These crispy spring rolls are a delightful fusion of textures and flavors, combining the juicy sweetness of shrimp and pork with the refreshing crunch of corn and crisp lettuce. Imagine a vibrant, golden-brown roll bursting with savory goodness – a perfect appetizer, light lunch, or even a satisfying snack. The delicate rice paper wrappers perfectly encapsulate a filling that's both hearty and light, offering a balanced and delicious bite. Each spring roll is a miniature masterpiece, a testament to the beauty of simple ingredients expertly combined.
This recipe simplifies the seemingly complex process of making spring rolls, breaking it down into manageable steps even a beginner can master. Ready to experience the satisfying crunch and incredible taste of these homemade spring rolls? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions and create these culinary gems together.
Tools Needed
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Sieve
- Thin cloth or coconut milk filter bag
- Frying pan
- Gloves
Ingredients
- Sweet corn
- Sticky corn (white preferred): 500g
- Pork (lean): 300g
- Shrimp (peeled): 300g
- Shallots (minced): 1 tablespoon
- Pepper: 1 teaspoon
- Sugar: 1 teaspoon
- Seasoning powder: 2 teaspoons
- MSG (optional): 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Oyster sauce: 1.5 tablespoons
- Egg yolk: 1
- Egg whites
- Spring roll wrappers (rice paper)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Filling and Corn
- Prepare the corn. Peel both sweet and sticky corn thinly. For the sticky corn, use white corn for better flavor. You should have about 500g of corn after peeling.
- Prepare the yellow corn. Soak the yellow corn until slightly mushy. Squeeze out about 50% of the water. Do not squeeze out all the water.
- finely chop the pork and shrimp. Combine with minced shallots, pepper, sugar, seasoning powder, MSG (optional), salt, and oyster sauce. Mix well by hand.
Step 2. Assemble the Spring Rolls
- Prepare the spring roll wrappers. Use rice paper wrappers for crispy spring rolls.
- Place a tablespoon of filling on each wrapper. Fold the top, then the sides, and roll tightly but not too firm.
- Brush the edges of the spring roll with egg whites to prevent them from falling apart. Place the rolls seam-side down.
Step 3. First Fry
- Deep fry the spring rolls. Heat oil to medium heat. Reduce to medium-low and fry slowly until golden brown and crispy. Fry twice for extra crispiness.
- Fry until lightly golden, then remove from oil and let cool for 15-30 minutes.
Step 4. Second Fry & Serve
- Deep fry the spring rolls. Heat oil to medium heat. Reduce to medium-low and fry slowly until golden brown and crispy. Fry twice for extra crispiness.
- Fry again at medium-high heat for 30 seconds to 1 minute for extra crispiness and to ensure the inside is cooked.
Read more: Crispy Vietnamese Fried Spring Rolls: A Foolproof Recipe
Tips
- Peel the corn thinly to prevent difficulty during frying.
- Don't over-squeeze the corn; about 50% is sufficient to retain sweetness.
- Use lean pork for a more delicious and less dry filling.
- Don't overfill the spring rolls to avoid burning.
- Refrigerate the rolled spring rolls for at least 2-3 hours before frying for better taste.
- Fry slowly over low to medium heat to ensure both the wrapper and filling cook thoroughly and evenly.
- Don’t roll too tightly, as the filling will expand during frying.
- For rice paper wrappers, use more oil and fry very slowly over low heat.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I substitute the shrimp or pork?
Yes! Chicken, tofu, or even just vegetables work well as substitutes. Adjust the cooking time as needed for different proteins.
2. How do I prevent the spring rolls from getting soggy?
Don't overfill the rolls, and serve them immediately after assembling. If making ahead, store them separately from the dipping sauce and reheat gently before serving.
3. What's the best dipping sauce to serve with these spring rolls?
A sweet chili sauce is classic, but peanut sauce, hoisin sauce, or even a simple soy-lime dipping sauce are all delicious options.
Making these crispy spring rolls is a rewarding culinary adventure, resulting in a delicious and impressive dish. From appetizer to a light meal, they are perfect for any occasion, impressing your family and friends with their vibrant flavors and satisfying crunch. So gather your ingredients and embark on this flavorful journey – your taste buds will thank you!