Ingredients
Wonton Wrappers
When it comes to making delicious spring rolls, one of the most essential ingredients is wonton wrappers. These thin sheets of dough are made from a combination of wheat flour, water, and sometimes egg. They come in various sizes and thicknesses, but for spring rolls, you’ll want to use the smaller ones.
The ingredients used to make wonton wrappers can vary depending on the region or brand, but typically include:
- Wheat flour: This provides structure and texture to the dough.
- Water: Water is added to the wheat flour to create a pliable dough that’s easy to work with.
- Egg: Some wonton wrappers may contain egg, which adds richness and helps to bind the ingredients together.
In terms of nutritional content, wonton wrappers are relatively low in calories and fat. According to the USDA, one small wonton wrapper contains approximately 20-25 calories and negligible amounts of fat.
When shopping for wonton wrappers, you’ll typically find them in the produce section or international aisle of most supermarkets. Look for brands that use natural ingredients and are free from additives or preservatives.
Some popular brands of wonton wrappers include:
- Wonton King: This brand offers a range of sizes and thicknesses, including small, medium, and large.
- Pacific Foods: Pacific Foods is another well-known brand that offers a variety of wonton wrapper sizes and types.
If you’re unable to find wonton wrappers in stores or prefer to make your own, you can try making a homemade version using wheat flour, water, and egg. However, this may take some trial and error to get right!
1 package of wonton wrappers (usually found in Asian food aisle)
The ingredients for making spring rolls are quite straightforward and easily accessible, even for those who may not have tried their hand at Asian cooking before.
To begin with, you will need a package of wonton wrappers. These can be found in the Asian food aisle of most supermarkets or well-stocked grocery stores. Wonton wrappers are typically sold in a square-shaped box and come in a variety of sizes, ranging from small to large.
It’s essential to note that using the right type of wrapper is crucial for making successful spring rolls. Wonton wrappers are made from wheat flour and water, which gives them their characteristic soft and pliable texture. They are also relatively thin, allowing for an even coating of fillings without becoming too dense or heavy.
The key characteristics to look for in a package of wonton wrappers include:
- A delicate, almost transparent appearance
- A flexible yet smooth texture that holds its shape well when handled
- No visible tears or creases that could compromise their structural integrity
- A clean and neutral flavor profile with no overpowering odors
In addition to wonton wrappers, you will also need a variety of fillings to create your spring rolls. This can include a mix of vegetables such as shredded carrots, chopped cabbage, diced bean sprouts, and sliced mushrooms.
Other options for fillings might include cooked meat or seafood, such as shrimp or pork, which are often seasoned with soy sauce, garlic, or ginger for added depth of flavor.
The beauty of making spring rolls lies in the ability to customize your fillings according to personal preference and dietary needs. Simply choose a combination of ingredients that you enjoy eating and pair them with some savory seasonings or sauces for extra flavor.
Vegetable oil for brushing
When it comes to the ingredients used in making delicious spring rolls, one essential item that plays a crucial role is vegetable oil for brushing.
The primary function of vegetable oil for brushing in this recipe is to prevent the spring roll wrappers from sticking together while they are being rolled and fried. The oil acts as a barrier between the delicate wrappers, allowing them to separate easily without tearing or breaking apart.
Additionally, the vegetable oil helps to create a non-stick surface on the wrappers, making it easier to shape and roll them into perfectly uniform spring rolls. This is particularly important when working with thin and fragile wrappers that can be prone to tearing or creasing under pressure.
The type of vegetable oil used for brushing should be light and neutral-tasting, such as canola or grapeseed oil. Avoid using strong-smelling oils like olive or sesame oil, as they may impart an unpleasant flavor to the spring rolls.
When selecting a vegetable oil for brushing, choose one that has a high smoke point, which means it can be heated to a relatively high temperature without breaking down or smoking. This ensures that the oil will perform consistently and effectively in both the frying process and as a barrier between the wrappers.
In terms of usage, lightly brush the vegetable oil onto each spring roll wrapper before assembling the filling ingredients. Hold the brush at an angle and apply a small amount of oil to the surface of the wrapper, starting from one edge and working your way up to the other. Be sure not to overdo it with the oil, as this can make the wrappers too greasy and difficult to handle.
By incorporating vegetable oil for brushing into your easy spring rolls recipe, you’ll be able to achieve perfectly formed and cooked spring rolls that are both visually appealing and deliciously flavorful.
Pan-Frying the Wontons
Preparing the Filling
To prepare the filling for the wonton spring rolls, you will need the following ingredients:
- 500g of minced pork
- 1/2 cup finely chopped cabbage
- 1/4 cup finely chopped carrots
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 egg, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
To make the filling, combine all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
Mix everything together until you have a smooth and uniform mixture.
