If you love crispy egg rolls but don’t love the time it takes to wrap and deep fry them, smashed egg rolls are about to become your new favorite dinner. This viral-style recipe takes everything you love about a classic egg roll—savory meat, tender cabbage, garlic, ginger, and crunchy edges—and turns it into an easy, pan-cooked dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Smashed egg rolls deliver bold flavor, crispy texture, and comfort-food vibes with way less effort.

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Why You’ll Love This Smashed Egg Roll Recipe

All the classic egg roll flavor without rolling or deep frying
Crispy edges with a juicy, flavorful center
Made in one pan
Customizable with pork, chicken, turkey, or vegetarian filling
Perfect for dinner, meal prep, or party appetizers

Ingredients for Smashed Egg Rolls

Ground pork, chicken, turkey, or beef
Shredded green cabbage or coleslaw mix for ease!
Green onions
Garlic
Onion powder
Fresh ginger (or ground ginger)
Soy sauce or coconut aminos
Sesame oil
Black pepper
Egg roll wrappers
Cooking spray or oil

Optional toppings:

Sweet chili sauce
Sriracha mayo
Sesame seeds
Extra green onions

How to Make Smashed Egg Rolls

Make the Filling

Combine ground pork, slaw mix, seasonings and salt/pepper. I like to whirl the slaw mix in a food processer to get a fine texture.

Assemble

Preheat a cast iron skillet coated with avocado oil. Place egg roll wrappers on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spoon 1-2 tbsp filling into the center of each wrapper and spread to form a thin layer over the wrapper.

meat and cabbage mixture pressed onto a wonton wrapper

Cook Until Crispy

Place egg rolls meat side down in the pan. Press lightly with the back of a spatula. Cook until golden brown. Brush the back of the egg roll with oil and flip. Continue to cook until the wrapper side is browned and crispy.

Serve

Remove from pan and place on paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Fold in half and dip into your favorite dipping sauce. I’m loving THIS ONE!

Tips for Extra Crispy Smashed Egg Rolls

Don’t overfill the wrappers
Press the meat mixture into a thin layer
Use finely chopped slaw mix
Use oil spray on the wrappers for ease
Cook only a few at a time and avoid overcrowding pan

Flavor Variations

Chicken Teriyaki: Add teriyaki sauce to the filling
Vegetarian: Use mushrooms and shredded carrots instead of meat
Spicy: Add chili crisp or crushed red pepper
Low-Carb: Skip the wrapper and smash directly in the pan

What to Serve With Smashed Egg Rolls

Steamed or fried rice
Asian cucumber salad
Sesame green beans
Wonton soup

They also make an excellent party appetizer or game-day snack.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days
Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness
Avoid microwaving for best texture

Smashed Egg Roll FAQ

Can I make smashed egg rolls ahead of time?
Yes! Prep the filling in advance and assemble just before frying.

Can I air fry smashed egg rolls?
Absolutely—air fry at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping once.

Why are my smashed egg rolls soggy?
Be sure to fry in a hot pan for extra crispiness.

Final Thoughts

Smashed egg rolls are everything you love about classic egg rolls made easier, faster, and crispier. With bold flavors and endless variations, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or feeding a crowd—no rolling required.