Wonton and egg roll wrappers are two of the most essential ingredients in Asian cuisine, especially when it comes to making dumplings and spring rolls.
However, there may be moments when you discover yourself without one or the other in your pantry. So, can you substitute egg roll wrappers for wonton wrappers, or vice versa?
As an experienced home cook and chef, I have experimented with various ingredients and substitutions, and in this blog post, I’ll share my findings and tips with you.
What are wonton wrappers?
Wonton wrappers are thin sheets of dough created from flour, water, and salt. These wrappers provide a delicious blank canvas for crafting various dumplings, potstickers, wontons, and other stuffed dishes.
They can be prepared in various shapes, from flat squares to more intricate triangular wontons.
The dough is typically rolled into paper-thin rounds that are then filled with stuffing ingredients such as pork, shrimp, vegetables, and spices.
The filling is then sealed with the wrapper before being cooked in boiling water or deep-fried. When cooked properly, wonton wrappers have a light yet satisfying texture that pairs nicely with the savory filling inside.
Uses of wonton wrappers and egg roll wrappers
Wonton wrappers and egg roll wrappers are versatile ingredients that can use to make a variety of different dishes.
Wonton wrappers are thin circles of dough that can be filled with savory ingredients like pork, shrimp, vegetables and tofu.
The wrapped ingredients can then be boiled in soup or fried in oil for an appetizing dish. Egg roll wrappers have a similar but thicker texture than wonton wrappers.
They can also be sufficed with savory ingredients such as pork, shrimp, vegetables and tofu, but they are usually deep-fried instead of boiled. Egg rolls are often served as a side dish in Chinese restaurants.
Both wonton wrappers and egg roll wrappers can also use to make sweet treats such as the classic fried banana wontons or egg rolls with sweet cream cheese filling.
These sweet treats require just a few simple ingredients: the wrapper, the filling of choice, and some sugar or syrup for sweetness.
The wrapper is folded up into a triangle shape (or other shapes) before being deep-fried until golden brown. The final result is a delicious dessert that is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth!
Where to buy egg roll wrappers?
If you are looking for egg roll wrappers where to buy, there are a few other places you can go. Many specialty food stores carry it, as do some international grocery stores.
You can also order online from many retailers that provide a variety of diverse flavors and types of egg roll wrappers.
In short, " What can I use instead of egg roll wrappers?" Rice Paper, Lettuce Leaves, Collard Greens, Spring Roll Wrappers, Crepes, and Cabbage Wraps.
6 Best Egg roll wrapper substitutes
1. Rice Paper
Rice paper wrappers are a great alternative to egg roll wrappers because they are gluten-free and contain fewer carbs.
They are thin, pliable, and easy to work with. Additionally, since they do not require any oil or water for cooking, they make for a healthier alternative.
For added flavor, you can count herbs and spices to the mixture before rolling.
2. Lettuce Leaves
Lettuce leaves make a great egg roll wrapper substitute because they provide a crunchy texture that is similar to egg rolls when cooked.
Plus, the lettuce leaves provide an extra dose of greens and nutrition, making them an excellent choice as an egg roll wrapper substitute for those who want to conduct a healthier lifestyle.
3. Collard Greens
Collard greens can be used as a terrific sub for egg roll wrappers due to their hearty texture and flavor.
These nutrient-rich greens bring loads of vitamins A, C, K and more!
To use them as an egg roll wrapper substitute, just blanch the leaves in boiling water for about 30 seconds until pliable, then stuff them with your favorite ingredients before rolling them up into little bundles of goodness!
4. Spring Roll Wrappers
Spring roll wrappers are similar in size and shape to egg roll wrappers but are made from rice flour rather than wheat flour – making them perfect for anyone looking for a gluten-free option when substituting regular egg roll wrappers!
Besides being tastier than traditional egg rolls, spring roll wrappers have less fat content, so they’re great for those who want something lighter yet still delicious!
5. Crepes
Thin crepes make an excellent substitution for traditional egg rolls if you’re looking to create something unique and flavorful!
You can customize these crepes however you’d like by adding different herbs or spices – just like regular eggroll wraps – but with the lightness of crepes, it will provide additional texture along with flavor to your dish!
Plus, you get bonus points since it’s sure to impress even the pickiest eater!
6. Cabbage Wraps
If you’re looking for a lighter alternative than traditional eggroll wrappers, then cabbage wraps are the way to go!
Not only are they gluten-free and packed with nutrients, but they also provide a crunchy texture that is similar to egg rolls when cooked.
To make cabbage wraps, all you have to do is blanch or steam the leaves until pliable before rolling them up with your favorite ingredients inside. Enjoy!
