Ruben Egg Rolls Recipe: The Ultimate Fusion Food!

Craving the comforting flavors of a classic Reuben sandwich but looking for a fun, shareable twist? Look no further! These Reuben Egg Rolls are the answer to your culinary prayers. Imagine crispy, golden-brown egg roll wrappers bursting with tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, melted Swiss cheese, and that iconic Thousand Island dressing. They’re the perfect appetizer for game day, a unique party snack, or even a satisfying weeknight meal. These aren’t just egg rolls; they’re a flavor explosion in every bite!

This recipe takes all the beloved elements of a Reuben and expertly packages them into a crispy, portable package. Forget messy sandwiches; these egg rolls are easy to eat, surprisingly elegant, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this unexpected and utterly delicious take on a classic.

Why This Recipe Works

This Reuben Egg Roll recipe isn’t just about throwing ingredients into a wrapper and hoping for the best. It’s a carefully crafted balance of flavors and textures that delivers the authentic Reuben experience in egg roll form. Here’s why it works so well:

• The Right Ratio: We’ve perfected the ratio of corned beef, sauerkraut, cheese, and dressing to ensure each bite is perfectly balanced. Too much of one ingredient can throw off the entire experience.
• Proper Preparation: Draining the sauerkraut is crucial! Excess moisture will result in soggy egg rolls. We’ll show you the best way to remove that excess liquid.
• Crispy Wrapper Technique: Our frying instructions are designed to achieve that perfect golden-brown, crispy exterior without overcooking the filling.
• Thousand Island Perfection: Using a good quality Thousand Island dressing is key. Feel free to use your favorite store-bought brand or even make your own for an extra special touch.
• Cheese Matters: Swiss cheese is the traditional choice for a Reuben, and its nutty, slightly tangy flavor perfectly complements the other ingredients. Don’t substitute it with cheddar!

Ingredients

• 1 pound cooked corned beef, thinly sliced and chopped
• 1 (14 ounce) can sauerkraut, well drained and chopped
• 8 ounces Swiss cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Thousand Island dressing, plus more for dipping
• 1 package (20 count) egg roll wrappers
• 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions

1. Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the chopped corned beef, well-drained sauerkraut, shredded Swiss cheese, and 1/2 cup of Thousand Island dressing. Mix thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. Drain the Sauerkraut (Important!): Place the sauerkraut in a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towels. Squeeze firmly to remove as much excess moisture as possible. This step is crucial to prevent soggy egg rolls.
3. Assemble the Egg Rolls: Place an egg roll wrapper on a clean, dry surface with one point facing you (diamond shape).
4. Fill the Wrapper: Spoon about 1/4 cup of the corned beef mixture onto the center of the wrapper.
5. Fold and Roll: Fold the bottom corner over the filling. Fold in the left and right corners towards the center, overlapping slightly. Brush the top corner with the beaten egg.
6. Seal the Egg Roll: Roll the egg roll tightly away from you, pressing gently to seal the edges. The egg wash will help to create a secure seal.
7. Repeat: Repeat steps 3-6 with the remaining egg roll wrappers and filling.
8. Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven until it reaches a depth of about 2 inches. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350-375°F (175-190°C). Use a deep-fry thermometer to monitor the temperature.
9. Fry the Egg Rolls: Carefully place 3-4 egg rolls into the hot oil at a time, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in greasy egg rolls.
10. Fry Until Golden: Fry the egg rolls for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
11. Drain on Paper Towels: Remove the egg rolls from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
12. Serve Immediately: Serve the Reuben Egg Rolls immediately with extra Thousand Island dressing for dipping.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overfill: Overfilling the egg rolls will make them difficult to roll and prone to bursting during frying.
• Seal Tightly: A tight seal is essential to prevent the filling from leaking out during frying. Make sure to use the egg wash generously.
• Maintain Oil Temperature: Maintaining a consistent oil temperature is crucial for achieving crispy, evenly cooked egg rolls. Use a deep-fry thermometer and adjust the heat as needed.
• Work in Batches: Frying the egg rolls in batches prevents overcrowding and ensures that the oil temperature remains consistent.
• Use Quality Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the flavor of the egg rolls. Use good quality corned beef, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing.
• Spice it Up: For a little extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling.
• Alternative Cooking Method: While frying delivers the crispiest results, you can also bake these egg rolls. Brush them with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown. They won’t be as crispy as fried, but still delicious.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerating: Cooked Reuben Egg Rolls are best enjoyed immediately, but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. They will lose some of their crispness upon refrigeration.

Reheating: To reheat refrigerated egg rolls, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the egg rolls on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. You can also reheat them in an air fryer for a few minutes.

Freezing: While not ideal, you can freeze cooked Reuben Egg Rolls. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 1-2 months. When ready to eat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat them in the oven or air fryer as described above. Be aware that the texture may change slightly after freezing and thawing.

FAQ

Can I use pastrami instead of corned beef?

Absolutely! Pastrami is a delicious alternative to corned beef in this recipe. It will give the egg rolls a slightly different flavor profile, but still very enjoyable.

Can I make these ahead of time?

You can assemble the egg rolls ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before frying. Cover them with a damp paper towel to prevent the wrappers from drying out. However, for the best results, fry them just before serving.

What can I serve with Reuben Egg Rolls?

These egg rolls are delicious on their own as an appetizer or snack. You can also serve them with a side of coleslaw, potato salad, or French fries for a more complete meal. Don’t forget extra Thousand Island dressing for dipping!

Can I make these vegetarian?

While the traditional Reuben relies heavily on corned beef, you could experiment with a vegetarian version. Consider using a vegetarian corned beef substitute or a combination of sauteed mushrooms and lentils to mimic the texture and flavor. Just be sure to adjust the seasonings accordingly.

Conclusion

These Reuben Egg Rolls are a delightful and unexpected way to enjoy the classic flavors of a Reuben sandwich. They’re easy to make, fun to eat, and guaranteed to be a hit at your next gathering. So, ditch the bread and embrace the crispy, savory goodness of these irresistible egg rolls. You won’t be disappointed!