If you’re hunting for a delicious way to transform Thanksgiving leftovers into a mouthwatering snack or meal, look no further than this Easy Leftover Turkey Egg Rolls Recipe. It’s a fantastic way to breathe new life into turkey, combining tender, savory meat with crisp coleslaw mix and vibrant seasonings, all wrapped in a golden, crunchy egg roll wrapper. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a fun twist on traditional turkey, these egg rolls deliver unbeatable flavor and satisfying texture in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Leftover Turkey Egg Rolls Recipe is how straightforward yet impactful the ingredients are. Each one offers a special touch that builds layers of flavor and texture — from the crunchy freshness of coleslaw mix to the warm, comforting spices that enhance the turkey.
- Egg roll wrappers: The crisp, golden exterior that holds all the delicious filling together perfectly.
- Coleslaw mix: Adds a fresh, crunchy contrast that keeps each bite light and satisfying.
- Cooked turkey (finely chopped): The star of the dish, providing savory richness and a hearty bite.
- Garlic powder: Brings a gentle warmth and subtle depth to brighten the flavors.
- Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the ingredients’ natural tastes.
- Ground black pepper: Adds a slight kick and earthy notes for balanced flavor.
- Ground ginger: A slight zing that complements the turkey beautifully.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Introduces umami richness without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Vegetable or peanut oil: Perfect for crisping the egg rolls to a golden perfection.
How to Make Easy Leftover Turkey Egg Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by combining the coleslaw mix, finely chopped turkey, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, ground ginger, and soy sauce in a large bowl. Mix well to make sure every piece of turkey and cabbage is evenly coated with that delicious seasoning blend.
Step 2: Fill the Wrappers
Lay out an egg roll wrapper and place about one-third of a cup of the filling diagonally on it. This amount ensures each egg roll is packed with just the right balance of filling and wrapper for a perfect bite.
Step 3: Fold the Bottom Corner
Fold the bottom corner of the wrapper over the filling, rolling it snugly halfway up to cover the mixture. This initial fold helps contain the filling, preventing spills when you roll it fully.
Step 4: Fold in the Sides
Next, fold both sides tightly against the filling, moisturizing the edges with a bit of water. Press down gently to seal the folds—this secures the filling and starts forming the classic egg roll shape.
Step 5: Finish Rolling and Seal
Roll the wrapper up tightly to the top edge. Moisten the flap with water and press it down to seal completely. This seal is crucial for holding your egg roll together during frying, locking in all those amazing flavors.
Step 6: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat about half an inch of vegetable or peanut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches around 350 degrees. Carefully place the egg rolls seam side down in the hot oil, a few at a time to avoid overcrowding. Turn occasionally and fry them until they’re crisp and golden brown — just 2 to 3 minutes, so keep an eye on them.
Step 7: Drain and Cool Slightly
Once golden and crispy, remove the egg rolls and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. This step keeps them crunchy without feeling greasy.
Step 8: Serve Immediately
These egg rolls are simply irresistible served hot, especially alongside leftover cranberry sauce for a sweet and tangy dip that complements their savory flavors beautifully.
How to Serve Easy Leftover Turkey Egg Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds adds a fresh touch and a little extra burst of flavor. These simple garnishes can elevate the presentation and taste of your egg rolls wonderfully.
Side Dishes
Pair these egg rolls with a crisp green salad or some steamed veggies for a balanced meal. Light and fresh sides keep the focus on the crispy, flavorful egg rolls without weighing down the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Use fun dipping sauces beyond cranberry, like a spicy mayo or sweet chili sauce, to switch things up. For parties, arrange the egg rolls standing upright in a basket lined with parchment for a casual, shareable appetizer vibe everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover turkey egg rolls, allow them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh and ready to reheat for a quick snack or second meal.
Freezing
These egg rolls freeze beautifully. Before frying, arrange them on a baking sheet so they do not touch, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, fry straight from frozen—no thawing needed! This makes it easy to whip them up anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, place the egg rolls on a baking sheet and warm in a 350-degree oven for about 10 minutes to refresh their crispiness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the wrappers soggy rather than crispy.
FAQs
Can I use other leftover meats instead of turkey?
Absolutely! This recipe is very flexible. Leftover chicken or even pork would work wonderfully, bringing their own unique flavors to the egg rolls while using the same tasty seasoning blend.
Do I have to deep-fry the egg rolls?
Nope! While frying gives you that classic crunch, you can also bake the egg rolls at 400 degrees for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a lighter version that’s still deliciously crispy.
What can I use if I don’t have coleslaw mix?
Simply shred your own cabbage and carrots, or even add some shredded zucchini or bell pepper for a fresh, colorful twist. The fresh crunch is key, so any crunchy veggie blend works great.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely! These egg rolls are easy to eat with hands and mild in flavor. You can adjust the pepper and spices to suit your child’s taste, making it a fun way to introduce them to leftover turkey.
Can I make these egg rolls ahead of time for a party?
Yes! Assemble the egg rolls up to step 5 and refrigerate them on a tray covered with plastic wrap for a few hours. Fry or bake just before serving to keep them fresh and crispy.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly satisfying about reinventing leftovers into a crispy, flavorful treat, and this Easy Leftover Turkey Egg Rolls Recipe hits all the right notes. Whether you’re feeding family or entertaining friends, these egg rolls turn simple ingredients into something special. Give them a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy leftover turkey!
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
This Easy Leftover Turkey Egg Roll recipe transforms leftover turkey and coleslaw mix into crispy, flavorful egg rolls. Perfect for a quick appetizer or snack, these homemade egg rolls are pan-fried to golden perfection and served with a tangy cranberry sauce for added zest.
Ingredients
Filling
- 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 Assembly
- 1 package egg roll wrappers
For Frying
- 1 cup vegetable or peanut oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, finely chopped cooked turkey, garlic powder, kosher salt, ground black pepper, ground ginger, and low-sodium soy sauce. Mix thoroughly to ensure flavors are evenly distributed.
- Wrap the Egg Rolls – Step 1: Place an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface. Spoon about 1/3 cup of the coleslaw and turkey mixture diagonally onto the wrapper, near one corner.
- Wrap the Egg Rolls – Step 2: Fold the bottom corner of the wrapper over the filling and roll snugly halfway to enclose the mixture.
- Seal the Sides: Fold in both the left and right sides tightly against the filling to create a neat package. Moisten the edges of the flaps with water using your finger and press down to seal.
- Finish Rolling: Continue rolling the wrapper upward, sealing the top edge with a bit more water to ensure the egg roll is securely closed.
- Heat the Oil: Pour about 1/2 inch of vegetable or peanut oil into a large skillet and heat over medium-high until it reaches approximately 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the Egg Rolls: Place a few egg rolls seam side down into the hot oil. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden brown and crispy. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Drain Excess Oil: Remove the fried egg rolls from the skillet and place them on paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
- Serve: Serve the egg rolls immediately, optionally paired with leftover cranberry sauce for a delicious dipping option.
Notes
- Be sure not to overfill the egg rolls to prevent tearing during rolling or frying.
- If you don’t have low-sodium soy sauce, regular soy sauce can be used but may increase the saltiness.
- Make sure the oil temperature is hot enough before frying to achieve a crispy texture without absorbing too much oil.
- You can substitute peanut oil with vegetable oil if preferred, but peanut oil gives a better flavor and higher smoke point.
- Leftover cranberry sauce is an excellent pairing but can be replaced with sweet chili sauce or duck sauce.
