Name: Turkey Egg Rolls with Crispy Filling Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 lb 93% lean ground turkey; 1 1/2 Tbsp vegetable oil (divided); Salt to taste; 3/4 cup chopped bell pepper; 2 tsp minced garlic; 1 1/2 tsp peeled and minced ginger; 2/3 cup diced green onions; 2 cups shredded green cabbage (8 oz); 1 cup matchstick carrots (2 oz); 1 Tbsp soy sauce; 1 1/2 tsp sesame oil; 1/2 tsp Chinese five spice; 20 egg roll wrappers (1 lb package, such as Nasoya); 1 egg, beaten; Vegetable oil for frying (about 6 – 8 cups); Sweet and sour sauce or other Asian dipping sauce (such as La Choy brand), for serving (optional)

Jump to Recipe·5 from 15 reviews

If you’re craving a snack that’s crispy, savory, and just downright addictive, you’ve got to try my Turkey Egg Rolls with Crispy Filling Recipe. These aren’t your ordinary egg rolls—they’re packed with seasoned ground turkey and vibrant veggies, wrapped up in a golden, crunchy shell that’s perfect for dunking in sweet and sour sauce. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll want to keep a batch in your freezer for whenever the snack attack hits.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Healthy Twist: Using lean ground turkey keeps these egg rolls lighter but still packed with flavor.
Easy to Make: The filling comes together quickly, and wrapping egg rolls becomes a fun little ritual.
Crispy Perfection: Whether you fry or bake them, the wrappers crisp up beautifully every time.
Perfect Party Food: These egg rolls are a crowd-pleaser—great for appetizers or casual dinners.

Turkey Egg Rolls with Crispy Filling, turkey egg rolls recipe, healthy egg roll ideas, easy crispy egg rolls, savory turkey appetizer - The image shows several golden brown egg rolls arranged neatly on a silver cooling rack. Each egg roll has a crispy, bubbly texture with a tightly wrapped, cylindrical shape and some have small darkened, slightly burnt edges. They sit elevated from the white marbled surface beneath, creating slight shadows below the rack. The color varies from light to medium golden, indicating they are fried to a crunchy finish. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Turkey Egg Rolls with Crispy Filling Recipe plays a starring role to deliver that satisfying crunch and fresh flavor you expect from great egg rolls. When I shop for these, I aim for fresh veggies that still have a bit of snap to them because they hold up best inside the wrapper.

Turkey Egg Rolls with Crispy Filling, turkey egg rolls recipe, healthy egg roll ideas, easy crispy egg rolls, savory turkey appetizer - Flat lay of fresh, uncracked brown egg, a small white ceramic bowl of vegetable oil, a small white ceramic bowl of soy sauce, a small white ceramic bowl of sesame oil, a small white ceramic bowl of minced fresh garlic, a small white ceramic bowl of peeled and minced fresh ginger, a small white ceramic bowl of Chinese five spice powder, a small white ceramic bowl of chopped green onions, a small white ceramic bowl of shredded green cabbage, a small white ceramic bowl of matchstick carrots, a small white ceramic bowl of diced red bell pepper, a simple white ceramic plate holding raw, pink ground turkey, and a neat stack of thin, square, pale yellow egg roll wrappers, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Ground turkey: Lean but flavorful, this protein base cooks quickly and soaks up the seasoning beautifully.
Vegetable oil: Used for cooking and frying, it has a neutral flavor and high smoke point perfect for crisping up rolls.
Bell pepper: Adds a subtle sweetness and color contrast you can’t miss.
Garlic and ginger: These aromatics bring that classic Asian flair to the filling.
Green onions: Bright and fresh, they add a subtle onion kick with minimal bite.
Green cabbage and matchstick carrots: They provide crunch and natural sweetness, balancing the savory meat.
Soy sauce and sesame oil: These two lend that umami and nutty depth that’s key to flavorful filling.
Chinese five spice: A sprinkle introduces warm, exotic notes to surprise your palate.
Egg roll wrappers: The crispy outer shell that holds it all together, look for fresh or refrigerated ones for the best texture.
Egg: Acts as the glue to seal each roll perfectly, so they don’t open during cooking.
Sweet and sour sauce (optional): My go-to dip that cuts through the richness and adds a tangy punch.

Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Make It Your Way

I love mixing things up with this Turkey Egg Rolls with Crispy Filling Recipe. Sometimes I add mushrooms or swap in ground chicken for a twist. Don’t be shy to make it yours—these egg rolls are super forgiving and easy to customize!

Variation: Adding finely chopped shiitake mushrooms gives a deeper umami flavor, which I discovered after trying it with leftover mushrooms in the fridge—delicious!
Diet-friendly tweak: For gluten-free options, look for rice paper wrappers instead of traditional egg roll wrappers, and bake instead of fry.
Heat factor: Toss in some chili garlic sauce to the filling or serve with a spicy dipping sauce if you love some heat.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Turkey Egg Rolls with Crispy Filling Recipe

Step 1: Cooking the juicy ground turkey

Start by heating half a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey, breaking it apart with your spoon or spatula, and cook until it’s fully browned and there’s no pink left. This usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Once cooked, transfer it to a plate to keep it separate from the vegetables. I like doing this to avoid overcooking the turkey while prepping the rest of the filling.

