Egg rolls can be considered a perfect dish, great as a snack or appetizer to some. This handheld treat is crunchy on the outside, with a juicy filling inside. Whether it's enjoyed at a sit-down restaurant or home from the nearest takeout, egg rolls are a comforting food. Homemade egg rolls can even be made in an air-fryer!

However, while consuming these handheld delights, some foodies may wonder: where does its name come from? Moreover, what are the origins behind the humble egg roll? And most importantly: are spring rolls identical to egg rolls?

What Are Egg Rolls?

It's common to find egg rolls served in many American-Asian restaurants and fast-food establishments. The beloved egg roll consists of a thick wheat-based wrapper filled with various ingredients such as diced carrots, onions, celery, bean sprouts, and other savory veggies. Egg rolls can also be filled with meat, especially ground pork. These rolls are then deep-fried until golden brown and served as an appetizer.

Though the mighty egg roll is delicious, it's also served with dipping sauces such as soy sauce, plum sauce, hoisin sauce, and ketchup. Because of its deep-fried nature, don't expect egg rolls to replace a healthy salad. However, many restaurant-goers agree that egg rolls are calorie-laden pieces of heaven, perfect for sharing!

  • Did You Know? New York-style pizza and famous Reuben sandwiches aren't the only world-famous eats. The Big Apple is also known for the New York-style egg roll, an appetizer known to be two inches in diameter and six inches in length! This specialty egg roll is also filling and is incredibly crunchy.

RELATED: What Are Longevity Noodles?

Why Are They Called Egg Rolls?

For many, egg rolls are a staple feature in many menus of Asian-American (particularly Asian-Chinese) restaurants and fast-food counters. For decades, their delicious nature was rarely questioned, even its name! However, the origins of their name may stem from the dough ingredients which is made with eggs. With the addition of egg, the dough wrapper for egg rolls are heavy and suitable for deep-frying, enabling the development of a golden-brown crust upon cooking.

Many people may refer to egg rolls like spring rolls; however, these foods are two different dishes!

Are Egg Rolls The Same As Spring Rolls?

Understandably, many people use the term egg roll interchangeably with spring rolls. It's understandable because the two handheld treats are consumed as a snack, side dish, or appetizer. However, despite their similarities, these two foods are distinct, though some people may consider this topic a 21st-century food debate! Regardless of their different natures, foodies everywhere can agree: they're pretty delicious.

While egg rolls are typically deeply fried, spring rolls can be fried or baked. However, their main differences lie in the wrapper encasing their yummy fillings. Thin wheat- or rice-based flour wrappers are used for spring rolls, while egg rolls use a thicker wrapper, usually made from eggs and wheat flour. While spring rolls can be crispy, the egg roll possesses a super crunchy texture with blisters adorning their surface due to deep-frying.

RELATED: Gather Around the Camp Fire: 10 Tasty Snacks to Make Over the Camp Fire This Summer

Though their differences, both rolls can carry identical toppings, whether sliced carrots, onions, cabbage, celery, or minced pork, beef, or chicken. However, the fillings usually have to be cooked before wrapping and deep-frying for egg rolls. This ensures that the egg roll has a crispy coating on the outside but a tender filling that's perfectly soft when bitten into.

  • Did You Know? Aside from egg rolls and spring rolls, there's also such a thing as summer rolls. Also known as goi cuon, this Vietnamese dish is made by filling rice paper with fresh vegetables, cooked meat (like pork or shrimp), and rice vermicelli noodles. The rolls are often served cold with a dipping sauce of hoisin sauce and crushed peanuts. These rolls are refreshingly delicious and can be slightly healthier than their fried counterparts!

The Origins Of Egg Rolls

Egg rolls have a murky history, but one thing's for certain: this fried appetizer has origin ties to spring rolls, which originated in Asia, specifically in China. Southern Chinese cuisine—particularly Cantonese fare—may have been a source of inspiration to the modern-day egg roll due to its features. Furthermore, some believe that the egg roll was invented in 1938 by Henry Low, who included a recipe for egg rolls in his cookbook, Cook at Home in Chinese. However, in Henry's cookbook, the recipe was entitled "tchun guen" or spring rolls.

This leads some to believe that Henry wasn't the inventor of this appetizer, as it may have existed earlier, perhaps before 1925. According to Richard Auffrey from Sampan, Lum Fong, an NYC restauranteur, invented the egg roll, who served "lum har chun guen" (or lobster egg roll) at Lum Fong's Restaurant. In fact, a newspaper published in 1934 features Lum's recipe for egg rolls to include bamboo shoots, shrimp, and roast pork.

However, others claim that the first egg rolls were made and consumed by Chinese settlers in the mid-19th century. It's possible that Americans discovered the rolls and fell in love with this tasty treat, which has spread like wildlife across Western restaurants.

Egg rolls are enjoyed so much that their origins are usually overlooked. However, regardless of its name, origins, and actual history, foodies everywhere can agree: egg rolls are pretty delicious. This fried appetizer and comforting snack is a perfect blend of crunch with tenderness and is excellent for sharing with fellow diners!

NEXT: Foraging For Fungi: 10 Types of Mushrooms You Can Pick and Eat

Rice in container with scoop
Should You Rinse Every Kind Of Rice Before Cooking It?