Chinese-American egg rolls
Chinese-American egg rolls are a popular appetizer featuring a savory filling of shredded cabbage, carrots, and often pork or chicken, all wrapped in a thick, bubbly wheat-flour wrapper and deep-fried to a golden crisp. This dish is a staple of Chinese-American cuisine, distinct from its thinner-skinned Chinese spring roll counterpart. It is commonly served with duck sauce or hot mustard for dipping.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
As a deep-fried item, egg rolls are typically high in fat and carbohydrates, with a moderate amount of protein from the meat and vegetable filling. A single, standard-sized egg roll generally contains around 200-250 calories, with the majority of calories coming from the fried wrapper and oil.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Carbs | 36 g |
| Fat | 24 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 780 mg |
| Potassium | 250 mg |
| Vitamin A | 150 IU |
| Vitamin C | 10 mg |
| Calcium | 80 mg |
| Iron | 2.5 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.2 mg |
| Magnesium | 25 mg |
| Phosphorus | 100 mg |
Per 2 egg rolls (180 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
The Chinese-American egg roll is a fascinating example of culinary adaptation, believed to have been invented in New York City in the early 20th century as a hybrid of Cantonese spring rolls and American tastes. Its signature thick, blistered wrapper is a key cultural and textural identifier, setting it apart from the smoother, thinner skins found in many traditional Chinese versions.
