Crispy Chorizo Egg Rolls with Zesty Spicy Queso Dipping Sauce: Your Ultimate Appetizer
Chorizo Egg Rolls with Spicy Queso Dipping Sauce are the one snack you’ve been craving, even if you didn’t know it until now. Spicy, crispy, and dunked in endless amounts of cheeeeese. This innovative dish brings together the best of Mexican-inspired flavors with a beloved crispy Asian-style wrapper, creating an appetizer that’s impossible to resist.
I’m just emerging from what felt like a delicious, albeit exhausting, comatose stage after an absolutely incredible weekend. Two of my dearest friends tied the knot, and their wedding was every bit as magical and joy-filled as I could have possibly imagined. Amidst all the beautiful chaos, overwhelming emotions, and pure celebratory bliss, I somehow managed to log a grand total of merely eight hours of sleep over a solid 48-hour period.
Yes, I know, oops! But some moments are just too precious for sleep, right?
Yesterday, I was definitely riding the “struggle bus,” feeling the lingering effects of such an exhilarating few days. But thankfully, that bus is finally pulling off the highway and heading straight into Normalville, where I can finally catch my breath. And you know what else is an absolute lifesaver when you need to get back to normal, or simply elevate your spirits? Queso. Not just any queso, mind you, but spicy, rich, and wonderfully creamy queso that hugs your soul with every spoonful.
Why Chorizo Egg Rolls are Your Next Obsession
While I initially considered just whipping up a classic chorizo queso for you all, I wanted to inject some serious crunch into the experience—a crunch that went beyond your typical tortilla chip. That’s when inspiration struck: why not stuff that delicious chorizo into an egg roll wrapper? After all, you only live once, so why not make it utterly delicious? This idea birthed the incredible Chorizo Egg Rolls with Spicy Queso Dipping Sauce, a dish that combines the best of both worlds: the savory, spicy kick of Mexican chorizo wrapped in a perfectly golden, crispy shell, accompanied by an irresistible cheesy dip.
The combination is truly sensational. Each bite of the egg roll offers a delightful contrast of textures: the crisp exterior giving way to a warm, flavorful filling of cooked chorizo, crumbled queso fresco, and a hint of enchilada sauce with fresh cilantro. But the real magic happens when you dunk it into the velvety, spicy queso. It’s a flavor explosion that hits all the right notes – savory, spicy, creamy, and crunchy all at once. This isn’t just a snack; it’s an experience, an appetizer that will undoubtedly be the star of any gathering, from casual game nights to festive celebrations.
Elevating Flavors with Gourmet Garden Herbs and Pastes
One of the things I absolutely adore about this entire dish, and many others I create, is the invaluable assistance I get from my new favorite kitchen heroes: Gourmet Garden pastes and fresh herbs. Let’s be honest, while I truly love to cook, I am not the biggest fan of chopping up ten million different herbs. And especially when it comes to cilantro. Does anyone else out there struggle with chopping cilantro finely without making a complete mess or ending up with uneven pieces? Is that just me, or can someone please back me up here?
This is precisely why I am completely and utterly in the Gourmet Garden camp. Their pre-chopped herbs and flavorful pastes will fundamentally change the way you approach cooking. It makes everything so much easier and faster to have perfectly pre-chopped herbs readily available, or to reach for a ridiculously flavorful paste that instantly elevates your dish. For this recipe, the Gourmet Garden cilantro paste adds that fresh, herbaceous kick to the chorizo filling without any fuss. And while the original chile paste has been discontinued, the versatility of their other products, like the chili garlic paste (sambal), ensures that achieving that perfect level of spicy warmth in your queso is a breeze.
I’ve actually found myself consciously trying to find new and creative ways to incorporate Gourmet Garden products into even more random dishes, experimenting with them in cocktails and even desserts. You won’t believe the raspberry basil concoction I have coming later this week – it’s truly life-changing! Just sayin’, once you experience the convenience and consistent fresh flavor they bring, you’ll wonder how you ever cooked without them. They save precious time, minimize waste, and provide vibrant flavors that truly make your dishes sing.
Tips for Perfect Chorizo Egg Rolls and Spicy Queso
Mastering the Egg Roll Wrap:
- Don’t Overfill: While tempting, too much filling will make your egg rolls difficult to roll and prone to bursting during frying. Stick to the recommended 1½ to 2 tablespoons.
- Roll Tightly: A tight roll is crucial. It ensures the egg roll holds its shape, creates that satisfying crispiness, and prevents the filling from escaping.
- Seal with Care: The cornstarch and water mixture acts as your glue. Ensure all edges are well-sealed, especially the final seam, to prevent oil from seeping in or filling from seeping out.
Frying for Golden Perfection:
- Oil Temperature is Key: Maintain an oil temperature of 350°F (175°C). Too low, and the egg rolls will absorb too much oil and become greasy. Too high, and they’ll burn before the filling is fully heated through. Use a kitchen thermometer for accuracy.
- Fry in Batches: Don’t overcrowd the pot. Frying 3-4 egg rolls at a time helps maintain the oil temperature and ensures even cooking and browning.
- Drain Properly: Place fried egg rolls on a wire rack over paper towels to allow excess oil to drain off. This keeps them crispy.
Achieving Velvety Spicy Queso:
- Low and Slow: When melting the cheeses for the queso, use medium-low heat. This prevents the cheese from becoming greasy or seizing.
