The Ultimate Redneck Egg Rolls: Crispy BBQ Pulled Pork & Coleslaw Bites

Redneck egg rolls offer a delightful and innovative twist on traditional appetizers, transforming humble leftovers into a show-stopping dish. Imagine perfectly seasoned, tender pulled pork combined with the refreshing crunch of coleslaw and the tangy kick of your favorite barbecue sauce, all snugly wrapped in a crisp egg roll wrapper and fried to golden perfection. This recipe is an absolute game-changer, not just for utilizing that extra pork butt but for creating an unforgettable appetizer or snack that will have everyone asking for more.

Why You Will Absolutely Love This Recipe

For avid barbecue enthusiasts, it’s a common and delightful predicament: you smoke a magnificent pork butt, and no matter how much you enjoy it, there always seems to be a generous amount leftover. As a passionate home cook, the thought of letting any of that perfectly smoked, juicy pork go to waste is simply out of the question. You want to make the most of every delicious shred, and that’s where these “redneck egg rolls” truly shine.

Over the years, we’ve explored countless ways to repurpose leftover smoked pork. From hearty hashes and flavorful salads to incredible tacos and even a savory addition to scrambled eggs, each rendition has been delicious in its own right. However, there’s always an urge to innovate, to discover new and exciting ways to enjoy this versatile ingredient. That’s how the idea of redneck egg rolls, sometimes known as hillbilly egg rolls or Memphis egg rolls, came to life.

The concept was undeniably appealing from the start. Pulled pork? Fantastic. Fried food? Always a winner. Portable finger foods perfect for entertaining? Absolutely. The only hesitation was the mess and lingering smell of deep frying indoors. But with the simple solution of an outdoor burner, that hurdle was easily overcome, leading to a culinary discovery that surpassed all expectations.

These redneck egg rolls aren’t just good; they’re truly exceptional. Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that tantalizes the palate. You get the unmistakable smoky depth of the tender pulled pork, the vibrant tanginess of the barbecue sauce, and the refreshing, crisp bite of the coleslaw, all encased in a golden-brown, satisfyingly crunchy egg roll wrapper. It’s a symphony for your taste buds, a perfect marriage of Southern comfort and Asian-inspired crispness.

The combination is so good, you might even consider eating the filling straight out of a bowl. But it’s that irresistible golden-brown crunch of the egg roll wrapper that elevates it to perfection. Not only does it add an incredible textural contrast, but it also makes this a fantastic handheld appetizer. Honestly, these are so good, you might find yourself smoking an entire pork butt just with the intention of making a huge batch of these delectable treats. They are that addictive and satisfying.

Beyond being a stellar way to use leftovers, these pulled pork egg rolls are ideal for any gathering. Whether it’s a casual family dinner, a lively game day party, or a backyard barbecue bonanza, they are guaranteed to be a hit. Their portability and universally loved flavors make them the ultimate party appetizer. Prepare to be showered with compliments when you serve these up!

Essential Ingredients Needed for Redneck Egg Rolls

The beauty of these pulled pork egg rolls lies in their simplicity. You don’t need a lengthy list of exotic ingredients to create this fantastic dish. Most of what you need is likely already in your kitchen, especially if you’re a fan of barbecue. Here’s what you’ll gather:

• Leftover Smoked Pork Butt: The star of the show. While freshly cooked pulled pork works too, this recipe is designed to celebrate and elevate your delicious leftovers. Aim for finely shredded or roughly chopped pork for the best texture in the filling.
• Coleslaw: A crucial element that adds freshness, a hint of sweetness, and that essential crunch. You can use store-bought coleslaw mix with your favorite dressing, or make your own from scratch. The cabbage and carrot mix provides a wonderful contrast to the rich pork.
• Your Favorite Barbecue Sauce: This is where you can truly customize the flavor profile. Whether you prefer a sweet and smoky Kansas City style, a tangy Carolina vinegar-based sauce, or a spicy Texas variety, choose a sauce that you love. It binds the ingredients and adds depth.
• Egg Roll Wrappers: These thin, pliable wrappers are readily available in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores, usually near the produce or dairy. They fry up wonderfully crispy and hold the filling perfectly.
• Vegetable Oil: For frying. You’ll need enough to allow the egg rolls to float comfortably in your pot. Canola, peanut, or sunflower oil are also good choices for deep frying due to their high smoke points.

