Shrimp Egg Rolls

The nice crunch and tasty soft filling makes egg rolls a delightful and satisfying snack. You can even make a meal out of them when served with a nice fresh salad. I particularly like shrimp, but you can throw in cooked chicken or pork instead or add more vegetables for a vegetarian treat.

Shrimp Egg Rolls
(Makes 8 to 10 rolls.)

• 6 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

• 2 scallions, sliced thinly

• 1 carrot, cut into 1-inch julienne strips

• 1 small red pepper, cut into 1-inch julienne strips

• 2 cups Napa cabbage, shredded

• 1/4 cup chicken broth

• 2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 8 to 10 egg roll wrappers covered loosely with a damp paper towel to prevent drying

• 12 shrimp, cooked and minced
• Sweet and Sour Sauce or Dipping Sauce, recipe follows

Shrimp Egg Rolls

In a wok or skillet, stir-fry the ginger and garlic in 2 tablespoons of oil until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add scallions, carrots, and red pepper and stir-fry over high heat for 2 minutes.

In a bowl, combine the chicken broth, soy sauce, and sugar. Add the Napa cabbage and broth mixture to the wok or skillet. Bring to a boil and simmer 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft. Add sesame oil, cool for at least 15 minutes, and strain. Fold in the minced cooked shrimp.

Working with 1 wrapper at a time, place the wrapper with one corner of the diamond closest to you. Place 1 heaping tablespoon of the filling along the center of the wrapper. Roll the corner closest to you over the filling.  Brush the top corner with water. Fold in the sides of the wrapper and continue rolling the egg roll until it is closed. Press to seal, set aside, and continue with the remaining ingredients.

In a skillet set over moderately high heat, heat the remaining oil and saute the egg rolls until golden brown on all sides, using tongs to turn them. Serve when cool enough to eat with sweet and sour sauce or dipping sauce below.

Dipping Sauce
• 1/3 cup lite soy sauce

• 1/3 cup rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 1 to 2 teaspoons sesame oil

• Pinch of red pepper flakes

Whisk together all ingredients in a small bowl.