When it comes to delectable appetizers, California Pizza Kitchen never fails to deliver. One of their most popular dishes is the Avocado Egg Rolls, which combines the creaminess of avocados, the crunchiness of egg roll wrappers, and a flavorful combination of spices and ingredients.
If you’ve ever wondered how to recreate this mouthwatering appetizer at home, look no further.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the California Pizza Kitchen Avocado Egg Rolls recipe, step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, storage suggestions, nutrition information, serving ideas, and even alternative substitutes. So, let’s get started and bring the taste of California into your own kitchen!
What is California Pizza Kitchen Avocado Egg Rolls?
California-style pizza is the specialty of the casual dining restaurant chain California Pizza Kitchen, located in the United States.
In Beverly Hills, California, USA, attorneys Rick Rosenfield and Larry Flax opened the restaurant in 1985. BBQ Chicken Pizza was created and made popular by California Pizza Kitchen.
California Pizza Kitchen has many interesting items other than pizza’s. But one of their attraction is the Avocado Egg Rolls. It is a scrumptious fusion of creamy avocados, seasoned chicken, diced tomatoes, crispy bacon, and Monterey Jack cheese, all enveloped in a crispy egg roll wrapper.
These rolls are then fried to golden perfection, resulting in a satisfying appetizer that is sure to impress your friends and family.
The Ingredients
Ranchito Sauce:
- Velvety Mayonnaise (Duke’s): Adds a rich and creamy texture to the Ranchito Sauce, providing a smooth base and enhancing the overall flavor.
- Zesty Hot Sauce: Infuses a spicy kick into the sauce, balancing the creaminess with a hint of heat, creating a dynamic flavor profile.
- Creamy Ranch Dressing: Contributes a cool and tangy element to the sauce, complementing the heat from the hot sauce and enhancing the overall creaminess.
Egg Rolls:
- Boneless Chicken Breast, seasoned: Serves as a flavorful protein component, seasoned to add depth and savory notes to the egg rolls.
- Creamy Avocado: Provides a luscious and buttery texture, adding a creamy and mild flavor to the filling.
- Egg-Roll Wrappers: Act as the outer shell, providing a crispy and golden texture to the egg rolls when fried.
- Plum Tomato, seeded and diced: Offers fresh and juicy sweetness while adding a colorful and vibrant element to the filling.
- Crispy Bacon Slice: Introduces a smoky and savory dimension, enhancing the overall richness and flavor complexity.
- Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese: Melts into the filling, creating a gooey and cheesy consistency that binds the ingredients together.
- Egg, beaten with 1 teaspoon Water (for an Egg Wash): Used to seal the egg-roll wrappers, ensuring they stick together during frying, creating a crisp exterior.
- Cornstarch: Provides a light dusting on the egg rolls, aiding in achieving a crispy and golden texture when fried.
- Vegetable Oil for frying: Used to fry the egg rolls, resulting in a crispy exterior while sealing in the flavors of the filling.
- Ranch Dressing: Served as a delectable dip, offering a cool and tangy contrast to the hot and crispy egg rolls, enhancing the overall dining experience.
How to Make California Pizza Kitchen Avocado Egg Rolls?
Step 1: Prepare the Ranchito Sauce
To start, we need to prepare the flavorful Ranchito Sauce that will accompany our egg rolls.
In a small bowl, combine 1/8 cup of Velvety Mayonnaise with 3/4 tablespoon of Zesty Hot Sauce, adjusting the amount to suit your desired level of spiciness. Then add 1/4 cup of Creamy Ranch Dressing, mixing well to create a smooth and creamy sauce. Set this aside for later.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Season a boneless chicken breast with your preferred blend of spices. You can use a simple mixture of salt, pepper, and garlic powder, or experiment with other spices to suit your taste.
Cook the chicken breast in a skillet until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is cooked through. Once cooked, set it aside to cool.