While these are the core components, don’t hesitate to think of this as a versatile base. As we’ll discuss later in the tips and variations, there’s plenty of room to add other complementary ingredients to suit your taste and preference.

Step-by-Step Guide: How To Craft Delicious Redneck Egg Rolls

Making these sensational redneck egg rolls is a straightforward process, ensuring a satisfying result even for novice cooks. Follow these detailed steps to achieve perfectly crispy, flavor-packed appetizers.

1. Prepare the Pulled Pork Filling

Begin by preparing your leftover smoked pork butt. If it’s been refrigerated, it’s a good idea to bring it to room temperature or gently warm it. For instance, we often use about one pound of pork and give it a quick zap in the microwave to take the chill off. This makes it easier to work with and ensures even heating during frying.

Once warmed, give the pork butt a rough chop. You want pieces that are small enough to fit neatly into the egg roll wrapper but still substantial enough to provide a satisfying bite. Transfer the chopped pork to a large mixing bowl.

Next, add the coleslaw to the bowl with the pork. Pour in a generous amount of your favorite barbecue sauce. The goal is to bind the mixture together and infuse it with that classic BBQ flavor. Mix everything thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture has a consistent texture. The coleslaw should be evenly distributed, and the pork should be well coated in sauce.

2. Wrapping the Egg Rolls

Lay an egg roll wrapper flat on a clean, dry surface, orienting it like a diamond (with one corner pointing towards you). Place about 2 tablespoons of the prepared pork and coleslaw mixture in the center of the wrapper. Don’t overfill, as this can make wrapping difficult and lead to burst egg rolls during frying. Gently press the mixture together with your hands to create a compact log shape; this helps prevent gaps and ensures an even roll.

Next, moisten the edges of the wrapper. You can do this by lightly dampening the two side corners (left and right) with a brush or simply using your finger dipped in water. Some people prefer to use an egg wash (a beaten egg) for an even stronger seal and richer color, but water works just as well.

Fold the left and right corners inwards over the filling, meeting them in the middle. Press down firmly to seal these folded edges onto the flat part of the egg roll wrapper. This creates a neat, enclosed package.

Now, take the bottom corner of the wrapper (the one closest to you) and fold it up tightly over the pork mixture. As you roll, ensure you keep the wrapper as taut as possible without tearing it. Before completing the roll, slightly dampen the top corner of the wrapper. This creates the final seal when you finish rolling.

Continue rolling upwards, maintaining that tight tension, until you reach the top corner. Press down firmly to seal the entire egg roll. A tightly rolled egg roll will cook more evenly and be less likely to absorb too much oil or burst open.

Repeat this wrapping process for all the remaining pulled pork mixture and egg roll wrappers. Depending on the exact amount of filling per roll, you’ll typically yield between 7 to 9 egg rolls, with 8 being a good target.

Once all your egg rolls are prepared, it’s beneficial to place them in the refrigerator for at least an hour before frying. This chilling time helps the wrappers firm up and prevents them from becoming soggy or separating during cooking.

3. Frying to Golden Perfection

When you’re ready to cook, select a large, heavy-bottomed pot or a Dutch oven. Pour in enough vegetable oil to allow the egg rolls to float freely – typically several inches deep. Heat the oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Using a deep-fry thermometer is highly recommended to accurately monitor the oil temperature, as maintaining the correct temperature is key to crispy, non-greasy egg rolls.

Once the oil reaches the target temperature, carefully add the redneck egg rolls to the pot. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can drastically lower the oil temperature and result in greasy egg rolls. Leave enough space between each egg roll for even cooking.

