National Egg Roll Day

Cheerful person holding a plate with an assortment of beautifully rolled egg rolls, dressed in chef's attire, kitchen scene. — National egg roll day illustration

Ah, National Egg Roll Day, a day where we can all roll into a delicious celebration of everyone's favorite oval-shaped breakfast staple. Whether you like them boiled, fried, poached, or scrambled, there's no denying the egg's versatility and undeniable deliciousness. So grab your spatula and get cracking, because we're about to dive into the scrambled history and funny internet shenanigans of National Egg Roll Day!

When is Egg Roll Day?

It's national egg roll day on the 10th June.

A Sunny-Side Up History

The origins of National Egg Roll Day might not be as clear as the distinction between a soft-boiled and hard-boiled egg, but we've managed to uncover some interesting tidbits. While egg rolls are commonly associated with Chinese cuisine, the holiday itself doesn't seem to have any direct roots in Asian cultures. In fact, it appears to be a more recent invention that celebrates the joy of rolling up a delicious filling in a crispy, fried wrapper.

One theory suggests that National Egg Roll Day gained popularity in the United States during the early 1900s when Chinese immigrants introduced egg rolls to the American palate. Others believe it started as a playful way to honor the beloved Chinese-American dish that has become a staple in Chinese restaurants across the nation.

Regardless of its exact origins, National Egg Roll Day has been embraced by egg lovers everywhere who are more concerned with devouring their culinary creations than with deciphering the mystery behind the holiday.

Let's Get Crackin' in the Digital World

When it comes to National Egg Roll Day, the internet is sizzling with excitement. With 126 online mentions detected, it's clear that egg rolls have rolled their way into the hearts and taste buds of people from all walks of life. From mouthwatering recipes to entertaining videos of egg roll rolling techniques, you can find no shortage of eggtastic content online.

If you're looking for some inspiration to roll up your sleeves and whip up your own egg rolls, there are countless blogs, cooking websites, and even social media influencers offering their take on this culinary delight. You can find step-by-step tutorials, pro tips for the perfect wrapper-to-filling ratio, and even creative twists on this classic dish - think bacon-wrapped egg rolls or dessert-inspired versions filled with Nutella and banana.

So why not give it a crack? Dive down the rabbit hole of egg roll recipes and let your imagination run wild with the endless possibilities that await you in the digital realm. Just be sure to have some napkins handy, because things might get a little messy!

History behind the term 'Egg Roll'

1890

The Origin of Egg Roll

In the late 19th century, Chinese immigrants in the United States introduced the concept of egg rolls. These delicious delicacies were inspired by traditional Chinese spring rolls, which consisted of vegetables wrapped in a thin pancake-like wrapper and then deep-fried. The Chinese immigrants adapted the recipe to suit the available ingredients in America and created what is now known as the egg roll.

19th century

The humble beginnings

Egg rolls trace their origins back to the street vendors in 19th-century Guangzhou, China. These early egg rolls were a simple concoction of eggs, vegetables, and meat wrapped in a thin pancake-like dough and then deep-fried until crispy. They gained popularity among the locals due to their delicious taste and portable nature.

1888

The Introduction of the Egg Roll

The term 'egg roll' was first introduced in 1888, referring to a type of Chinese American cuisine. It originated in San Francisco, where Chinese immigrants brought their culinary traditions and adapted them to local tastes. The early egg roll consisted of a thin crepe-like wrapper filled with vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and bean sprouts, and sometimes meat like pork or shrimp.

1888

Introduction of 'chun guen' from China

The history of the term 'egg roll' can be traced back to 1888 when Chinese immigrants introduced a popular dish called 'chun guen' in the United States. 'Chun guen,' meaning 'spring roll' in Cantonese, consisted of a thin wrapper filled with vegetables and occasionally meat. The dish quickly gained popularity among Chinese communities.

