Fusion cuisine is nothing new, but millennials in particular love a good mash-up. This concept takes a familiar egg roll appetizer and elevates it with trending Southeast Asian flavors, like sweet Thai basil, aromatic lemongrass, and piquant chili oil. They’re also vegetarian, and with more Americans attempting to curb meat consumption, these bites offer a savory snack that fits the flexitarian lifestyle, and the contrasting textures from the hearty eggs, toothsome mushrooms and crunchy wonton wrapper make for a satisfying bite, without meat.
Dumpling fillings usually need a binder to keep them cohesive when cooked and prevent them from falling apart when eaten. Real eggs make an excellent binder, as they are packed with protein. During heating, proteins coagulate and retain their shape, holding the other inclusions in place, like vegetables and meat. In this concept, eggs are also functioning as the main filling ingredient, offering a neutral, savory base for the other highly flavorful ingredients like hot pepper sauce and seasonings to shine.