If you’re looking for a fun and flavorful way to transform those leftover turkey bits from your holiday feast, this Easy Leftover Turkey Egg Rolls Recipe is an absolute winner. Crispy, golden egg rolls bursting with savory turkey and crunchy coleslaw make for a delightful snack or meal that breathes new life into what might otherwise be forgotten leftovers. Perfectly seasoned with garlic, ginger, and a touch of soy sauce, these egg rolls offer a wonderful balance of tastes and textures that will have you craving another batch in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe is simple yet essential, working together to create that perfect balance of crunch, spice, and savoriness in your egg rolls. From the crunchy coleslaw that adds a refreshing bite to the tender turkey that brings heartiness, each component shines in its own way.
- Egg roll wrappers: These form the crispy and golden exterior, essential for that satisfying crunch.
- Coleslaw mix: Adds a fresh crunch and a vibrant color contrast to the turkey.
- Cooked turkey (finely chopped): The star of the show, providing savory, lean protein and great texture.
- Garlic powder: Infuses a mellow, aromatic flavor that enhances the filling.
- Kosher salt: Balances all the flavors perfectly without overpowering.
- Ground black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and complexity.
- Ground ginger: Brings a subtle warmth and slight zing to brighten each bite.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Deepens the savory notes with umami and a touch of saltiness.
- Vegetable or peanut oil: Ideal for frying, it ensures your egg rolls crisp up beautifully without overwhelming flavors.
How to Make Easy Leftover Turkey Egg Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by combining the coleslaw mix, finely chopped cooked turkey, garlic powder, kosher salt, ground black pepper, ground ginger, and low-sodium soy sauce in a large bowl. Mix everything thoroughly so that every piece of turkey is perfectly seasoned and the coleslaw absorbs those delicious flavors.
Step 2: Fill the Wrappers
Lay out your egg roll wrappers and place about one-third of a cup of the prepared filling diagonally on each wrapper. This amount helps keep the filling from leaking out during frying, while still giving you a hearty bite in every roll.
Step 3: Fold and Roll
Begin by folding the bottom corner of the wrapper over the filling and roll it tightly halfway to cover the mixture. Then fold in both side corners snugly against the filling to keep everything in place.
Step 4: Seal the Edges
Moisten the edges of the wrapper flaps with a little water, pressing down firmly to seal the egg roll so it stays intact during frying. This sealing step is key to that neat, golden finish.
Step 5: Finish Rolling
Roll the wrapper up completely, sealing the top flap with water and pressing down once more. Now your egg rolls are ready for the hot oil!
Step 6: Fry to Perfection
In a large skillet, heat about half an inch of vegetable or peanut oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Fry the egg rolls seam side down, a few at a time, turning them occasionally. Keep a close eye as they cook quickly—about 2 to 3 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown.
Step 7: Drain and Cool
Once fried, transfer your egg rolls to a plate lined with paper towels to drain off any excess oil. This keeps them crisp and not greasy for the perfect eating experience.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Serve immediately, and for an extra special touch, pair these crispy delights with leftover cranberry sauce for a sweet and tangy contrast that complements the savory turkey filling beautifully.
How to Serve Easy Leftover Turkey Egg Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few garnishes can elevate your egg rolls even more. Fresh chopped scallions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds add a lovely visual appeal and a tasty crunch. A side of tangy dipping sauce—like sweet chili or soy-ginger dressing—also pairs wonderfully and amps up the flavor profile.
Side Dishes
Consider serving these egg rolls alongside crisp green salads or light soups to balance the deep-fried goodness. A zesty Asian cucumber salad or even steamed jasmine rice creates a satisfying meal that feels fresh but filling.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests or family? Arrange the egg rolls neatly on a wooden board with small bowls of various dipping sauces, leftover cranberry sauce, and some fresh herbs. This not only looks inviting but encourages sharing and tasting different flavor combinations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover turkey egg rolls, let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy that crunchy, savory goodness as little snacks or easy lunches.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze the uncooked egg rolls for later. Place them on a parchment-lined tray in a single layer and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’re best used within 1 month and cooked straight from frozen for best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, bake or air fry the egg rolls at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes to regain their crispiness. Avoid microwaving if possible since it tends to make the wrappers soggy rather than crunchy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of leftover meat in this Easy Leftover Turkey Egg Rolls Recipe?
Absolutely! While turkey is fantastic, you can swap in leftover chicken, pork, or even beef. Just make sure to finely chop and season the meat well to maintain the recipe’s perfect flavor balance.
Do I have to deep fry the egg rolls or is there a healthier cooking method?
You can bake or air fry these egg rolls for a lighter version. They won’t be quite as crispy as deep frying but still delicious and much less oily.
What can I use if I don’t have coleslaw mix?
Fresh shredded cabbage and carrots make an excellent homemade substitute for coleslaw mix and provide the same wonderful crunch.
Is it okay to freeze cooked egg rolls?
Yes, though they’re best frozen uncooked for maximum freshness. Cooked egg rolls can be frozen but may lose some crispiness when reheated.
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Definitely. Preparing the filling a day ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making your egg rolls even tastier when you assemble and fry them.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like turning your holiday leftovers into a crispy, flavorful treat, and this Easy Leftover Turkey Egg Rolls Recipe does just that with style and simplicity. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just indulging yourself, these egg rolls bring comfort and joy wrapped in every bite. Give this recipe a try—you might find it quickly becoming your favorite way to enjoy turkey leftovers any time of year!
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 recipe to transform leftover turkey into crispy, flavorful egg rolls filled with a savory coleslaw mix and seasoned perfectly. These Easy Leftover Turkey Egg Rolls are perfect for a creative appetizer or snack, fried to golden perfection and ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Egg Roll Wrapper and 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, finely chopped turkey, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, ground ginger, and low-sodium soy sauce in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the seasoning and flavors.
- Fill Wrappers: Place about 1/3 cup of the prepared coleslaw-turkey mixture diagonally onto the center of an egg roll wrapper.
- Fold Bottom Corner: Fold the bottom corner of the wrapper over the filling, rolling snugly halfway to cover the contents completely.
- Fold Sides In: Fold both sides of the wrapper inward tightly against the filling to seal the sides, then moisten the edges of the flaps with water to help seal the roll.
- Seal Egg Rolls: Continue rolling the wrapper tightly upwards and seal the top flap by moistening it with water and pressing firmly to prevent it from opening during frying.
- Heat Oil and Fry: Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable or peanut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F. Fry the egg rolls seam side down, a few at a time, turning occasionally, for 2 to 3 minutes or until golden brown and crisp.
- Drain: Remove the fried egg rolls from the oil and drain them on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Serve: Serve the hot egg rolls immediately, optionally with leftover cranberry sauce for dipping, enhancing the flavor with a sweet and tangy contrast.
Notes
- Be careful not to overfill the egg roll wrappers to prevent them from bursting during frying.
- Maintain oil temperature at 350°F to ensure even and crispy frying without greasy results.
- Use peanut or vegetable oil for neutral flavor and a high smoke point suitable for frying.
- Leftover cranberry sauce makes a perfect dipping sauce, adding a complementary sweetness.
- Egg roll wrappers can be found in the refrigerated section or the freezer aisle of most grocery stores.
- Ensure turkey is finely chopped to create a uniform filling and better texture inside the egg rolls.
