How To Make Fried Spring Rolls

Fried spring rolls are a delightful treat—crispy on the outside and packed with savory goodness on the inside. These crispy and flavorful rolls are a popular appetizer in many Asian cuisines. They’re filled with a mixture of vegetables, meat (optional), and aromatic seasonings, all wrapped in a thin pastry and deep-fried to golden perfection. They’re perfect for parties, gatherings, or simply as a tasty snack. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make!

Preparation Time: Approximately 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 8 dried shiitake mushrooms
• 1 pound pork loin or tenderloin (for a vegetarian version, omit the pork)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 ½ teaspoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 ½ teaspoons Shaoxing rice wine (optional)
• 4 teaspoons soy sauce
• ½ medium head napa cabbage, thinly sliced (about 6 cups)
• 3 medium carrots, julienned
• 1 package of spring roll wrappers (8-inch size)
• Oil for deep frying (such as vegetable or peanut oil)

Directions

1. Rehydrate the Shiitake Mushrooms:
   • Place the dried shiitake mushrooms in a bowl of warm water. Let them soak for about 20 minutes until softened.
   • Squeeze out any excess water and thinly slice the mushrooms.
2. Prepare the Pork Filling:
   • Julienne the pork loin (freeze it slightly for easier slicing).
   • In a bowl, mix the sliced pork with cornstarch, sugar, sesame oil, Shaoxing rice wine (if using), and soy sauce. Set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
   • Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Add a splash of oil and sauté the sliced shiitake mushrooms, napa cabbage, and julienned carrots until softened. Remove from the wok and set aside.
4. Assemble the Spring Rolls:
   • Lay out a spring roll wrapper with one corner facing you.
   • Place a small amount of the pork filling and sautéed vegetables in the center.
   • Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the sides, and roll tightly.
5. Deep Fry the Spring Rolls:
   • Heat 2 to 3 inches of oil in a wok or saucepan to 350°F (176°C) for deep frying.
   • Gently drop the spring rolls into the oil and deep fry in batches until golden brown.
   • Remove the spring rolls using a strainer or slotted spoon, draining excess oil on paper towels.
6. Serve and Enjoy!:
   • Serve the fried spring rolls hot with your favorite dipping sauce (such as sweet chili sauce).

Cook’s Note:

• You can customize the filling by adding other ingredients like shrimp, chicken, or tofu.
• For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and use more vegetables.

Nutritional Facts (per serving, approximately 2 spring rolls):

• Calories: Approximately 180 kcal
• Protein: 10 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Dietary Fiber: 2 g
• Fat: 7 g
• Vitamin A: 60% of daily recommended intake
• Vitamin C: 25% of daily recommended intake
• Iron: 10% of daily recommended intake

Enjoy your crispy Fried Spring Rolls!