Southwestern Egg Rolls

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Southwestern Egg Rolls are a fun twist on traditional egg rolls, offering a bold combination of savory flavors and textures. The seasoned chicken, black beans, and corn create a hearty filling, while the melted pepperjack cheese brings in a little heat and creaminess. The addition of fresh cilantro and lime juice gives it a zesty, refreshing kick. The creamy avocado ranch sauce provides the perfect dip to complement the flavors, making these egg rolls irresistible. They’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for sharing!

Ingredients for Avocado Ranch:

• ¾ cup SideDish Classic Ranch
• ½ avocado
• 1 tablespoon lime juice

Ingredients for Egg Rolls:

• 1 tablespoon + ¼ cup avocado oil
• ½ cup finely diced red bell pepper
• ½ cup finely diced red onion
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• One 15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1 cup small-diced rotisserie chicken
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (Tapatio or your favorite)
• 4 cups baby spinach
• ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded pepperjack cheese (or Monterey Jack as a substitute)
• ¼ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
• 8 burrito-sized flour tortillas

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the Avocado Ranch:

1. In a blender or food processor, combine the ranch dressing, avocado, and lime juice. Blend until smooth and creamy. Set aside for dipping.

For the Egg Rolls:

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the red bell pepper, red onion, and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender and aromatic.
2. Add the chili powder, cumin, kosher salt, and pepper to the pan, stirring to combine. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to toast the spices.
3. Add the black beans, corn, rotisserie chicken, lime juice, and hot sauce to the skillet. Stir well to combine and cook for 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
4. Add the spinach and chicken broth to the pan. Stir until the spinach wilts and the mixture becomes a bit saucy. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
5. Once the mixture has cooled enough to handle, stir in the shredded pepperjack cheese and chopped cilantro. This will create a cheesy, flavorful filling.
6. Lay the flour tortillas flat on a clean surface. Spoon about ¼ cup of the filling onto each tortilla and spread it into a line in the center.
7. Carefully fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling, then roll it up tightly from the bottom, sealing the edges.
8. Heat the remaining ¼ cup of avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the egg rolls in batches, cooking for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
9. Remove the egg rolls from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Serving:

Serve the hot, crispy Southwestern Egg Rolls with the creamy avocado ranch sauce for dipping. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8 egg rolls
• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 15-20 minutes
• Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and add extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or more beans to make these egg rolls vegetarian-friendly.
• Spicy Egg Rolls: Add more hot sauce or some finely chopped jalapeños to the filling for extra heat.
• Baked Egg Rolls: For a lighter option, bake the egg rolls at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes or until golden and crispy, brushing them with a bit of oil before baking.

Storage/Reheating

• Store leftover egg rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their crispiness.
• These egg rolls can also be frozen. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. To reheat, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until hot and crispy.

FAQs

1. Can I use flour tortillas of a different size?

Yes, you can use smaller tortillas, but you’ll need to adjust the amount of filling you put inside each one.

2. Can I make these egg rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the egg rolls up to the point of frying. Store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours and fry them when you’re ready to serve.

3. Can I bake these egg rolls instead of frying them?

Yes! You can brush the egg rolls with a little oil and bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes until crispy and golden.

4. Can I make the avocado ranch without ranch dressing?

Yes, you can make your own ranch dressing or substitute it with a different creamy dip like sour cream or Greek yogurt for a healthier option.

5. How can I make these egg rolls spicier?

You can add more hot sauce or finely chop some fresh jalapeños and add them to the filling for extra heat.

6. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach, but make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the filling to prevent excess moisture.

7. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, Monterey Jack, cheddar, or even a mix of cheeses would work well in this recipe. Feel free to customize it to your taste!

8. What can I serve these egg rolls with?

These egg rolls are great with the avocado ranch, but they would also pair well with salsa, guacamole, or a side of Mexican rice.

9. Can I make these egg rolls vegetarian?

Yes, just omit the chicken and add extra vegetables, black beans, or even sweet potatoes for a filling vegetarian option.

10. How do I prevent the egg rolls from leaking?

Make sure to seal the edges of the egg rolls tightly and don’t overstuff them. If you’re having trouble sealing, a little bit of water can help to secure the edges.

Conclusion

These Southwestern Egg Rolls are packed with flavor and texture, making them the perfect appetizer or snack for any occasion. With a creamy avocado ranch sauce on the side, they offer a wonderful balance of crispy, spicy, and creamy goodness that will have everyone coming back for more. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, these egg rolls are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection!

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