Ever stumble upon a food fusion that just blows your mind? That’s exactly what happened when I first tasted these crispy Pastrami Reuben Egg Rolls. Wrapped snugly in a crunchy shell, every bite is like a party in your mouth—tangy, salty, and utterly addictive. Imagine a classic deli sandwich reborn, with a playful twist, and you’ll get why this dish is a must-try.
Steps
- Drain the sauerkraut thoroughly by squeezing out any excess liquid using a clean kitchen towel, then set it aside.
- Lay an egg roll wrapper on a clean, dry surface in a diamond shape. Place 2 tablespoons each of chopped pastrami, shredded Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut on the lower third of the wrapper.
- Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then wet the edges of the wrapper with water using your finger. Fold in the side corners towards the center and roll tightly into a cylinder. Repeat for the remaining wrappers and filling.
- For air frying, preheat the air fryer to 370°F. Lightly spray the egg rolls with olive oil and rub to coat evenly. Cook in batches for 10 minutes, turning halfway until golden brown and crisp.
- To bake, preheat the oven to 400°F. Place the egg rolls on a baking sheet and bake for 12 to 16 minutes, turning halfway through. If cooking from frozen, bake at 375°F for 18 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
- For the Russian dressing, mix light mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, hot sauce, lemon juice, onion powder, and salt in a small bowl. Serve the egg rolls immediately with the dressing on the side or drizzled on top.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups sauerkraut
- 8 egg roll wrappers
- 6 ounces chopped pastrami (or corned beef)
- 1 cup shredded reduced-fat Swiss cheese (such as Jarlsberg)
- Small bowl of water (for sealing the wrappers)
- Olive oil spray
- Light mayonnaise
- Ketchup
- Worcestershire sauce
- Horseradish
- Hot sauce
- Lemon juice
- Onion powder
- Salt
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1440 kcal | Carbohydrates: 176 g | Protein: 92 g | Fat: 38 g | Saturated Fat: 14 g | Cholesterol: 200 mg | Sodium: 5188 mg | Fiber: 12 g | Sugar: 12 g
FAQ
- Can I use corned beef instead of pastrami for the Reuben egg rolls?
- Yes, you can substitute pastrami with corned beef in this recipe. Both meats work well with the traditional Reuben flavors.
- How do I prevent the egg rolls from getting soggy?
- To keep the egg rolls crispy, avoid placing Russian dressing inside them, as it can make them soggy. Instead, use the dressing as a dipping sauce.
- Can these egg rolls be prepared in advance and frozen?
- Absolutely, you can prep the egg rolls and freeze them in airtight, freezer-safe bags for up to six months. When ready to cook, air fry them directly from frozen at 320°F for 12 to 14 minutes, turning halfway through.
- What is the difference between Russian dressing and Thousand Island dressing?
- Russian dressing is spicier and less sweet compared to Thousand Island dressing. It’s made with ingredients like mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and horseradish.
- Is there a vegetarian option for these egg rolls?
- While this recipe calls for pastrami or corned beef, you can create a vegetarian version by using your favorite meat substitute or by simply packing them with extra sauerkraut and Swiss cheese.
Tips
- Squeeze out excess liquid from the sauerkraut using a clean kitchen towel to prevent the egg rolls from becoming soggy.
- When sealing the egg roll wrapper, use a small amount of water to ensure a tight seal and avoid any filling leakage during cooking.
- For even cooking and a crispy texture, spray the egg rolls with olive oil and rub them with your hands to evenly coat before placing them in the air fryer or oven.
- If you want to prepare the egg rolls in advance, freeze them in airtight bags, making sure to remove as much air as possible. Cook directly from frozen by adjusting the air fryer or oven time accordingly.
Equipment
- Air Fryer – If you choose to use the air fryer method.
- Pastry Brush or Oil Sprayer – For spraying olive oil on the egg rolls.
- Freezer-safe Bags – If you plan to freeze the egg rolls for later use.