Fry the egg rolls for a total of 8-10 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure all sides achieve a beautiful, golden-brown crispness. They should look uniformly golden and feel firm to the touch when done. The internal filling is already cooked, so you’re primarily aiming for a perfectly crispy wrapper.

Using tongs, carefully remove the cooked egg rolls from the hot oil. Place them on a wire rack set over a paper towel-lined baking sheet. This setup allows excess oil to drip away and air to circulate, keeping the egg rolls crisp as they cool slightly.

Continue this process until all of your barbecue pork egg rolls have been fried to crispy perfection.

4. Serving and Enjoying

Now for the most satisfying part: serving them up! Arrange the freshly fried redneck egg rolls on a platter. They are fantastic on their own, but truly shine when paired with an array of dipping sauces. Offer a variety to cater to different tastes.

We highly recommend our Bourbon Chipotle Barbecue Sauce for a sweet and smoky kick, and our Alabama White BBQ Dipping Sauce, which provides a creamy, tangy contrast. And if you’re like us, you’ll also love dipping them in our Chuy’s Creamy Jalapeno Cilantro Dip – we put that stuff on everything! The choices are endless, so pick your favorites.

There’s genuinely no reason not to try these. They are incredibly good, perfect for transforming leftover pulled pork into something new and exciting, or for feeding a crowd as a memorable finger food. Whenever we fire up the smoker, we’re always looking for an excuse to cook an extra pork butt. Now we have the perfect reason – to make a big batch of these phenomenal redneck egg rolls. They’ve earned a permanent spot on our game day and party menus. So, next time you find yourself with some extra pulled pork, don’t hesitate. Give this recipe a try; you (and your guests) will absolutely love it!

Tips, Tricks, and Delicious Variations

This redneck egg roll recipe is already fantastic, but with a few tweaks and considerations, you can elevate it even further or tailor it to your personal preferences. Here are some invaluable tips and exciting variations:

• Spice It Up: For those who love a bit of heat, consider adding finely diced jalapeños or green chiles directly to your pork and coleslaw mixture. This introduces a fresh, spicy kick that complements the barbecue flavors wonderfully.
• Add Fresh Aromatics: Diced green onion or finely minced red onion can be a fantastic addition, offering a subtle savory note and a fresh aroma to the filling.
• Moisture Control is Key: The amount of barbecue sauce needed can vary depending on how moist your leftover pulled pork is. Some pork might be juicy enough to require less sauce, while drier batches might need an extra tablespoon or two to bind the mixture effectively. Adjust as needed to ensure the filling is cohesive but not overly wet.
• Make Ahead for Convenience: These egg rolls are perfect for meal prep! You can assemble them up to the point of frying, then wrap each uncooked egg roll individually in wax paper. Store them in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for later. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before frying as instructed.
• Reheating Leftovers: If you have cooked leftover redneck egg rolls, don’t despair! Reheat them by baking in an oven preheated to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again. This prevents them from becoming soggy like they might in a microwave.
• Explore Dipping Options: These crispy morsels are practically begging for a good dip. Beyond traditional BBQ sauces, consider ranch dressing for a creamy, zesty option, or even an Asian-inspired sweet chili sauce for a surprising twist. A spicy mayo or a honey mustard sauce would also be excellent.
• Air Fryer Alternative: For a healthier and less messy option, these redneck egg rolls can be cooked in an air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly spray the egg rolls with cooking oil, then cook for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
• Go Cheesy: Who doesn’t love cheese? For a gooey, melty experience, mix in some shredded Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a smoky Gouda cheese with your pulled pork and coleslaw mixture before wrapping. The cheese will melt beautifully inside the warm egg roll.
• Different Wrappers: While egg roll wrappers are classic, you could experiment with spring roll wrappers for a lighter, crispier texture, or even larger flour tortillas for a “burrito-style” wrap, though these would require a different cooking method.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)