If you’ve ever wondered how to transform your holiday leftovers into something absolutely delicious and unexpected, this Easy Leftover Turkey Egg Rolls Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine crisp, golden wrappers hugging a savory filling of tender turkey, crunchy coleslaw, and just the right mix of spices and soy sauce. Each bite offers a perfect harmony of textures and flavors that breathe new life into your leftover turkey. Whether you’re aiming for a fun appetizer or a satisfying snack, these egg rolls are easy to prepare, ridiculously tasty, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things simple with ingredients that highlight fresh, vibrant textures and savory depth. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s the crunch from the coleslaw mix, the hearty turkey, or the seasoning that ties everything together beautifully.
- Egg roll wrappers: These thin, silky sheets provide the perfect crispy exterior when fried.
- Coleslaw mix (16 oz): Offers refreshing crunch and color to balance the richness of turkey.
- Cooked turkey (2 cups, finely chopped): The star ingredient, bringing meaty flavor and satisfying protein.
- Garlic powder (1 tsp): Adds warmth and a subtle aromatic punch.
- Kosher salt (1 tsp): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- Ground black pepper (1/2 tsp): Introduces a mild heat for depth.
- Ground ginger (1/2 tsp): Infuses a gentle spiciness and brightness.
- Low-sodium soy sauce (2 Tbsp): Brings umami and saltiness to perfectly season the filling.
- Vegetable or peanut oil (1 cup): Essential for frying, offering a crunchy golden finish.
How to Make Easy Leftover Turkey Egg Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by combining the coleslaw mix, chopped turkey, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, ginger, and soy sauce in a large bowl. Mix everything well so the flavors meld perfectly, and your filling is evenly seasoned and ready to bring life to your egg rolls.
Step 2: Fill the Wrappers
Place about one-third of a cup of the filling diagonally on each egg roll wrapper. This portion is just right to pack the rolls without overstuffing, ensuring they seal properly and cook evenly.
Step 3: Fold and Roll
Fold the bottom corner of the wrapper over the filling and roll snugly halfway to cover it. Folding tightly traps the filling so it won’t spill out during frying, giving you a neat, compact roll.
Step 4: Seal the Sides
Fold in both sides tightly against the filling and moisten the edges with water to act as glue. Press down firmly to keep the wrapper sealed, which is key for that satisfying crunch and to prevent any filling leakage.
Step 5: Finish Rolling and Seal
Complete the roll by rolling upward to the top corner, moistening the final flap, and pressing it securely. The sealing step ensures the egg rolls stay perfectly intact throughout the frying process.
Step 6: Fry the Egg Rolls
Heat about half an inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, aiming for 350 degrees. Carefully place the egg rolls seam side down in the oil a few at a time. Turn them occasionally, frying until all sides are a beautiful golden brown—this usually takes 2 to 3 minutes, so keep an eye on them!
Step 7: Drain Excess Oil
Once golden and crisp, remove the egg rolls and let them drain on paper towels. This simple step keeps them from becoming greasy and maintains that irresistible crisp shell.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Serve these irresistible egg rolls immediately, perhaps alongside some leftover cranberry sauce for a sweet and tangy twist. You’re in for a seriously satisfying snack or appetizer that makes the most out of your leftovers.
How to Serve Easy Leftover Turkey Egg Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of finely chopped green onions or sesame seeds can add an extra pop of color and texture. For a festive touch, a small dollop of leftover cranberry sauce on the plate works beautifully as a dipping complement, balancing savory with a sweet note.
Side Dishes
Pair these egg rolls with simple sides like a crisp garden salad or steamed edamame to round out your meal. If you want to keep the Asian-inspired vibe, try some quick pickled vegetables or a bowl of hot miso soup.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve a platter of these golden bites with an array of dipping sauces—think sweet chili, soy-ginger, or a creamy sriracha mayo—for a fun and interactive eating experience. You can also slice them into bite-sized pieces to make charming finger foods perfect for parties and gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any egg rolls left after your feast, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh for up to 2 days, making a fantastic quick snack or meal addition.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange the un-fried egg rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you can fry them fresh later—just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
To reheat and retain that incredible crunch, it’s best to pop the cooked egg rolls into a preheated oven at 375 degrees for about 10 minutes rather than using a microwave. This method keeps the exterior crisp and the inside tender without getting soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other meats instead of turkey?
Absolutely! This recipe works wonderfully with leftover chicken, ham, or even cooked pork. Each will give your egg rolls a slightly different but delicious flavor profile.
What if I don’t have coleslaw mix?
You can substitute finely shredded cabbage and carrots. Fresh veggies keep the filling crisp and colorful, so maintaining that texture is key.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
While frying gives the crispiest results, you can bake them at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through. They won’t be quite as golden and crunchy, but it’s a healthier alternative.
Is there a dipping sauce you recommend?
Leftover cranberry sauce is a surprisingly great match, but also try sweet chili sauce or soy sauce mixed with a touch of rice vinegar and honey. These all complement the turkey and spices perfectly.
How long do the egg rolls take to cook?
Once the oil is hot, frying takes about 2 to 3 minutes per batch. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning and ensure they develop that perfect golden crust.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Leftover Turkey Egg Rolls Recipe is a game-changer for transforming your extra turkey into a mouthwatering delight. It’s simple, fun to make, and incredibly tasty—ideal for sharing with friends or treating yourself to something special. Give it a try and watch your holiday leftovers disappear in the best way possible!
Print
Easy Leftover Turkey Egg Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 14 egg rolls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
A quick and delicious way to transform leftover turkey into crispy, flavorful egg rolls. This recipe combines coleslaw mix and chopped turkey with savory seasonings, wrapped in egg roll wrappers and fried to golden perfection. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, especially with a side of cranberry sauce.
Ingredients
Egg Roll Filling
- 1 pkg egg roll wrappers
- 16 oz bag coleslaw mix
- 2 cups cooked turkey, finely chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 2 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
For Frying
- 1 cup vegetable or peanut oil
Instructions
- Prepare Filling: Combine the coleslaw mix, chopped turkey, garlic powder, kosher salt, ground black pepper, ground ginger, and soy sauce in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly until well combined and evenly seasoned.
- Fill Egg Rolls: Lay out one egg roll wrapper on a flat surface. Place about 1/3 cup of the coleslaw mixture diagonally on the wrapper, near the corner closest to you.
- Initial Roll: Fold the bottom corner of the wrapper over the filling and roll snugly halfway to cover the filling, keeping the filling tightly enclosed.
- Fold Sides: Fold in both the left and right sides tightly against the filling. Moisten the edges of the flaps with a little water and press down to seal.
- Seal Egg Roll: Continue rolling the wrapper up to the top corner, moistening the final flap with water and pressing to securely seal the egg roll.
- Heat Oil: Pour about 1/2 inch of vegetable or peanut oil into a large skillet. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches approximately 350°F (175°C).
- Fry Egg Rolls: Place the egg rolls seam side down into the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry, turning occasionally, until they turn golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per batch. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Drain: Remove fried egg rolls with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Serve: Serve the egg rolls immediately while hot, optionally with leftover cranberry sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Make sure not to overfill the egg rolls to prevent bursting during frying.
- Use a thermometer to maintain the oil temperature at 350°F for optimal crispiness.
- Leftover cranberry sauce adds a sweet and tangy contrast to the savory egg rolls.
- Vegetable oil or peanut oil is preferred for frying due to their high smoke points.
- You can bake the egg rolls at 400°F for 15-20 minutes if a healthier option is desired, flipping halfway through.