1800s

Origins of the Fried Spring Roll

In the 1800s, as Chinese immigrants made their way to the United States for work, they brought with them the tradition of eating fried spring rolls during the Chinese New Year festivities. These crispy delights were filled with a variety of vegetables, meats, and sometimes even seafood, wrapped in a thin pastry and then deep-fried to perfection.

1888

Chinese immigrants introduce egg rolls to America

In 1888, Chinese immigrants brought their culinary traditions to the United States, including the delicious egg rolls. These immigrants settled in cities like San Francisco and New York, where they opened restaurants and shared their diverse cuisine with the local population.

1737

Origins in Chinese Cuisine

The term 'egg roll' originated in Chinese cuisine during the 18th century. In Chinese, the dish is known as 'jiān jiǎo' or 'jiǎn bǐng', which means 'fried pancake.' These early versions of egg rolls were made by wrapping a mixture of meat, vegetables, and seasonings in thin dough and then deep-frying them until crispy.

1907

The First Egg Roll at the White House

In 1907, the term 'egg roll' gained prominence due to the annual Easter Egg Roll event held at the White House in Washington, D.C. The tradition of rolling hard-boiled eggs down the White House lawn started during President Rutherford B. Hayes' administration in 1878, but it wasn't until 1907 that the event became known as the 'egg roll.' This event encouraged the term's connection with the act of rolling eggs, sparking its cultural significance.

Late 19th century

Migration to the USA

As Chinese immigrants ventured to the United States in the late 19th century, they brought their culinary traditions with them. It was during this time that egg rolls made their way to America, albeit with some modifications to suit the local palate. Chinese immigrants adapted the recipe to incorporate ingredients like cabbage, bean sprouts, and pork, which were more readily available.

1920s

Chinese-American Communities Popularize Egg Rolls

During the 1920s, Chinese-American communities introduced egg rolls to the broader American public. Chinese restaurants in cities like New York City and San Francisco began serving egg rolls as popular appetizers. The term 'egg roll' became synonymous with a crispy cylindrical roll filled with savory ingredients like shredded vegetables, meat, and sometimes eggs. The appeal of this delicious dish helped solidify the term's association with Chinese-American cuisine.

Early 1900s

Adoption of the Term 'Egg Roll'

In the early 1900s, Chinese immigrants opened restaurants in the United States to cater to both Chinese and non-Chinese customers. To make the fried spring rolls more appealing to American taste buds, restaurants started adding eggs as a binding ingredient to the filling. As a result, these modified spring rolls became known as 'egg rolls' in the American culinary lexicon.

1920s

The Advent of Deep Frying

In the 1920s, a significant shift occurred in the preparation of egg rolls. Deep frying became a popular cooking method for this dish, resulting in a crispy and golden exterior. The introduction of deep frying transformed the egg roll into a beloved crunchy treat commonly found in Chinese American restaurants and takeout menus.

1890

Introduction to American Chinese Cuisine

In the late 19th century, Chinese immigrants began arriving in the United States. Along with them, they brought their culinary traditions, including the delicious egg rolls. Egg rolls quickly gained popularity among the Chinese-American community and became a staple in American Chinese cuisine.

1901

Adoption of the term 'egg roll'

In 1901, a cookbook called 'Mrs. Porter's New Southern Cookery Book' included a recipe for 'egg rolls.' This was one of the earliest documented uses of the term. Although the recipe differed slightly from the traditional Chinese 'chun guen,' it featured a wrapper made with eggs, giving rise to the term 'egg roll' which became the common name for the dish in America.

early 20th century

Egg roll popularity spreads across America

During the early 20th century, the popularity of egg rolls spread throughout America. As Chinese communities grew and became more established, Chinese restaurants began popping up in various cities, offering egg rolls on their menus. These crispy, filled rolls quickly gained popularity among Americans of all backgrounds.