- Stir Constantly: Continuous stirring helps create a smooth, homogenous sauce and prevents sticking.
- Adjust Spice to Taste: The chili garlic paste (or sambal) brings the heat. Feel free to adjust the amount based on your preference for spice. A little extra cumin and garlic powder can also enhance the savory depth.
These Chorizo Egg Rolls with Spicy Queso Dipping Sauce are more than just a recipe; they’re an invitation to indulge in bold flavors and satisfying textures. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a cozy night in, or simply looking for an exciting new appetizer to add to your repertoire, this dish promises to deliver pure deliciousness. Get ready for crispy, savory, cheesy perfection!
Disclosure: I received free product from Gourmet Garden and was compensated for my time as part of this post. As always, all opinions and recipe are my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that support Cake ‘n Knife!
table of contents
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Chorizo Egg Rolls with Spicy Queso Dipping Sauce
ingredients
- 6 oz cooked chorizo
- 1 cups crumbled queso fresco
- 1/4 cup enchilada sauce
- 1/2 Tbsp Gourmet Garden cilantro paste
- 12 to 14 egg roll wrappers
- Oil for frying
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cup shredded Monterrey Jack
- 1 1/2 cup shredded white American cheese
- 1 Tbsp chili garlic paste sambal
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- Garnish: Gourmet Garden Cilantro
- 1/2 cup water (for cornstarch slurry)
- 1 Tbsp cornstarch (for slurry)
instructions
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For the Spicy Queso Dipping Sauce: In a medium saucepan, gently heat milk over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Stir in the shredded Monterrey Jack cheese, white American cheese, chili paste (or sambal), cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Continue to cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until all the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Reduce heat to low to keep the queso warm until you are ready to serve.
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For the Chorizo Egg Roll Filling: In a separate medium bowl, combine the cooked chorizo, crumbled queso fresco, enchilada sauce, and Gourmet Garden cilantro paste. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and evenly distributed.
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Prepare the Cornstarch Slurry: In a small bowl, whisk together the water and cornstarch until it forms a smooth, well-combined slurry. This will be used to seal the egg roll wrappers.
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Assemble the Egg Rolls: Begin by laying one egg roll wrapper flat on a clean, dry surface, orienting it so one of the corners points towards you (like a diamond). Dip your fingers into the cornstarch slurry and lightly spread it along all four edges of the egg roll wrapper. Spoon about 1½ to 2 tablespoons of the chorizo filling onto the corner closest to you, towards the center. Carefully lift the bottom corner of the wrapper up and begin to roll it away from you, making sure to tuck the corner tightly underneath the filling as you roll. Once you have rolled approximately halfway up the wrapper, fold in the left side, then the right side, towards the center of the roll. Continue rolling away from you until only the final top corner remains. Dip your fingers into the cornstarch mixture again and brush it over this final corner. Finish rolling tightly, then brush a little more of the cornstarch mixture along the seam to ensure it’s fully sealed. Place the finished egg roll seam-side down on a plate. It’s crucial to roll the egg rolls tightly; if they are too loose, they may unravel or fall apart during frying. Repeat this process for all remaining wrappers and filling.
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Fry the Egg Rolls: In a deep pot or Dutch oven, pour 4-5 inches of cooking oil. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Once the oil is at temperature, gently add the prepared egg rolls, frying no more than 3 or 4 at a time to avoid overcrowding and to maintain oil temperature. Turn them occasionally to ensure even browning. Fry until the egg rolls are beautifully golden brown and crispy on all sides, which typically takes about 2 minutes per batch. Using tongs, carefully remove the fried egg rolls and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil and cool slightly.
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Serve: Serve the hot, crispy Chorizo Egg Rolls immediately with the warm, spicy queso dipping sauce on the side. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh Gourmet Garden Cilantro if desired for an extra pop of color and freshness.
notes
Serving Suggestions and Customizations
These Chorizo Egg Rolls are incredibly versatile. While they shine as a standalone appetizer, consider serving them alongside a vibrant salsa or a dollop of sour cream for added coolness. They’re also fantastic for a tapas-style spread, paired with other small bites like mini empanadas or taquitos.
Feeling adventurous? Here are a few ideas to customize your egg rolls:
- Spice It Up (or Down): Increase the chili garlic paste in the queso for more heat, or reduce it for a milder dip. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chorizo filling.
- Add Veggies: Sauté some finely diced bell peppers, onions, or corn and mix them into the chorizo filling for extra texture and flavor.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different melting cheeses in your queso. A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack can also work wonders, or add a touch of cream cheese for extra richness.
- Baked Option: For a slightly healthier alternative, you can try baking the egg rolls. Brush them lightly with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy. While not quite the same as deep-frying, it’s a good alternative.
The Perfect Party Appetizer
Whether you’re hosting a Super Bowl party, a casual get-together with friends, or simply craving an exciting new snack, these Chorizo Egg Rolls with Spicy Queso Dipping Sauce are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. They’re easy to make ahead (you can assemble them and refrigerate before frying) and fry up quickly, making them ideal for entertaining. The unique combination of flavors and textures will have your guests asking for the recipe, and you’ll love how simple it is to prepare such an impressive dish.
So, don’t let the post-wedding (or any other exciting event) exhaustion keep you down. Fuel your recovery, or simply treat yourself, with these incredible Chorizo Egg Rolls. They’re crispy, they’re spicy, they’re cheesy – and they’re exactly what you need to bring some flavor and fun back into your week. Happy cooking!