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more soy sauce or sesame oil to get the desired flavor.
For the wonton wrapping, you will need:
- 20-25 round wonton wrappers (about 10 inches in diameter)
To pan-fry the wontons, follow these steps:
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add about 2 tablespoons of oil to the pan. You can use vegetable or peanut oil for this purpose.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully add one wonton wrapper to the pan. Repeat with 3-4 more wrappers.The idea here is to not overcrowd the pan, so fry them in batches if necessary.
- Cook each wrapper for about 30 seconds on each side, until it’s lightly browned and slightly puffed up.
- Remove the cooked wontons from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Repeat with the rest of the wrappers.
- When you’re ready to serve, reheat some oil in the pan and fry the partially filled wontons until they’re lightly browned. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan again.
- Serve your pan-fried wonton spring rolls hot with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy!
Chopped cabbage, carrots, and scallions
- To pan-fry the wontons, heat a couple of tablespoons of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add a few wontons to the pan and let them cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until they’re golden brown and crispy.
- You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your pan, but don’t overcrowd it as this can cause the wontons to stick together.
- While the wontons are cooking, you can prepare the filling by chopping 1/2 cup of cabbage into small pieces, along with 1/4 cup of carrots and a handful of scallions.
- Carefully chop the vegetables so they’re evenly sized and not too big or too small.
- Once the wontons are done cooking, remove them from the pan and set them aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- This will help prevent the spring rolls from getting soggy when you assemble them with the filling and sauce.
- Next, heat about 1 tablespoon of oil in the same pan over medium heat and sauté the chopped vegetables until they’re tender and slightly caramelized.
- This should only take a few minutes, so be sure to keep an eye on them.
- Once the vegetables are cooked, add the filling mixture into the pan and stir it around with a spatula until everything is well combined.
- You can then use this vegetable mixture as the filling for your spring rolls, along with any other ingredients you like such as shrimp or pork.
- To assemble the spring rolls, lay a piece of wonton wrapper on a flat surface and place a tablespoon or two of the filling in the center of the wrapper.
- Brush the edges of the wrapper with a little bit of water to help them stick together when you fold the wrapper over the filling.
- Then, fold the bottom half of the wrapper up over the filling, followed by the top half, and press the edges together to seal the spring roll.
- Carefully place the spring rolls on a plate or tray and serve them with your favorite dipping sauce.
Cooked pork or shrimp, finely chopped
To pan-fry the wontons for your Easy Spring Rolls recipe, start by heating about 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Once the oil is hot, add the chopped pork or shrimp, which should be finely chopped and mixed with any desired aromatics such as green onions and garlic.
Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste, and cook the filling for about 2-3 minutes or until it is lightly browned and cooked through.
While the filling is cooking, prepare your wontons by wrapping each wrapper around a small spoonful of the filling, sealing them by pinching the edges together to form a tight seal.
To pan-fry the wontons, add about 1-2 tablespoons of oil to the skillet or wok and swirl it around to coat the bottom.
Add the wontons to the oil in batches if necessary, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
Remove the wontons from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Repeat the process with the remaining wontons, adjusting the heat as needed to prevent burning.
Bean sprouts
To pan-fry the wontons and bean sprouts for this easy spring rolls recipe, start by heating about 1-2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Once the oil is hot, add a handful of bean sprouts to the skillet and stir-fry them for about 2-3 minutes, or until they are slightly softened and caramelized.
While the bean sprouts are cooking, prepare your wontons by placing a few drops of water on each wrapper. This will help the wrappers become soft and pliable during the pan-frying process.
After the bean sprouts have cooked for 2-3 minutes, add the wontons to the skillet in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet. Cook the wontons for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
To ensure that the wontons cook evenly, stir them frequently and use a spatula to gently lift and rotate them in the oil.
Once the wontons have finished cooking, remove them from the skillet with a slotted spoon and drain off any excess oil on paper towels.
The bean sprouts will continue to cook slightly after being removed from heat, so be sure to monitor their texture and adjust the cooking time accordingly. They should still retain some crunch and freshness.
Salt and pepper to taste
To pan-fry the wontons for this easy spring rolls recipe, start by heating about 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches a temperature of around 350°F (175°C).
While the oil is heating up, prepare the wontons according to the package instructions or your own homemade wonton wrappers recipe. If using store-bought wrappers, typically they come frozen and need to be thawed first.
Cut the wontons into desired shapes, either squares or triangles for these spring rolls. You can also use a round cookie cutter if you prefer a more uniform shape.
