How To Make Fried Spring Rolls

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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!

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Preparation Time: Approximately 30 minutes

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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

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.