why make this recipe
Southwest Egg Rolls are a delicious and fun dish that combines the flavors of the Southwest with the crispy texture of egg rolls. They are perfect for parties, gatherings, or a simple family dinner. These egg rolls are packed with protein from chicken and black beans, along with vibrant veggies like bell peppers and corn. Plus, they can be baked, fried, or air-fried, allowing you to choose a cooking method that suits your preference. With a creamy dipping sauce on the side, these egg rolls are sure to please everyone.
how to make Southwest Egg Rolls
Ingredients:
- 20 egg roll wrappers
- 15-ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup cooked corn, canned or frozen
- 1 red or green bell pepper, finely diced
- 1/4 cup onion, finely diced
- 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped (about 1 breast)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend cheese
- Oil for pan frying or deep frying (optional)
- 6 ounces cream cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 bunch fresh cilantro
- 1/3 cup salsa
Directions:
- For the dipping sauce, combine cream cheese, sour cream, cilantro, and salsa in a food processor. Blend until smooth and refrigerate.
- For the egg roll filling, mix black beans, corn, bell pepper, onion, chicken, cheese, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Adjust seasonings to taste.
- Assemble egg rolls by placing a wrapper on a counter, adding filling, and rolling tightly while sealing with water.
- Choose a cooking method: Pan-fry in heated oil until golden, air fry at 400 degrees F for around 11-12 minutes, deep fry in hot oil until golden brown, or bake at 425 degrees F for 12-15 minutes.
- Serve warm with the prepared dipping sauce. Can be made ahead, refrigerated, or frozen for later use.
how to serve Southwest Egg Rolls
Serve Southwest Egg Rolls warm for the best taste. Pair them with the creamy dipping sauce made earlier. You can also serve them with additional salsa or guacamole for extra flavor. They make great appetizers or snacks but can also be part of a larger meal with sides like rice or salad.
how to store Southwest Egg Rolls
If you have leftovers, store the cooked egg rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze uncooked egg rolls. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be cooked directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to your cooking time.
tips to make Southwest Egg Rolls
- Make sure your fillings are well-mixed for even flavor in every bite.
- Don’t overfill the egg rolls, as this can make them harder to seal.
- Use a little water on the edges of the wrapper to help seal them properly.
- Experiment with different spices or add hot sauce for added heat.
variation
You can customize your egg rolls by adding ingredients like diced jalapeños for spice or using different types of meat, like ground beef or turkey. For a vegetarian option, simply leave out the chicken and add more vegetables or even quinoa for added protein.
FAQs
Can I make these egg rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the egg rolls and store them in the fridge or freeze them for later. Just cook them fresh when you’re ready to serve.What is the best way to reheat leftover egg rolls?
The best way to reheat leftover egg rolls is to bake them in the oven at 350 degrees F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake Southwest Egg Rolls! Bake them at 425 degrees F for about 12-15 minutes, turning them halfway through for even cooking.
Southwest Egg Rolls
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 20 pieces egg roll wrappers
- 15 ounces black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup cooked corn, canned or frozen
- 1 piece red or green bell pepper, finely diced
- 1/4 cup onion, finely diced
- 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped (about 1 breast)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend cheese
- Oil for frying oil for pan frying or deep frying (optional)
For the Dipping Sauce
- 6 ounces cream cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 bunch fresh cilantro
- 1/3 cup salsa
Instructions
Prepare the Dipping Sauce
- Combine cream cheese, sour cream, cilantro, and salsa in a food processor. Blend until smooth and refrigerate.
Prepare the Filling
- In a large bowl, mix black beans, corn, bell pepper, onion, chicken, cheese, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasonings to taste.
Assemble the Egg Rolls
- Place a wrapper on a counter, add filling, and roll tightly while sealing with water.
Cook the Egg Rolls
- Choose a cooking method: Pan-fry in heated oil until golden, air fry at 400°F for around 11-12 minutes, deep fry in hot oil until golden brown, or bake at 425°F for 12-15 minutes.
Serve
- Serve warm with the prepared dipping sauce, or additional salsa or guacamole if desired.