Ingredients
To make spring rolls, you need the following ingredients:
– Spring roll wrappers: These are thin sheets of pastry made of flour, salt, and water. You can find them in Asian grocery stores or online.
– Filling ingredients: You can use a variety of ingredients to fill your spring rolls, such as vegetables, meat, seafood, or tofu. Some common filling ingredients include, carrots, cabbage, onions, mushrooms, bean sprouts, shrimp, and chicken.
– Oil: Use any high-heat oil, such as canola oil or vegetable oil, for frying.
– Cornstarch and water: Used as a binding agent.
Steps to make spring rolls
1. Prepare the filling
The first step is to prepare the filling for your spring rolls. You can use any combination of ingredients you like, but make sure to cut them into thin pieces. You can use a food processor to chop vegetables into small pieces.
2. Mix cornstarch and water
Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water in a small bowl. This mixture will be used to seal the spring rolls.
3. Roll the spring rolls
Lay a spring roll wrapper on a flat surface and place about 2 tablespoons of filling in the center. Fold the bottom half of the wrapper up over the filling, then fold the sides over the filling. Roll the wrapper tightly upward to seal the filling completely inside the wrapper. Brush the cornstarch and water mixture on the edge of the wrapper to seal it.
4. Fry the spring rolls
Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the spring rolls and cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown. Do not overcrowd the pan, as this will lower the oil temperature and make the spring rolls greasy.
5. Serve
Once the spring rolls are cooked, transfer them to a towel to remove excess oil. Serve hot with sweet chili sauce or any dipping sauce of your choice.
Tips for making perfect spring rolls
1. Use fresh ingredients
Fresh ingredients will give your spring rolls a better flavor and texture. Choose vegetables and meat that are in season and have a bright color.
2. Be careful not to overfill the wrapper
Overfilling the wrapper will make it difficult to roll and can cause the filling to burst out during frying. Stick to a tablespoon or two of filling for each wrapper.
3. Keep the wrapper moist
Dry wrappers can be difficult to work with and can crack when rolling. Keep your wrapper covered with towel or damp paper towel to keep them moist.
4. Fry at the right temperature
Frying spring rolls at the correct temperature ensures they come out crispy and not oily. Use a thermometer to check the temperature of the oil, should be around 350-375°F.
Conclusion
Making spring rolls at home is an easy and fun activity that everyone can enjoy. With a little bit of preparation, you can create a delicious snack that is perfect for sharing with your friends and family. Try out different filling combinations to make the perfect spring roll that satisfies your taste buds.