If you love a crispy, savory snack with a twist, you are going to fall head over heels for this Irish Corned Beef Egg Rolls with Thousand Island Dipping Sauce Recipe. This recipe perfectly marries the hearty, flavorful corned beef with vibrant cabbage and melty Swiss cheese, all wrapped in a crisp golden shell. The accompanying tangy, creamy Thousand Island dipping sauce with a hint of horseradish brings everything together into a mouthwatering experience that feels special but comes together quickly. It’s like St. Patrick’s Day on a plate anytime you want!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential for creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures in your Irish Corned Beef Egg Rolls with Thousand Island Dipping Sauce Recipe. Each component brings something irreplaceable whether it’s freshness, richness, or zinginess to the dish.
- Corned beef, 1 cup cooked and shredded: The star protein providing that classic, tender Irish flavor with a salty bite.
- Green cabbage, 1 cup finely shredded: Adds crispness and a mild earthiness to balance the savory beef.
- Carrots, 1/2 cup shredded (plus extra 1/2 cup): Brightens the filling with a touch of sweetness and vibrant color.
- Swiss cheese, 1/2 cup shredded: Melts beautifully, offering creamy richness.
- Onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon: Deepens the savory layers without overpowering the other flavors.
- Salt, 1/4 teaspoon and Black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon: Essential seasonings to enhance all the tastes.
- Egg roll wrappers, 8 pieces: Crisp, golden, and the perfect vehicle for the flavorful filling.
- Egg, 1 beaten: Used to seal the rolls for frying, ensuring they stay perfectly wrapped and crispy.
- Vegetable oil: For frying to that irresistible crunch and golden hue.
- Thousand Island dressing, 1/2 cup: Creamy and tangy base for your dipping sauce.
- Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon: Elevates the sauce with a mild spicy kick.
- Horseradish, 1 teaspoon (optional): Adds a lively zing for those who love a little extra heat.
How to Make Irish Corned Beef Egg Rolls with Thousand Island Dipping Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by combining the cooked and shredded corned beef with finely shredded green cabbage, carrots, Swiss cheese, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mixing these ingredients in a large bowl ensures every bite bursts with complementary flavors and contrasting textures. This filling is the heart of your egg rolls and sets the stage for all the deliciousness ahead.
Step 2: Assemble the Egg Rolls
Lay one egg roll wrapper on a clean surface with a corner facing you. Spoon about two tablespoons of your prepared filling directly in the center. The portion size is perfect to get a good balance between filling and crispy wrapper so none of the flavors get lost.
Step 3: Roll and Seal
Fold the bottom corner of the wrapper over the filling, then tuck in the sides firmly before rolling it up tightly toward the top corner. Brush the top corner with beaten egg to act as glue, sealing the egg roll securely so it won’t open during frying. Repeat this process with the remaining wrappers and filling until all eight are ready.
Step 4: Fry the Egg Rolls
Heat about two inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat until it reaches approximately 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the egg rolls in batches, frying for three to four minutes each, turning occasionally for an even golden brown color. Once perfectly crispy, remove and drain on paper towels to soak up excess oil. The frying step creates the signature crispy outer shell you’ll fall in love with.
Step 5: Make the Thousand Island Dipping Sauce
While your egg rolls are frying, mix together the Thousand Island dressing, Dijon mustard, and horseradish in a small bowl. This sauce is creamy but tangy with just the right touch of spice and sweetness to perfectly complement the savory egg rolls. It’s the finishing touch that takes this recipe over the top.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the Irish Corned Beef Egg Rolls with Thousand Island Dipping Sauce Recipe hot from the fryer alongside a small bowl of dipping sauce. The contrast between the crisp rolls and the cool, flavorful sauce is a total crowd-pleaser that makes each bite a joyful experience.
How to Serve Irish Corned Beef Egg Rolls with Thousand Island Dipping Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley or chives sprinkled on top add a gorgeous pop of green and a fresh herbal note. A wedge of lemon on the side also pairs beautifully, as a little squeeze brightens up the richness of the egg rolls and dipping sauce. Garnishes are a simple way to elevate presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
Crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing counterbalance to these rich egg rolls. Alternatively, some tangy sauerkraut on the side can echo the Irish corned beef’s roots while adding even more texture and zest. For something heartier, roasted potatoes or sweet potato fries round out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the egg rolls diagonally and arranging them like fans on a platter surrounding small dipping bowls of the Thousand Island sauce. For a party, serve mini versions on sticks for a fun finger-food option. You could also layer them in a sandwich with extra sauce and some leafy greens for a fusion twist to enjoy anytime.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover egg rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To keep the wrapper from getting soggy, place paper towels inside the container to absorb moisture. This way, your next round is still deliciously crisp when reheated.