Step 2: Sauté the crunch and aromatics

In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil and toss in the chopped bell pepper. Sauté for about one minute to soften slightly, then add green onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté another 30 seconds—this is when your kitchen will start smelling amazing! Next, stir in the shredded cabbage and matchstick carrots and cook until they just wilt, around 1 to 2 minutes. You want the vegetables tender but with a bit of crunch to keep the filling lively.

Step 3: Season and combine for that signature flavor

Return the cooked turkey to the pan. Pour in the soy sauce and drizzle the sesame oil. Sprinkle the Chinese five spice all over, then give everything a good toss to make sure the flavors are evenly distributed. This mixture is the heart of your egg rolls, so taste and adjust seasoning if you feel it needs a pinch more soy sauce or spice. Transfer the filling to a sheet of foil or a shallow dish to cool for about 10 minutes — cooling helps when you’re wrapping, so the filling isn’t too hot to handle.

Step 4: Wrapping – the fun part!

Lay one egg roll wrapper on a clean surface, with one corner pointing toward you, like a diamond. Place a scant 1/4 cup of filling horizontally across the center. Dip your finger into the beaten egg and brush a little on the upper corner and both side corners — this is your glue, so don’t skip it! Fold the bottom corner up over the filling, then fold in the left and right sides snugly. Press down gently to keep the filling compact, then roll it up tightly toward the top corner. I find the tighter, the better—less mess when frying!

Step 5: Frying or baking until golden crisp

If you’re frying, heat about 6 to 8 cups of vegetable oil in a deep pot or skillet to 370°F. Fry the rolls in batches of about five to keep the temperature steady, turning once halfway through. It usually takes 2 to 3 minutes to get that beautiful golden finish. Drain on paper towels to catch any extra oil.

If baking, preheat your oven to 425°F and grease a baking sheet. Place the wrapped rolls on the sheet, brush them with oil on both sides, then bake for 11 minutes. Flip and bake another 7 to 9 minutes until they’re crisp and golden brown. Baking is a great hands-off option and less oily, but still delicious!

Pro Tips for Making Turkey Egg Rolls with Crispy Filling Recipe

Cool the filling: Wrapping gets way easier if your filling isn’t piping hot—let it rest for 10 minutes after cooking.
Seal it tight: Use plenty of beaten egg to glue the edges, so the rolls don’t unravel during cooking.
Don’t overcrowd the fryer: Cooking too many egg rolls at once drops the oil temperature and can make them soggy instead of crispy.
Drain well: After frying, lay the egg rolls on paper towels immediately to soak up excess oil and keep them perfectly crispy.

How to Serve Turkey Egg Rolls with Crispy Filling Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle chopped green onions and a few sesame seeds on top if serving these for a party—it adds a fresh, pretty touch. I also love a little drizzle of sriracha mayo for those who like a spicy creamy dip alongside the sweet and sour.

Side Dishes

These egg rolls pair wonderfully with simple steamed jasmine rice or fried rice to make a meal. If you want to keep it light, try serving with a side of crunchy Asian slaw dressed in a zingy vinaigrette.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, I’ve arranged these Turkey Egg Rolls with Crispy Filling on a large platter with little bowls of dips scattered around. Adding fresh herb sprigs like cilantro or mint around the platter not only looks beautiful but adds aroma when you serve. Mini bamboo steamers make an adorable serving vessel if you want to up the presentation game for a special occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to store leftover cooked egg rolls in an airtight container lined with paper towels in the fridge. The paper towels help absorb moisture, so the wrappers stay crisp longer. They usually keep well for 3 to 4 days.

Freezing

This Turkey Egg Rolls with Crispy Filling Recipe freezes really well. Just wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. When you want some, you can either bake them from frozen or let them thaw in the fridge overnight and then fry or bake.

Reheating

To keep them crispy on reheating, I recommend reheating egg rolls in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes. Avoid microwaving because it can make the wrappers soggy.

FAQs

Can I make these Turkey Egg Rolls with Crispy Filling Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the ground turkey for finely chopped mushrooms, tofu, or even lentils. Keep the same seasoning and vegetables to maintain that delicious flavor balance.
What’s the best oil for frying egg rolls?

Vegetable oil or canola oil works best because of their high smoke points and neutral flavors, which won’t overpower the filling.
Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes! Baking is a fantastic alternative if you want to cut back on oil. Just brush them with a bit of oil and bake at 425°F, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
How do I prevent the egg rolls from falling apart?

The key is to use beaten egg as glue on the wrapper edges and to not overfill. Firmly pressing and rolling tightly will keep everything snug inside.
Can I prep these ahead of time?

You bet! Wrap all your egg rolls and keep them uncooked in the fridge for a day or freeze them for longer storage. Fry or bake when you’re ready.

Final Thoughts

I’ve made this Turkey Egg Rolls with Crispy Filling Recipe countless times, whether for a cozy night in or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. There’s something so satisfying about that perfect crunch followed by that rich, flavorful filling. I promise, once you try making these, they’ll become your go-to snack or party dish, just like they have for me. So grab those wrappers, fire up your skillet or oven, and let’s roll!