Spring rolls are one of our favorite Chinese dishes. They’re great as an appetizer or snack, for lunch, dinner, or pretty much any time you’re craving something crunchy and savory. Although it can be tedious, I actually enjoy the somewhat time-consuming and delicate task of rolling each one up individually. It allows me an outlet for my perfectionism as I try to roll each one identically and as beautifully as the previous. If you lack such patience, however, you can always recruit a helper! Spring rolls exist in various forms throughout Asia, and the possibilities for ingredients and flavours is endless. They are a great starting point to begin experimenting with your own flavour combinations. Then there’s the sauce, once again endless variations, but we usually go for a sweet chili sauce and the savory soy-rice vinegar sauce I’ve included in this recipe. The sauce is another great way to experiment with different types of flavours.
The first time I made spring rolls, the result was nearly disastrous. That is because the recipe I used didn’t include any useful hints or instructions for rolling. Either my wrappers tore while I was rolling them up or they exploded while frying. I’ve since done some research (which I should have done before my first attempt) and I think I’ve got it down pat now. Here’s what I’ve learned:
1. After you’ve made the filling, allow it to cool completely. This is to avoid soggy spring rolls. Secondly, prop one side of the pan up to allow the liquid to drain off and collect at the bottom. This is to prevent the liquid from turning to steam when frying and causing your roll to explode.
2. Wrappers come in different sizes and quantities. I use ones that are 21.5 cm square and come in a package of 20. I usually don’t have time to roll any more than 20 in one sitting. Once you open the package and begin rolling, cover the stack of wrappers with a damp towel to prevent them from drying out.
3. Use a small amount of filling and roll the wrapper gently but as tightly as possible. Loosely rolled spring rolls will allow oil to seep in and make them soggy. Be gentle so as not to tear the wrapper, that will also make them soggy.
4. It’s best to serve your spring rolls as soon as they’ve been fried. If you want to freeze them to fry later, lay them out with wax paper or tin foil between each layer to prevent them from sticking together. Freeze them like this, then you can gather them together and put them in a freezer bag to store. Super delicious vegan egg rolls. Even better than take-out! As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Vegetable Egg Rolls
Ingredients
For the spring rolls
For the dipping sauce
Instructions
Recommended Products
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 15
Serving Size: 1 roll
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 68Total Fat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 235mgCarbohydrates: 12gFiber: 1gSugar: 0gProtein: 1g
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