Once the oil has reached the correct temperature, carefully place 2-3 wontons at a time into the hot oil, being mindful not to overcrowd the skillet. This will help prevent them from sticking together during frying.
Fry the wontons for about 1-2 minutes on each side or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Repeat this process with the remaining wonton wrappers.
Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the fried wontons from the oil and place them onto paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Repeat the frying process in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the skillet, which can lead to steaming instead of pan-frying. Keep an eye on the temperature and adjust as needed to prevent the oil from getting too hot or burning the wontons.
Once all the wontons are fried, they’re ready to assemble with your chosen spring roll filling ingredients, such as vegetables, meat, or a combination of both. You can also serve them as is or store them in an airtight container for later use in salads or other recipes.
Finally, sprinkle some salt and pepper to taste on the fried wontons before serving to bring out their natural flavors and textures. This adds a burst of savory flavor that complements the spring roll filling nicely and enhances the overall taste experience.
Remember to always handle hot oil with care and attention to avoid splashing or spills, which can be hazardous if not handled properly. Enjoy your crispy fried wontons in this easy spring rolls recipe!
Cooking the Wontons
Pan-frying the wontons is a crucial step in creating the crispy and savory exterior that complements the delicate filling inside. To pan-fry the wontons, you’ll need to heat a small amount of oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
While the oil is heating up, prepare the wontons by gently dusting them with a small amount of cornstarch on both sides. This will help create a crispy texture when pan-fried.
Add a single layer of wontons to the hot wok or skillet and do not overcrowd it. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your pan.
Once the bottom side is golden brown, use a spatula to carefully flip the wontons over and cook for another minute or until they reach the desired level of crispiness.
Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the wonton wrappers. Generally speaking, it should take about 2-3 minutes per side to achieve a crispy exterior without burning them.
Remove the cooked wontons from the wok or skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
This method is ideal for pan-frying wontons when making Easy Spring Rolls, as it adds a delicate crunch that pairs well with fresh spring roll fillings.
Heat oil in a pan over medium heat
To achieve perfectly pan-fried wontons for our easy spring rolls recipe, it’s essential to heat oil in a pan over medium heat. This step requires some finesse to ensure that your wontons cook evenly and don’t burn.
Here are the steps to follow:
- Add about 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) of neutral-tasting oil, such as peanut or vegetable oil, to a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, but not smoking, carefully place 4-6 wontons in a single layer at the bottom of the pan. Do not overcrowd the pan, as this can cause the wontons to stick together.
- Let the wontons cook for about 2-3 minutes on the first side, or until they start to turn golden brown and crispy.
- Flip the wontons over and continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the other side is also golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the pan-fried wontons from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
By following these steps, you should be able to achieve beautifully pan-fried wontons that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside – perfect for our easy spring rolls recipe!
Add 23 wonton wrappers at a time and cook until golden brown
- To pan-fry the wontons, heat about 1-2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add 23 wonton wrappers at a time to the skillet and let them cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy.
- You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your skillet. It’s essential to not overcrowd the skillet, as this can cause the wontons to stick together.
- Once the wonton wrappers are cooked, remove them from the skillet with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- This step is crucial in ensuring that your spring rolls stay crispy and don’t become soggy. Repeat this process with the remaining wonton wrappers.
Assembling the Spring Rolls
Adding Fillings
To assemble the spring rolls, you will need to start by preparing a clean and flat surface for wrapping.
Cut a large sheet of plastic wrap or a silicone mat to size, this will help prevent the spring roll wrappers from sticking together while you work with them.
Next, lay out one spring roll wrapper on the prepared surface. You can find these wrappers in most Asian grocery stores or online, they usually come in packages of 20-25 sheets.
Dip your finger into a small bowl of water and run it along the edges of the wrapper. This will help seal the spring roll later on by creating a sticky barrier between the wrapper and the filling.
Now it’s time to add the fillings, here are some suggestions:
- Shrimp: Cooked and peeled, you can also use frozen shrimp that has been thawed.
- Cabbage: Shredded or sliced, make sure it’s dry before adding to the spring rolls.
- Carrots: Grated or shredded, use a food processor if needed.
- Mung beans: Cooked and seasoned with salt and sugar, add them sparingly as they can be dense.
- Cucumber:Sliced into thin strips, these will add crunch to your spring rolls.
Add a small amount of each filling in the center of the wrapper, leaving a 1-2 inch border around it. The amount of fillings will depend on how big you want your spring rolls to be.
Now fold the bottom half of the wrapper up over the fillings, then fold in the sides and roll up the wrapper tightly to form a cylinder shape.
