Name: Middle Eastern Sambousek Egg Rolls
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 3 lbs 90% lean ground beef; Salt, to taste; Pepper, to taste; 1 tbsp vegetable oil, plus more as needed for cooking; 3 cups oil, for frying; 1 onion, diced; 6 green onions, thinly sliced; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tbsp fresh turmeric, grated; 1 tsp cinnamon; 1 tsp allspice; 1/4 tsp cardamom; 1/2 tsp ground ginger (optional); 2 tsp ground coriander; 2 tsp ground cumin; 2 tsp dried cilantro; 1 tsp red pepper; 2 egg yolks; 1 large package phyllo dough; Garlic Aioli:; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 tsp ground ginger; 1/2 tsp dried cilantro; 1/2 tbsp honey; 1 tbsp hot sauce; 1–2 garlic cloves, finely minced

If you’ve never had sambousek before, you’re in for a treat. These crispy golden rolls are a Middle Eastern classic, and when you fuse them with the familiar shape of an egg roll, you get the best of both worlds. Imagine biting into a crunchy phyllo wrapper only to find a rich, spiced beef filling that’s bursting with warm, aromatic flavors—cinnamon, cumin, turmeric, garlic, and coriander all dancing together. Pair that with a creamy garlic aioli for dipping, and you’ve got a snack that’s impossible to resist.

Whether you’re serving them at a party, making them as an appetizer for a family dinner, or just treating yourself to something crave-worthy, these sambousek egg rolls will absolutely steal the show. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them.

Recipe Origin

Sambousek is a beloved Middle Eastern pastry that comes in many shapes and forms—half-moon pies, triangles, or fried parcels stuffed with meat, cheese, or vegetables. They’re a common sight at Ramadan iftars and festive gatherings. In this recipe, we give them a fun twist by rolling them up egg roll–style with phyllo dough. It’s a fusion that keeps the authentic flavors but adds a playful new presentation.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Large skillet for cooking the filling
Sharp knife and cutting board
Mixing bowls
Frying pan or deep fryer for crisping the rolls
Tongs or slotted spoon
Paper towels (for draining excess oil)
Small bowl for mixing garlic aioli
Pastry brush (for sealing edges with egg yolk)

Why You’ll Love Middle Eastern Sambousek Egg Rolls

Aromatic and Flavorful: The filling is rich with spices like cinnamon, cumin, coriander, and turmeric. Every bite is layered with warmth.
Crispy Perfection: The phyllo dough fries up golden and flaky, giving you that satisfying crunch.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect finger food for gatherings, game days, or family celebrations.
Fun Fusion: Classic Middle Eastern sambousek meets the shape and crunch of an egg roll—two comfort foods in one!
Dippable Goodness: The garlic aioli adds creamy, zesty balance to the bold spiced filling.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Keep phyllo dough covered with a damp towel as you work so it doesn’t dry out.
Seal the edges well with egg yolk to prevent filling from spilling during frying.
Fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan—this ensures even crisping.
For a lighter option, you can bake the rolls at 400°F until golden brown instead of frying.
Don’t skip the dipping sauce—it really takes these rolls to the next level.

Ingredients in Middle Eastern Sambousek Egg Rolls

Beef Filling

Ground Beef: Lean beef is best for a rich yet not overly greasy filling.
Onion & Green Onions: Layers of sweetness and freshness that round out the flavor.
Garlic: Adds punchy, savory depth.
Fresh Turmeric: Bright and earthy, it gives the filling its signature golden color.
Cinnamon, Allspice, and Cardamom: A warm spice trio that makes the filling deeply aromatic.
Coriander and Cumin: Bold Middle Eastern seasonings that tie the flavors together.
Dry Cilantro & Red Pepper: Herbal notes with a touch of heat.
Vegetable Oil: For sautéing the filling and bringing everything together.
Salt & Pepper: To season and balance all the flavors.
Egg Yolks: Used to seal the phyllo dough so the rolls stay intact while frying.
Phyllo Dough: The crispy, flaky wrapper that makes these rolls irresistible.
Oil for Frying: Creates that perfect golden crunch.

