Crispy, golden, and absolutely bursting with bold flavor—these Mexican Eggrolls are the ultimate answer to busy weeknight cravings. With a zesty, savory filling of chorizo, refried beans, smoky chipotles, and crumbled queso fresco all wrapped in a crunchy shell, these treats are impossibly easy, outrageously satisfying, and guaranteed to disappear fast. Serve them with a tangy cilantro-lime crema and you’ve got a complete party on a plate. Cooking these couldn’t be simpler—no tricky steps or obscure ingredients, just pure flavor and weeknight-friendly ease.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and No-Fuss: You’ll have these hot and crispy in under an hour, with most of that being hands-off time. Perfect for any weeknight dinner or spontaneous get-together.
- Bold, Layered Flavors: Between the spicy chorizo, creamy beans, fresh cabbage crunch, and salty queso fresco, every bite bursts with Tex-Mex excitement.
- Fun to Make and Eat: Rolling eggrolls feels creative and hands-on, great for involving family or friends in the kitchen.
- Customizable: This recipe is endlessly adaptable—keep reading for swaps and fun variations!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather these pantry-friendly, flavor-packed ingredients for your Mexican Eggrolls:
- Mexican Chorizo: Brings spicy, garlicky, and mildly smoky notes; make sure to use Mexican (not Spanish) chorizo for best results.
- Egg Roll Wrappers: The crispy shell that showcases all the delicious filling.
- Refried Beans: Adds creamy texture and holds the filling together.
- Onion: Diced for sweetness and aromatics; sautéing brings out its depth.
- Chipotle Peppers in Adobo: These smoky, spicy peppers are the secret weapon; adjust quantity for more or less heat.
- Shredded Cabbage: Adds a fresh, crunchy bite that lightens things up.
- Queso Fresco: Soft, crumbly, and just salty enough to brighten each bite.
- Fresh Cilantro: Herbaceous zing; mix some in and save a sprinkle for garnish.
- Vegetable Oil: For frying—neutral, so it won’t overshadow the bold filling.
- Mexican Crema: Silky and slightly tangy, perfect for that cooling crema.
- Lime Juice: Brightens up the dipping sauce and cuts through rich flavors.
- Salt: Just a pinch in the crema to tie it all together.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Variations
Let your creativity shine! Try one of these twists to make the recipe your own:
- Go Veggie: Swap out chorizo for sautéed mushrooms or mashed black beans for a vegetarian version.
- Add Veggies: Mix in finely diced bell peppers or corn for even more color and texture.
- Different Cheese: Can’t find queso fresco? Try shredded Monterey Jack, cheddar, or even pepper jack for extra kick.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free egg roll wrappers, or turn the filling into crispy taquitos with corn tortillas.
- Heat Level: For milder eggrolls, use fewer chipotle peppers; for the spice-lovers, toss in a handful of pickled jalapeños.
How to Make Mexican Eggrolls
Step 1: Cook the Chorizo and Onion
Warm up a pan over medium-high heat and sizzle the chorizo for about 10 minutes—trust me, your kitchen will smell amazing. Add the diced onion and sauté another 5 minutes until soft and fragrant. Scoop the mixture into a big bowl.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
To your chorizo-onion bowl, stir in the refried beans and diced chipotle peppers in adobo. This blend becomes hearty and flavorful—the ideal “base layer” for your eggrolls.
Step 3: Assemble the Eggrolls
Lay out your egg roll wrappers. Place a generous spoonful of your chorizo mixture in the center, then top with crunchy cabbage, crumbled queso fresco, and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro. To roll: fold in the sides, then roll up tightly from bottom to top, sealing the edge with a dab of water.
Step 4: Fry to Perfection
Pour about ½ inch of vegetable oil into a large skillet and heat to 350°F. Fry a few eggrolls at a time (don’t overcrowd) until perfectly golden and crisp, about 2 minutes per side. Set them on a paper towel–lined plate to drain.
Step 5: Make the Cilantro-Lime Crema
Whisk together Mexican crema, a squeeze of fresh lime, chopped cilantro, and a pinch of salt. It’s cool, zesty, and unbelievably good with hot eggrolls.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Pile the eggrolls onto a platter, set out the crema, and let everyone dip, crunch, and smile.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Don’t Overstuff: A little restraint goes a long way! Overfilling can lead to bursting in the oil.
- Seal Well: Dampening the egg roll wrapper edge with water helps seal the rolls and prevents leaks during frying.