Freezing
To freeze, place the assembled but uncooked egg rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment, making sure they don’t touch. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to two months and can be fried straight from frozen—just add a couple minutes extra to the frying time.
Reheating
To reheat cooked egg rolls, bake them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes or until they are warmed through and crisp once again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to soften the wrapper and lose that irresistible crunch.
FAQs
Can I use leftover corned beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover corned beef works wonderfully here. Just make sure it’s shredded or chopped finely so it mixes well with the other ingredients and fits neatly inside the egg roll wrappers.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for this dish?
You can swap the corned beef with sautéed mushrooms or seasoned jackfruit for a veggie-friendly version. Keep the cabbage, carrots, and Swiss cheese as they add great texture and flavor.
Can I bake these egg rolls instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake them for a lighter version. Brush the rolls with a little oil, place them on a baking sheet, and bake at 400°F (205°C) for 15-20 minutes until golden and crisp, turning halfway through.
What’s the best way to get the egg rolls super crispy?
Frying in hot oil at the right temperature (around 350°F) is key. Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the egg rolls, and avoid overcrowding the pan to keep the temperature steady for even crispiness.
Can I prepare the dipping sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! The Thousand Island dipping sauce tastes great when made in advance and kept refrigerated. Just stir well before serving to redistribute the horseradish and mustard flavors.
Final Thoughts
Making the Irish Corned Beef Egg Rolls with Thousand Island Dipping Sauce Recipe is such a rewarding experience that delivers big on flavor and fun. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or just craving something crispy, savory, and a little bit special, this recipe will become your new go-to. Give it a try—you’ll soon understand why it’s a favorite to share with friends and family!
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Irish Corned Beef Egg Rolls with Thousand Island Dipping Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 egg rolls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Irish-American Fusion
Description
These Irish Egg Rolls are a delicious fusion of classic Irish flavors and crispy Asian-style egg rolls. Filled with savory corned beef, cabbage, shredded carrots, and Swiss cheese, these golden-fried egg rolls are perfect as an appetizer or snack. Served with a tangy Thousand Island dipping sauce enhanced by Dijon mustard and horseradish, they offer a flavorful twist on traditional Irish ingredients combined with a crispy, crunchy texture.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 cup cooked corned beef, shredded or chopped
- 1 cup green cabbage, finely shredded
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Assembly
- 8 egg roll wrappers
- 1 egg, beaten (for sealing)
For Frying
- Vegetable oil (about 2 inches for deep frying)
Dipping Sauce
- 1/2 cup Thousand Island dressing
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon horseradish (optional, for extra kick)
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded or chopped corned beef, finely shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, Swiss cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of all ingredients for a flavorful filling.
- Assemble the Egg Rolls: Lay one egg roll wrapper on a clean surface with a corner pointing toward you, creating a diamond shape. Place about 2 tablespoons of the prepared filling in the center of the wrapper.
- Fold and Roll: Fold the bottom corner of the wrapper up over the filling, then fold in the left and right sides to enclose the filling. Roll tightly toward the top corner. Brush the top corner with beaten egg to seal the egg roll securely. Repeat this process with the remaining wrappers and filling.
- Fry the Egg Rolls: In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Carefully place a few egg rolls in the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry each batch for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally so that the egg rolls become evenly golden brown and crispy. Once done, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Make the Dipping Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the Thousand Island dressing, Dijon mustard, and horseradish if using. Stir well until smooth and well blended.
- Serve: Serve the hot, crispy Irish Egg Rolls with the prepared dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy this savory treat as an appetizer, snack, or party finger food!
Notes
- Make sure not to overfill the egg rolls to prevent bursting during frying.
- If you prefer a healthier option, these egg rolls can be baked or air fried, but frying gives the crispiest texture.
- Adjust the amount of horseradish in the dipping sauce according to your spice preference.
- Use fresh shredded cabbage and carrots for the best texture and flavor.
- Leftover filling can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and used for wraps or sandwiches.
