about 2 inches depth and heat over medium-high until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Fry the egg rolls in batches, turning regularly to ensure even golden brown and crispy exterior, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Once cooked, remove and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Prepare the Dipping Sauce: In a small bowl, combine Thousand Island dressing, Dijon mustard, and horseradish if using. Mix well until the sauce is uniform.
- Serve: Serve the hot, crispy Irish egg rolls immediately with the prepared dipping sauce for a delicious snack or appetizer.
Notes
- Ensure oil temperature stays consistent at 350°F for perfectly crispy egg rolls and to prevent them from absorbing too much oil.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute corned beef with seasoned sautéed mushrooms or cabbage.
- Horseradish in the dipping sauce adds a spicy kick but can be omitted for milder flavor.
- Leftover filling can be refrigerated and used within 2 days.
- Egg roll wrappers can be found in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores.
