Egg Rolls

Egg rolls are a staple of the Chinese American restaurant menu. They do not exist as such in China. The basic egg roll filling is a mixture of chopped Chinese cabbage flavored with slivers of roast pork, minced shrimp, and a little carrot for color. Celery, water chestnuts, and Chinese mushrooms also may be added. A few tablespoons of filling are placed on a sheet of dough (sometimes made with egg), which is folded into a short, cylindrical pillow. The roll is then deep-fried until brown and served hot, usually with a little dish of sweet and sour plum sauce for dipping.