2cupscooking oilvegetable, canola or peanut oil for deep frying
For the Cornstarch Slurry
1tablespooncornstarch
1/4cupwater
Instructions
Prepare the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, wine, pepper and cornstarch. Add in the chicken and mix well. Let marinate for 10 minutes (or up to overnight in the refrigerator).
Heat a wok or large saute pan over high heat. When hot, swirl in just 1 tablespoon of the cooking oil. Stir fry the ground chicken until browned. Remove browned ground chicken from wok to a bowl and set aside.
Wipe the wok clean and turn heat to medium. When just starting to get hot, swirl in the remaining cooking oil. Add in the green onion, garlic and ginger and cook for 30 seconds. Take care not to burn these aromatics. Add in the carrots and cabbage. Stir well and turn the heat to medium-high. Stir fry the vegetables for 2 minutes, or until the carrots have softened. Add the cooked chicken back into the wok, stir well. Add in the oyster sauce and toss again. Spread the mixture out on a baking sheet to let cool. Prop up the baking sheet on one end so that any liquid collects on the other side. When the mixture is cool, discard the liquid.
Wrapping Spring Rolls
Mix cornstarch slurry: in a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water. Open the egg roll wrapper package, cover with barely damp towel to prevent drying out.
Add 1 tablespoon of filling to egg roll (see photos for instructions) and roll up. Secure with cornstarch slurry. Keep rolled egg rolls covered with plastic wrap to prevent drying.
Frying Spring Rolls
When ready to fry, heat 1 1/2" of oil in a wok or deep, heavy skillet to 350F (see tip in photos if you don't have thermometer). Carefully slide in the egg rolls, a few at a time, to the oil to fry. Turn the egg rolls occassionally to brown evenly and fry for about 3 minutes. Let cool on rack. Repeat with remaining.
Notes
Feel free to use ground pork, beef, chicken or turkey in this recipe. Chinese rice wine is an optional ingredient, substitute with dry sherry (or just leave it out). To Freeze Spring Rolls: After rolling the spring rolls (but before frying), insert them in a freezer bag, in a single layer. Try not to overcrowd. Close bag, freeze. Frying Frozen Spring Rolls: When ready to cook, you'll go from freezer to frying, no defrosting necessary. Defrosting the spring rolls will make them soggy, wrinkly and ugly. Prepare your deep fryer (or wok with frying oil). When oil is 350F, use long tongs or a spider gently lower a few frozen spring rolls into the oil. Please be careful, any ice crystals will splatter in the oil. To Reheat Leftover Spring Rolls: Heat your toaster oven or oven to 300F. Place Spring Rolls on a rack and into the oven. Bake for about 5-7 minutes, until crispy.