Description
These Tex-Mex Inspired Egg Rolls combine classic Southwest flavors with crispy, golden wrappers for a delicious appetizer or snack. Filled with seasoned ground beef or turkey, black beans, corn, tomatoes, and melty cheese, these egg rolls offer a fusion twist that’s perfect for parties or casual meals. Enjoy them fried for maximum crispiness or baked or air fried for a lighter version.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Assembly
- 10–12 egg roll wrappers
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat. Stir in ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix in black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes, and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly. Stir in shredded cheese and chopped cilantro if using.
- Assemble the Egg Rolls: Lay one egg roll wrapper on a clean surface with a corner pointing toward you. Spoon about 2–3 tablespoons of the filling into the center. Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the sides, and roll up tightly. Seal the edge with a bit of water. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
- Heat the Oil: Pour about 1 inch of oil into a large skillet and heat to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the Egg Rolls: Fry the egg rolls in batches for 2–3 minutes per side or until they are golden and crispy. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan. Remove and drain on paper towel-lined plates.
- Serve: Serve the egg rolls hot with your choice of salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.
- Optional Baking Method: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush assembled egg rolls lightly with oil and bake on a baking sheet for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.
- Optional Air Frying Method: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place egg rolls in the basket in a single layer and cook for 10–12 minutes until golden and crispy.
Notes
- For a healthier option, bake or air fry the egg rolls instead of deep frying.
- Ensure the filling is cooled slightly before adding cheese to prevent it from melting too much during assembly.
- Customize the filling by adding jalapeños for heat or swapping ground beef for a vegetarian alternative.
- Seal the egg rolls well to avoid filling leakage during frying.