Step 3: Prepare the Avocado Filling
Cut a ripe and creamy avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop out the flesh into a medium-sized bowl. Mash the avocado with a fork until it becomes smooth and creamy. You can add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice to prevent browning if desired.
Step 4: Assemble the Egg Rolls
Lay out four 6-inch egg roll wrappers on a clean surface. Place a generous spoonful of the mashed avocado filling onto each wrapper, spreading it out evenly. Next, dice a plum tomato and sprinkle the pieces over the avocado filling.
Crumble a crispy slice of bacon and distribute it evenly among the egg roll wrappers, followed by a sprinkle of shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
Step 5: Roll and Seal
Start by folding the bottom edge of the wrapper over the filling, tucking it in tightly. Fold in the sides of the wrapper and continue rolling it up until you reach the top edge.
To seal the egg roll, dip your finger in the beaten egg wash mixture and apply it to the top edge, sealing it securely.
Step 6: Fry to Golden Perfection
To achieve the perfect crispiness, lightly dust the assembled egg rolls with cornstarch, ensuring an even coating. In a deep pan or pot, heat vegetable oil to around 375°F (190°C).
Gently place the egg rolls into the hot oil, seam side down, and fry for 3-4 minutes or until they turn golden brown. Use tongs to carefully flip the rolls halfway through the frying process to ensure even browning.
Step 7: Drain and Serve
Once the Avocado Egg Rolls are golden brown and crispy, carefully remove them from the hot oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack to drain any excess oil.
Serve the egg rolls while they’re still hot with the prepared Ranchito Sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Season the chicken breast based on your preference. You can use a ready-made seasoning blend or create your own unique combination.
- Make sure the avocado is ripe but not overly soft. This will ensure a creamy texture without being overly mushy.
- If you want to add an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle some lime or lemon juice over the diced tomatoes before adding them to the avocado filling.
- For a vegetarian alternative, omit the chicken and add extra diced vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added texture and flavor.
- If you prefer a healthier alternative, you can bake the egg rolls instead of frying them. Brush them with a little oil and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Storage Tips
If you have any leftovers or want to make the Avocado Egg Rolls ahead of time, here are some tips for storing them properly:
– Allow the egg rolls to cool completely before storing them.
– Place them in an airtight container, preferably in a single layer to prevent them from sticking together.
– Store them in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
– Reheat the egg rolls in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes or until warmed through before serving.
Nutrition Information
The nutritional information may vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients used and the portion sizes.
However, here is an approximate breakdown of the nutritional content for one serving of California Pizza Kitchen Avocado Egg Rolls, including the Ranchito Sauce:
– Calories: 369
– Total Fat: 19g
– Saturated Fat: 4g
– Cholesterol: 62mg
– Sodium: 469mg
– Carbohydrates: 23g
– Fiber: 2g
– Sugars: 2g
– Protein: 10g
Serving Suggestions
The California Pizza Kitchen Avocado Egg Rolls are incredibly versatile and can be paired with various dips and accompaniments.
Here are some serving suggestions to help you create a memorable appetizer experience:
- Mango Salsa: Serve the egg rolls alongside a vibrant and tangy mango salsa for a refreshing burst of flavor.
- Cilantro Lime Sauce: Drizzle a zesty cilantro lime sauce over the egg rolls for an herbaceous kick.
- Sriracha Aioli: For spice lovers, a creamy sriracha aioli makes an excellent accompaniment to the egg rolls.
- Citrus Salad: Pair the appetizer with a light and citrusy salad to add a fresh element to the meal.
- Asian Slaw: Serve the egg rolls on a bed of crunchy Asian slaw for a contrasting texture and flavor.
What Other Substitute Can I Use in California Pizza Kitchen Avocado Egg Rolls?