- Fry in Batches: Crowding the pan drops the oil temp and leads to soggy, uneven results. Be patient; it’s worth it!
- Drain Thoroughly: A quick rest on paper towels removes extra oil and keeps eggrolls satisfyingly crisp.
How to Serve
Mexican eggrolls make an unforgettable appetizer, a fun weeknight dinner, or a vibrant party snack. For a meal, pair with:
- Mexican Rice or a Simple Green Salad: Adds balance and color.
- Avocado Slices or Guacamole: Creamy, cooling, and essential with all those bold flavors!
- Pickled Red Onions or Jalapeños: If you love a little tang.
- Extra Cilantro-Lime Crema and Salsa: For lots of dipping and drizzling.
Serve immediately while they’re hot and crispy—the contrast with cool crema is unbeatable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pop cooled eggrolls in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The crema lasts just as long in a covered bowl.
Freezing
Freeze eggrolls before frying for best results: Arrange on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Fry straight from the freezer—just add an extra minute or two to the cook time.
Reheating
To keep their crunch, reheat in a 400°F oven or air fryer for 5–10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Avoid microwaving, which can zap the crispiness.
FAQs
Can I bake these eggrolls instead of frying?
Absolutely. Brush rolled eggrolls with oil and bake at 425°F for about 18–20 minutes, turning once—they’ll get golden, though not quite as shatteringly crisp as frying.
Can I make these eggrolls ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the eggrolls up to a day ahead and keep them covered in the fridge until ready to fry or bake. The crema can also be made a day in advance.
Is it possible to use another type of sausage?
If you can’t get Mexican chorizo, spicy Italian sausage (cooked, casings removed) or seasoned ground beef with paprika, cumin, and chili powder work beautifully.
Can I use store-bought crema alternatives?
No crema? No problem. Substitute with sour cream or Greek yogurt mixed with a splash of milk and lime juice for a similar effect.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something irresistible about these Mexican Eggrolls—the crisp shell, the melty, smoky-spicy center, the bright crema for dipping. They’re perfect for a fun, fuss-free dinner or party spread. Don’t be afraid to riff and make this recipe your own! Once you try them, they’re sure to join your regular dinner rotation. Happy cooking!
PrintMexican Eggrolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 24 eggrolls 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Halal
Description
Mexican Eggrolls combine the rich and spicy flavors of chorizo, beans, chipotle, and queso fresco, all rolled inside crispy wrappers. Paired with a refreshing cilantro-lime crema, these fried delights make for an irresistible appetizer or snack that’s bursting with authentic Mexican taste in every bite.
Ingredients
Eggroll Filling
- 9 ounces Mexican chorizo
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 (16 ounce) can refried beans
- 1/4 cup chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, drained and chopped
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 10 ounces queso fresco, crumbled
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
For Rolling and Frying
- 24 egg roll wrappers
- 2 cups vegetable oil, for frying
Cilantro-Lime Crema
- 1/2 cup Mexican crema
- 1 lime, juiced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Cook the Chorizo and Onions: In a skillet over medium-high heat, sauté 9 ounces of Mexican chorizo for about 10 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks. Add the diced onion and continue to sauté for 5 additional minutes until the onion is soft. Remove from the pan and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Prepare the Filling: Add the refried beans and chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the bowl with the chorizo-onion mixture. Stir until everything is well combined.
- Assemble the Eggrolls: Lay out the egg roll wrappers. Place a spoonful of the meat and bean mixture in the center of each wrapper, followed by some shredded cabbage, crumbled queso fresco, and fresh cilantro. Roll up each wrapper tightly, sealing the edges with a little water.
- Fry the Eggrolls: Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet to a depth of about 1/2 inch and heat to 350°F (175°C). Working in batches of 3-4, fry the eggrolls for about 2 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Adjust heat as necessary to maintain temperature. Transfer cooked eggrolls to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Make the Cilantro-Lime Crema: In a small bowl, whisk together the Mexican crema, lime juice, chopped cilantro, and salt until smooth and well combined.
- Serve: Serve eggrolls warm, accompanied by the cilantro-lime crema for dipping.
Notes
- Keep egg roll wrappers covered with a damp towel to prevent drying while assembling.
- Adjust the spiciness by using more or less chipotle pepper.
- Serve immediately for the crispest texture.
- Substitute queso fresco with feta or Monterey Jack if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 eggroll
- Calories: 287 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 287mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 19mg