Garlic Aioli

Mayonnaise: Creamy base for the dip.
Garlic: Minced fresh for maximum flavor.
Ground Ginger & Dry Cilantro: Warm and herby notes.
Honey: A touch of sweetness to balance the spice.
Hot Sauce: Adds heat and tang.

Instructions

Preheat Your Equipment

Heat a skillet over medium heat with a little oil—this will be the base for building your savory filling.

Cook the Filling

Add the onions, green onions, and garlic, and sauté until fragrant. Stir in turmeric, cinnamon, allspice, cardamom, ginger, coriander, cumin, dry cilantro, and red pepper. Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks, until browned and flavorful. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Prepare the Dough

Lay out phyllo sheets on a flat surface, keeping the rest covered with a damp towel. Place a spoonful of beef filling near one end, then roll tightly into an egg roll shape, brushing the edges with egg yolk to seal.

Fry the Rolls

Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer. Fry the sambousek rolls in batches until golden and crispy, about 2–3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.

Make the Garlic Aioli

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, garlic, ginger, cilantro, honey, and hot sauce until smooth.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve the hot sambousek egg rolls with garlic aioli on the side for dipping. The crispy wrapper, savory spiced filling, and creamy sauce create a flavor explosion you’ll never forget.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: About 20 rolls
Calories per serving: ~220
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

How to Serve Middle Eastern Sambousek Egg Rolls

Pair with fresh salad greens for a lighter balance.
Offer alongside other Middle Eastern appetizers like hummus or baba ganoush for a mezze platter.
Serve at parties as a finger food—they disappear fast!
For a heartier meal, pair with rice pilaf or couscous.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Make Ahead: Prepare the beef filling in advance and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Assemble and fry just before serving.
Freezing: You can freeze uncooked rolls on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags. Fry straight from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes.
Leftovers: Store cooked rolls in the fridge up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best crispiness.

Variations to Try

Cheese Sambousek: Swap beef for a feta and mozzarella filling.
Vegetarian Option: Use sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or chickpeas.
Spicy Twist: Add more hot sauce or chili flakes to the filling.
Herb Boost: Fresh parsley or mint folded into the filling for extra brightness.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I bake instead of frying?
A1: Yes! Brush with oil and bake at 400°F until golden and crisp.

Q2: Can I use spring roll wrappers instead of phyllo?
A2: Absolutely—they’re easier to work with and fry beautifully.

Q3: How do I keep phyllo from tearing?
A3: Work quickly and keep sheets covered with a damp towel to prevent drying.

Q4: Can I make the filling spicier?
A4: Definitely—add more red pepper or a pinch of cayenne.

Q5: What’s the best oil for frying?
A5: Neutral oils like vegetable or canola are best for crisp results.

Q6: Can I prepare them the day before a party?
A6: Yes! Assemble and refrigerate overnight, then fry fresh the next day.

Q7: Can I use ground lamb instead of beef?
A7: Yes, lamb works beautifully and adds even richer flavor.

Q8: Can I double the recipe?
A8: Of course—just fry in batches so they stay crisp.

Q9: Do these reheat well?
A9: Yes, pop them in a 375°F oven for 8–10 minutes to restore crispiness.

Q10: Can I make the aioli ahead of time?
A10: Yes, it keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days in a sealed container.

Conclusion

Middle Eastern Sambousek Egg Rolls are the perfect blend of tradition and fun. The flaky, golden phyllo, the spiced beef filling, and that garlicky aioli all work together to create something irresistible. They’re festive, flavorful, and guaranteed to bring people together.

So the next time you want a dish that wows—whether it’s for a family meal, a party, or just to satisfy your own cravings—these sambousek rolls are the answer. Crunchy, savory, and absolutely unforgettable.