1920s

Egg Rolls Gain Popularity

During the 1920s, Chinese-American restaurants started gaining popularity across the United States. The egg roll, with its crispy shell and flavorful filling, quickly became a favorite among American diners. As the popularity of Chinese cuisine grew, so did the demand for egg rolls, solidifying their status as a staple in Chinese-American cuisine.

1920

Variations and Adaptations

During the early 20th century, different regions within the United States started putting their own spin on the traditional egg roll recipe. Some variations included using different fillings, such as shrimp, pork, or vegetarian options. These adaptations allowed the egg roll to cater to diverse tastes and preferences.

late 20th century

Americanized variations of egg rolls emerge

In the late 20th century, Americanized variations of egg rolls started to emerge. Instead of the traditional ingredients used in Chinese egg rolls, such as cabbage, meat, and other vegetables, American versions often included additional ingredients like shrimp, cheese, or even dessert fillings. These variations catered to evolving tastes and preferences, making egg rolls more diverse and adaptable to different cuisines.

1920s

Popularity of Egg Rolls

During the 1920s, Chinese cuisine gained significant popularity in America, and egg rolls became a common appetizer offered in Chinese-American restaurants. People were enticed by the crispy exterior and the savory fillings, which often included cabbage, carrots, bean sprouts, and various meats. Egg rolls were enjoyed both as part of Chinese meals and as standalone snacks.

Early 20th century

Egg rolls in American Chinese cuisine

In the early 20th century, egg rolls became a popular addition to American Chinese restaurant menus. They were often served as an appetizer or part of a combination meal. The Americanized version of egg rolls typically featured a thick dough wrapper and were often accompanied by dipping sauces like sweet and sour or duck sauce.

1930s

Egg Rolls as Party Food

During the 1930s, egg rolls gained popularity as an appetizer or hors d'oeuvre at American social events, particularly at Chinese-themed parties. Their finger-friendly size and flavorful fillings made them a hit among party-goers. Egg rolls emerged as a crowd-pleasing snack that combined Chinese culinary traditions with American tastes.

1930s

Mass-Produced Frozen Egg Rolls

In the 1930s, frozen-food companies started producing pre-packaged frozen egg rolls, making them even more accessible to the American population. This development allowed individuals to enjoy egg rolls at home with ease, further cementing its place in American culinary culture. The term 'egg roll' continued to gain familiarity and popularity as a result.

1930s

Egg Rolls at State Fairs

In the 1930s, egg rolls made their way beyond Chinese-American restaurants and into state fairs. Vendors saw the potential in offering this delicious snack to fairgoers, and the deep-fried treat became a hit. Egg rolls became synonymous with carnival and fair food, delighting visitors with their crispy exterior and savory fillings.

1917

Feature in popular Woman's magazine

The popularity of 'egg rolls' continued to grow, and in 1917, the term gained broader recognition when it was mentioned in a recipe featured in the popular Woman's magazine. As a result, 'egg rolls' began to appear on menus at Chinese-American restaurants across the country. The dish had become a quintessential part of Chinese-American cuisine.

1960s

Egg Rolls Go Mainstream

In the 1960s, as Chinese cuisine began to gain wider recognition and popularity in the United States, egg rolls found their way onto the menus of non-Chinese restaurants. These crispy delights became a staple in Americanized Chinese cuisine, often served alongside dishes like chop suey and General Tso's chicken. The term 'egg roll' became synonymous with Americanized Chinese food.

Mid-20th century

Egg rolls go mainstream

During the mid-20th century, egg rolls gained mainstream popularity across the United States. They became a staple at Chinese-American restaurants and fast-food chains, solidifying their place in American cuisine. Takeout and delivery orders of egg rolls soared as more people discovered and enjoyed this crispy and flavorful delicacy.

Mid-1900s

Egg Rolls as a Symbol of Chinese-American Cuisine

By the mid-1900s, egg rolls had firmly established themselves as a symbol of Chinese-American cuisine. These tasty treats were synonymous with Chinese takeout and dining experiences. Chinese restaurants across the country incorporated egg rolls into their menus, ensuring their continued presence in the hearts and stomachs of Americans.