Explore more: Ideal Substitutes for Waxed Paper with Ratio
How to Choose the Most Suitable Substitution Option for egg roll wrappers
When selecting a substitution option for egg roll wrappers, consider the following tips:
1. Texture: Egg roll wrappers have a thin and slightly crispy texture when fried or baked. Look for alternatives that can provide a similar texture.
Options like spring roll wrappers or rice paper can be suitable substitutes. Spring roll wrappers are slightly thicker but can still yield a crispy texture when cooked. Rice paper, on the other hand, offers a delicate and chewy texture.
2. Ingredients: Egg roll wrappers typically contain flour, water, and eggs, which contribute to their unique texture and flavor.
If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, consider alternatives like rice paper, which is gluten-free, or eggless spring roll wrappers.
3. Size and Shape: Pay attention to the size and shape of the egg roll wrappers you intend to substitute.
Some alternatives may come in different sizes or shapes, so select one that matches your desired outcome. Adjust the folding technique or cut the substitute wrappers if needed.
4. Cooking Method: Consider the cooking method you plan to use. If you want to deep-fry the rolls, choose a substitute that can withstand high heat without becoming too oily or soggy.
If you prefer a healthier option, look for wrappers that are suitable for baking or air-frying.
5. Flavor: Egg roll wrappers have a neutral flavor that allows the fillings to take center stage. Consider substitutes that won’t overpower the flavors of the fillings.
Rice paper, for instance, has a mild taste that won’t interrupt the flavors of the ingredients inside.
6. Availability: Take into account the availability of the substitute option in your area. Some alternatives may be more accessible in certain regions or specialty stores.
Explore local markets or Asian grocery stores to find a suitable option.
7. Experiment and Adjust: Conduct small-scale tests with different substitute options to evaluate their texture, taste, and overall performance.
Adjust the recipe and cooking techniques as needed to achieve the desired results.
Learn more: Best substitute for nori sheets | sushi without nori
Conclusion on substituting egg roll wrappers for wonton wrappers
In conclusion, you can substitute egg roll wrappers for wonton wrappers and vice versa, but be aware of the differences in texture and size.
Experiment with different folding techniques and layering to find the best one for your recipe.
And always remember to adjust the measurements and moisture levels accordingly. Happy cooking!
FAQs on substituting egg roll wrappers for wonton wrappers
Q1. What is similar to egg roll wrappers and wonton wrappers?
Both egg roll wrappers and wonton wrappers are made from wheat flour, water, salt and vegetable oil. They are both thin sheets of dough that can be filled with various ingredients and cooked in a variety of ways.
The main contrast is that egg roll wrappers are larger and thicker than wonton wrappers. Additionally, egg roll wraps are usually served fried, while wonton wraps can be either steamed or fried.
Q2. Are wonton wrappers thicker than egg roll wrappers?
Wonton wrappers are indeed thicker than egg roll wrappers.
Wonton wrappers are typically made with a combination of wheat flour, water, salt and oil, whereas egg roll wrappers are generally made from a combination of wheat flour, tapioca starch and water.
As a result, wonton wrappers are much denser and more sturdy compared to the thin and brittle texture of egg roll wrappers.
In addition to being thicker than egg roll wrappers, wonton wrappers also have a slightly different flavor due to the additional oil in the dough.
Furthermore, wonton wrappers can be folded into various shapes depending on the desired purpose, while egg rolls are usually just rolled or folded in an envelope-like shape.
Q3. Are egg roll wrappers the same as spring roll wrappers?
No, egg roll wrappers and spring roll wrappers are not the same.
Egg roll wrappers are typically created from wheat flour, vegetable oil, eggs, and salt and are usually thicker and more pliable than spring roll wrappers.
Egg roll wrappers have a yellowish color, whereas spring roll wrappers are usually much thinner, lighter in color, and made with rice flour or wheat starch.
Additionally, egg rolls tend to be fried, whereas spring rolls can either be fried or served fresh. The difference in ingredients makes these two types of wrappers unique in their respective dishes.
Q4. Can you use puff pastry instead of wonton wrappers?
Yes, puff pastry can be used instead of wonton wrappers. Puff pastry is made from layers of thin dough and fat that create a flaky texture when cooked.
It can be filled with any desired ingredients and baked or fried to create an impressive meal.
Depending on the recipe, it may require more time for preparation than wonton wrappers but will produce delicious results.
Q5. How big are egg roll wrappers compared to wonton wrappers?
Egg roll wrappers are generally larger than wonton wrappers. Egg roll wrappers are usually 4 to 5 inches in diameter, while wonton wrappers are typically 3 to 4 inches.
The difference in size allows for the egg rolls to contain more ingredients and have a fluffier texture when fried or steamed. In contrast, smaller-sized wonton wrappers provide a delicate crunch due to their thinness.
Furthermore, the shape of an egg roll wrapper is typically rectangular or square with rounded corners, while the shape of a wonton wrapper is often a four-sided triangle.