There’s something magical about a hot, crispy egg roll that gives way to a savory, flavorful filling—and these Dim Sum Egg Rolls with Five-Spice Duck take that magic to another level. Think of it as a fusion between traditional Chinese egg rolls and a modern gourmet touch: rich duck meat marinated in five-spice powder, stir-fried with aromatic vegetables, and wrapped snugly in a crunchy egg roll wrapper. This recipe brings together the elegance of dim sum with the familiar comfort of homemade egg rolls, and it’s perfect whether you’re looking for new eggroll ideas or just want to elevate your easy egg roll recipes game.
Dim Sum Egg Rolls with Five-Spice Duck
Prep Time 30 minutes mins
Cook Time 25 minutes mins
Total Time 55 minutes mins
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Chinese
A sharp chef’s knife and cutting board
A small mixing bowl for the marinade
A large skillet or wok for cooking the duck and filling
A paper towel-lined plate
A large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer for frying
A slotted spoon or spider strainer
A pastry brush (optional, for applying the egg wash)
Tongs for safe handling during frying
For the Duck Marinade
- 1 lb duck breast skin on, boneless
- 1 tbsp Chinese five-spice powder
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
For the Filling
- 1 cup Napa cabbage finely shredded
- ½ cup carrots julienned
- ½ cup shiitake mushrooms chopped
- 2 green onions thinly sliced
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp cornstarch to bind the filling
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Wrapping and Frying
- 12 egg roll wrappers you can use the square kind typically found in Asian markets
- 1 egg beaten (for sealing)
- Neutral oil for deep frying like vegetable or peanut oil
Optional Garnishes and Sauces
- Chili garlic sauce
- Sweet soy drizzle
- Homemade duck egg roll dipping sauce see below!
Egg Roll Sauce Recipe (Savory-Sweet Dipping Sauce)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- ½ tsp honey
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Pinch of chili flakes
Marinate the Duck
Start by preparing your duck. Pat the breast dry with a paper towel and score the skin lightly in a crosshatch pattern. In a bowl, combine five-spice powder, soy sauce, hoisin, sesame oil, Shaoxing wine, garlic, and ginger. Rub this mixture generously over the duck breast, making sure it gets into the cuts. Cover and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight for deeper flavor).
Cook the Duck
Heat a skillet over medium heat and place the duck skin-side down. Let it render and crisp up for 6–8 minutes, then flip and cook the other side for 4–5 minutes until medium-rare. Remove, let rest, and then thinly slice or shred the duck meat.
Sauté the Filling
In the same pan, discard most of the duck fat, leaving about a tablespoon. Add cabbage, carrots, mushrooms, and green onions. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened but not soggy. Stir in the cooked duck, soy sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Mix until everything is evenly coated and lightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture cool.
Assemble the Egg Rolls
Place an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface with one corner pointing toward you. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of filling near the bottom corner. Fold the corner over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll tightly, sealing the top edge with egg wash. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
Fry the Egg Rolls
Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry egg rolls in batches, 3–4 at a time, until golden brown and crispy—about 3–4 minutes each. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve hot with your homemade duck egg roll dipping sauce or other sauces of your choice. These also pair beautifully with plum sauce or a spicy mayo for an extra kick.
Pairings
While these egg rolls can hold their own, pairing them thoughtfully makes them even more memorable:
Drink Pairings
- Jasmine tea or oolong tea adds a soothing note to balance the richness.
- Sake or a lightly sweet Riesling complements the duck and five-spice flavor beautifully.
- For a non-alcoholic option, try a cucumber-mint soda or ginger lemonade.
Side Dish Ideas
- A light Asian cucumber salad with rice vinegar and sesame seeds.
- Garlic fried rice or scallion pancakes make great companions.
- If you're going fusion, pair with mexican egg rolls filled with beans and cheese to create an eclectic platter.
FAQs
1. What’s the best cut of duck for this recipe?
Duck breast is ideal for this recipe, particularly boneless with skin on. It offers the right balance of fat and meat and is easy to slice or shred after cooking.
2. Can I substitute chicken for duck?
Absolutely. If you’re looking for a chicken egg rolls recipe, simply swap the duck for boneless chicken thighs, which stay juicy and flavorful. Chicken breasts can also work, but be cautious not to overcook them.
3. Can I bake instead of fry?
Yes! For a healthier option, place your rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush with oil, and bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway. They won’t be as crispy as fried, but still delicious.
4. Are these egg rolls freezer-friendly?
Definitely. Assemble and freeze them before frying. When ready, fry directly from frozen, just add a couple of minutes to the cooking time. You can also reheat pre-fried ones in an air fryer for a quick snack.
5. What other filling options can I try?
These are very versatile—great for exploring different egg roll filling recipes. Try pork egg rolls with ground pork and cabbage, or even korean egg rolls with kimchi and beef. Looking for a vegetarian spin? Use tofu and glass noodles. The options are endless.