While the original recipe includes chicken as the main protein, you can easily customize and experiment with alternative fillings to suit your dietary preferences. Here are some ideas for substitutes:
- Shrimp: For a seafood twist, replace the chicken with cooked shrimp. Season the shrimp with spices, and follow the same steps as with the chicken, assembling the egg rolls with avocado, tomatoes, bacon, and cheese.
- Tofu: If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with marinated and cooked tofu. Dice the tofu into small cubes and season it with your favorite spices before adding it to the avocado filling.
- Pulled Pork: For a heartier and smoky flavor, slow-cooked pulled pork makes a delicious substitute. Prepare the pork ahead of time with your choice of seasonings and follow the same assembly process as with the chicken.
- Ground Turkey: Swap the chicken for lean ground turkey, seasoned with your desired blend of spices. Sauté the ground turkey until cooked through, and then proceed with the recipe as usual.
- Vegetable Medley: Create a medley of your favorite vegetables by sautéing them until they’re tender-crisp. Bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, and onions all work well together in this filling option.
California Pizza Kitchen Avocado Egg Rolls Recipe
Equipment
- Bowl
- cooking pan
- Utensils
- Cutting Board
- Knife
- frying pan
- Tongs
Ingredients
Ranchito Sauce
- 1/4 cup Creamy Ranch Dressing plus extra for dipping
- 3/4 tablespoon Zesty Hot Sauce
- 2 tbsp Velvety Mayonnaise
Egg Rolls
- Ranch Dressing for a delectable dip
- Cornstarch for a light dusting
- 1/4 cup Monterey Jack Cheese Shredded
- Four 6-inch Egg-Roll Wrappers
- 1 Crispy Bacon Slice
- 1/2 Creamy Avocado
- 1 Plum Tomato seeded and diced
- Vegetable Oil for frying
- 1 Boneless Chicken Breast seasoned
- 1 Egg beaten with 1 teaspoon Water for an Egg Wash
Instructions
Ranchito Sauce:
- In a bowl, combine 1/8 cup Velvety Mayonnaise (Duke’s) for a rich base.
- Add 3/4 tablespoon Zesty Hot Sauce, adjusting to taste for a perfect blend of heat.
- Mix in 1/4 cup Creamy Ranch Dressing, creating a creamy and tangy sauce. Set aside for dipping.
Egg Rolls:
- Season a Boneless Chicken Breast and cook until done. Shred the chicken for the filling.
- Mash 1/2 Creamy Avocado and spread it onto Four 6-inch Egg-Roll Wrappers.
- Layer with diced Plum Tomato, a Crispy Bacon Slice, Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese, and shredded chicken.
- Roll the wrappers, sealing the edges with an Egg Wash (1 Egg beaten with 1 teaspoon Water).
- Lightly dust the rolled egg wraps with Cornstarch for a crispy texture.
- Heat Vegetable Oil for frying. Fry the egg rolls until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove and drain excess oil. Serve with additional Ranch Dressing for a delightful dip.
Notes
- Season the chicken breast based on your preference. You can use a ready-made seasoning blend or create your own unique combination.
- Make sure the avocado is ripe but not overly soft. This will ensure a creamy texture without being overly mushy.
- If you want to add an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle some lime or lemon juice over the diced tomatoes before adding them to the avocado filling.
- For a vegetarian alternative, omit the chicken and add extra diced vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added texture and flavor.
- If you prefer a healthier alternative, you can bake the egg rolls instead of frying them. Brush them with a little oil and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Nutrition
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve successfully learned how to recreate the California Pizza Kitchen Avocado Egg Rolls in the comfort of your own kitchen.
With its combination of creamy avocado, seasoned chicken, crispy bacon, and zesty ranchito sauce, this appetizer is sure to please even the toughest of taste buds.
By following the step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and exploring alternative substitutes, you can create a personalized version of this beloved dish.
Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for an impressive appetizer, or simply satisfying your craving for delicious fare, the California Pizza Kitchen Avocado Egg Rolls are the way to go.
So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure inspired by the sunny shores of California.