Introduction

Egg rolls are a beloved Asian cuisine that have become popular worldwide. But for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, the question of whether egg rolls are gluten-free can be a concern. In this comprehensive guide, we explore everything you need to know about gluten-free egg rolls, including their potential gluten content, recipes, health benefits, top places to buy, and more.

Straightforward Informational Article

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and other related grains. Some people are intolerant or allergic to gluten, and for those with celiac disease, the ingestion of gluten can cause serious health problems. But are egg rolls gluten-free? The answer is it depends on the ingredients and preparation method. If the egg roll wrapper is made of wheat flour, then it contains gluten. However, some egg roll wrappers are made from rice flour or other gluten-free ingredients.

It’s also worth noting that different types of egg rolls can vary in their potential gluten content. For example, traditional Chinese egg rolls often contain wheat flour wrappers, while Vietnamese egg rolls, called cha gio, typically use rice paper wrappers. Spring rolls, often confused with egg rolls, are typically gluten-free as they are made with rice paper. Always read ingredients carefully if you’re buying egg rolls from a store, or ask your server or chef if you’re ordering in a restaurant.

Recipe Article

If you’re following a gluten-free diet or just want to experiment with different types of egg rolls, making your own gluten-free egg rolls is a delicious and fun option. The benefits of making your own gluten-free egg rolls include having total control over the ingredients, the possibility to experiment with different fillings, and the ability to ensure that all ingredients are gluten-free. Plus, making your own egg rolls is a fun activity that can involve the whole family.

Here’s are a few gluten-free egg roll recipes to try:

Gluten-Free Veggie Egg Rolls

• Egg roll wrappers (rice or gluten-free)
• 2 cups shredded cabbage
• 1 small carrot, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup cooked and chopped shiitake mushrooms
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
• Frying oil (vegetable or peanut oil)

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cabbage, carrot, red bell pepper, shiitake mushrooms, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well.
2. Put your egg roll wrapper on a flat surface with a corner facing you. Use your finger or a pastry brush to brush a bit of the cornstarch mixture along the edges of the wrapper. Use around one tablespoon of the filling per wrapper, putting the filling on the side closest to you but leaving enough space for you to roll up the wrapper. Start rolling the wrapper away from you and keep tucking in the filling to secure the roll. Roll up the wrapper and press the edges to seal.
3. In a pan or wok, heat oil to about 350°F. Fry the egg rolls until they are crispy and golden brown for about 4 minutes. Drain egg rolls of excess oil on a paper towel, then serve and enjoy.

Gluten-Free Shrimp Egg Rolls

• Egg roll wrappers (rice or gluten-free)
• 1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup shredded cabbage
• 4-5 green onions, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 teaspoons fish sauce
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Frying oil (vegetable or peanut oil)

Instructions:

1. Rinse the shrimp and pat dry. Cut each shrimp into 3-4 pieces, then season with salt and pepper. In a pan, heat oil over medium heat and add garlic. Cook the garlic until fragrant, then add the shrimp and cook for about 2 minutes or until the shrimp turns pink. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set it aside.
2. Add more oil to the pan if needed, then add the carrots, green onion, and cabbage. Cook for 2-3 minutes, then add the shrimp. Add fish sauce, soy sauce, and sesame oil and stir well. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, then remove the pan from heat.
3. Put the egg roll wrapper on a flat surface with a corner facing you. Brush beaten egg on the edges of the wrapper, then add about 1 tablespoon of the mixture onto the center of the wrapper. Fold the top and bottom edges toward the center, then fold over one side and roll up the wrapper towards the other end.
4. Prepare a large wok or pan filled with a couple of inches of oil. Heat the oil until it is hot. Add the egg rolls and cook them until they’re golden brown and crispy. Serve and enjoy.

Health Benefits Article

Egg rolls can contain a variety of healthy ingredients, such as vegetables, meat, herbs, and spices, depending on the recipe. When consumed in moderation and as part of a balanced diet, egg rolls can provide important vitamins and minerals, including protein and fiber. Fiber is essential for maintaining digestive health and can help people feel fuller for longer periods of time. Protein is vital for helping to build and repair tissues and muscles.

Gluten-free egg rolls may have additional health benefits compared to their gluten-containing counterparts. Some people with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease may find that gluten-free foods reduce inflammation and ease digestive symptoms.

Top 10 List

Are you in search of the best gluten-free egg rolls? Look no further than this top 10 list of the best places to buy or make them yourself:

1. PF Chang’s: This popular restaurant chain offers gluten-free egg rolls made with rice paper and filled with chicken, mushroom, cabbage, and carrots.
2. Trader Joe’s Gluten-Free Egg Rolls: These tasty egg rolls are filled with pork and cabbage and use a rice flour wrapper.
3. Cali’flour Foods: A unique twist on the classic egg roll, these gluten-free egg roll wraps use a cauliflower crust instead of traditional flour or rice paper.
4. Hoisin-Glazed Avocado Egg Rolls: This recipe takes a vegetarian spin on egg rolls and adds the creaminess of avocado into the mix.
5. Pei Wei: A popular Asian chain restaurant, Pei Wei offers gluten-free vegetable and chicken egg rolls made with rice paper.
6. Gluten-Free Chicken Egg Rolls: The filling for these tasty egg rolls features a mix of chicken, cabbage, mushrooms, and a hint of ginger.
7. Gluten-Free Vegan Egg Rolls: This recipe focuses on gluten-free and vegan-friendly substitutes for chicken, such as tofu or seitan, and uses a rice flour wrapper.
8. Wegmans: This grocery store offers a variety of gluten-free egg rolls that can be found in the frozen meals section.
9. Gluten-Free Sausage Egg Rolls: This recipe gives egg rolls a spicier twist using Italian-style sausage in the filling.
10. Annie Chun’s: This brand of gluten-free egg rolls come in a variety of flavors, including vegetable and chicken.

Personal Experience Article

For many people with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, finding good-quality gluten-free egg rolls can be a challenge. One such person is Sarah, who was diagnosed with celiac disease in her early thirties.

“I had always enjoyed egg rolls before my diagnosis, but suddenly I was questioning whether I could still eat them,” Sarah recalls. “Most of the store-bought egg rolls I found contained wheat flour, and I was nervous about ordering egg rolls in restaurants.”

After some trial and error, Sarah has found some go-to options for satisfying her egg roll cravings. “I’ve learned to read ingredient labels carefully, and I’ve made gluten-free egg rolls at home with rice paper wrappers,” she says.

Sarah offers advice to others who may be struggling with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. “Don’t give up on your favorite foods just because you have to avoid gluten,” she says. “With some research and a bit of creativity, you can find ways to enjoy the foods you love, even if they’re a bit different from what you’re used to.”

Conclusion

Egg rolls can be a delicious and satisfying meal full of a variety of nutritious ingredients, but whether or not they’re gluten-free depends on their ingredients. Making your own gluten-free egg rolls at home is not only a fun activity, it also allows you to control the ingredients. With recipes and top places to buy gluten-free egg rolls, this guide has everything you need to enjoy egg rolls, gluten-free style.