1917

Egg Roll at White House Easter Egg Roll Event

The term 'egg roll' gained even more prominence in American culture when it became associated with the annual White House Easter Egg Roll. The event, which started in 1878, featured children rolling hard-boiled eggs down the White House lawn. Over time, the event expanded to include additional activities and food stalls, where egg rolls became a popular snack.

1940s

Egg Rolls in Americanized Chinese Cuisine

During the 1940s, Chinese cuisine in the United States continued to evolve. Americanized versions of Chinese dishes, including egg rolls, emerged to cater to local tastes. These adaptations sometimes featured different ingredients and cooking methods, but the essence of the egg roll remained intact. This period marked the integration of egg rolls into mainstream American dining.

1930s

Egg rolls as a staple at Chinese restaurants

By the 1930s, 'egg rolls' had firmly established themselves as a staple at Chinese restaurants, both in Chinatowns and mainstream American cities. The dish had undergone further adaptation, often filled with a mixture of cabbage, meat, and other vegetables. 'Egg rolls' became synonymous with Chinese cuisine, representing an iconic and beloved appetizer.

Today

Egg rolls have become a beloved dish globally

Today, egg rolls have become a beloved and recognizable dish not only in America but also across the globe. Chinese restaurants worldwide offer their own versions of egg rolls, showcasing the influence and popularity of this delicious treat. It has also become a popular appetizer in non-Chinese cuisines, demonstrating its assimilation into different culinary traditions.

1980s

Egg Rolls as a Staple in Chinese Takeout

By the 1980s, egg rolls had become a staple of Chinese takeout menus across the United States. Every town seemed to have at least one Chinese restaurant offering this crispy delight. The term 'egg roll' firmly established itself as a recognizable dish, often enjoyed with soy sauce or various dipping sauces.

Present day

Egg rolls as a cultural icon

Today, egg rolls are cherished as a beloved culinary delight and a symbol of Chinese-American culture. They have made appearances in movies, TV shows, and popular culture, further cementing their status as a cultural icon. The versatile nature of egg rolls has also given rise to various regional and creative versions, ensuring they remain a delightful treat for generations to come.

Present Day

Egg Rolls Worldwide

Today, egg rolls have become a beloved dish around the world. They can be found on the menus of Chinese restaurants in various countries and have also been adapted by other cuisines. The term 'egg roll' has transcended its Chinese-American origins and is now recognized globally as a delicious deep-fried roll filled with savory ingredients. Whether enjoyed as an appetizer, snack, or main course, egg rolls continue to bring joy to food lovers everywhere.

1984

National Egg Roll Day

In 1984, National Egg Roll Day was established to celebrate this beloved culinary delight. It falls on June 10th each year and encourages people to enjoy and explore various egg roll recipes. From traditional Chinese-style egg rolls to unique fusion creations, this day honors the rich cultural heritage and culinary diversity associated with egg rolls.

Present Day

Egg Rolls in Modern Cuisine

Today, egg rolls have become a staple in American cuisine, often served as an appetizer or side dish in Chinese, Asian fusion, and even non-Asian restaurants. While the fillings and preparation methods have evolved to include a wide range of variations, the charm of the crispy and satisfying egg roll remains unchanged. The term 'egg roll' continues to evoke images of delicious Chinese-inspired flavors and cultural fusion.

Today

Diverse variations and popularity

In modern times, 'egg rolls' have evolved to include a wide range of variations. Different regions and cultures have put their spin on the dish, incorporating unique ingredients and flavors. From vegetarian options to seafood-filled rolls, 'egg rolls' have become a versatile appetizer loved by people of various backgrounds.

Did you know?

Did you know that the largest egg roll ever made was created in 2012 and measured a whopping 32 feet long? Talk about an egg-cellent display of culinary prowess!