To seal the spring roll, dip your finger into the water bowl again and run it along the edges of the wrapper. This will create a sticky barrier that will hold everything together.
Repeat with the remaining wrappers and fillings until you have used up all the ingredients.
Place cooked wontons on a flat surface
To assemble the spring rolls, start by placing cooked wontons on a flat surface.
Select a clean and dry workspace to prevent any moisture from causing the filling to become soggy. It’s best to use a flat surface such as a countertop or a cutting board for assembling the spring rolls.
Arrange the cooked wontons in a row, leaving about 1-2 inches of space between each piece. This will make it easier to handle and assemble them properly.
Prepare the Assembly Area: Before starting to assemble the spring rolls, ensure that you have all the necessary ingredients and tools within easy reach. This includes the cooked wontons, rice paper wrappers, filling ingredients (such as vegetables, meat, or shrimp), and a bowl of water for moistening the rice paper wrappers.
Assemble the Spring Rolls: To assemble each spring roll, follow these steps:
- Take a rice paper wrapper and place it in the bowl of water to soften for about 30 seconds. This will make it pliable and easier to work with.
- Remove the rice paper wrapper from the water and place it on top of a wonton, aligning it with one edge of the wonton.
- Add your desired filling ingredients down the center of the wonton, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Carefully fold the bottom half of the rice paper wrapper up over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll the spring roll up tightly to form a neat cylinder shape.
Important Tips: Make sure to handle the rice paper wrappers gently to prevent them from tearing. If they do tear, simply discard them and start with a new one. Also, be careful not to overfill the spring rolls, as this can cause them to burst open during cooking.
Repeat the assembly process until all the cooked wontons have been used up. You should now have a batch of beautifully assembled spring rolls ready for frying or steaming!
Add prepared filling to the center of each wonton
To assemble the spring rolls, start by preparing your filling according to the recipe and setting it aside. Next, take a small amount of the prepared filling and place it at the center of each wonton wrapper.
The key here is to use just the right amount of filling so that it doesn’t ooze out during frying, yet still fills the wrapper generously enough. Aim for about 1-2 teaspoons of filling in the center of each wonton.
Make sure the filling is evenly distributed and not too close to the edges of the wrapper, as this can cause the spring roll to tear or burst open when cooked. You want the filling to be snugly nestled within the wrapper, but still have a little room around it for the wrapper to wrap around.
Once you’ve placed the filling in the center of each wonton wrapper, take one corner of the wrapper and fold it over the filling to form a triangle or cylinder shape. Press the edges together with your finger to seal the spring roll tightly.
Repeat this process for the remaining wonton wrappers and filling, working efficiently but carefully to avoid any accidents. As you assemble each spring roll, place them on a clean surface or tray ready for frying.
It’s worth noting that some people like to brush their spring rolls with a little water before assembling them, to help the wrapper stick together. However, this isn’t essential and may not be necessary depending on the type of wrapper you’re using. Just be sure to press the edges tightly to ensure they don’t open up during cooking.
Now your spring rolls are ready to fry! Heat a pot of oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Once hot, carefully add the spring rolls and fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Drain excess oil with paper towels and serve immediately.
Fold in sides and roll into neat packages
To assemble the spring rolls, start by preparing all the ingredients, including the Noodles , shredded vegetables, and cooked meat. Lay a spring roll wrapper on a clean surface, with one corner pointing towards you.
Place about 1 tablespoon of noodles in the center of the wrapper, leaving a small border around the edges. Add some shredded cabbage, carrots, and cooked meat on top of the noodles.
Next, add some chopped Herbs , such as cilantro or basil, for extra flavor. You can also add a small amount of Soy sauce or fish sauce to taste.
Fold in the bottom corner of the wrapper over the filling, and then fold in the sides towards the center. This will help to enclose the filling and prevent it from spilling out during cooking.
Once you have folded in the sides, roll the spring roll up tightly but gently, making sure that the edges are secure and there are no gaps.
To complete the assembly of the spring rolls, you can serve them as is or dredge them in a little bit of flour before deep-frying. If you prefer to pan-fry or bake your spring rolls, you can skip this step.
Serving Suggestions
Assembling the Spring Rolls:
- After preparing all the ingredients, it’s time to assemble the spring rolls.
- Begin by laying a rice paper wrapper on a clean surface.
- Arrange about 1/4 cup of the filling in the center of the wrapper.
Filling Ingredients
- Pork or chicken, cooked and shredded
- Shredded carrots
- Shredded cabbage
- Bean sprouts
- Chopped cilantro
- Sliced green onions
- Crushed peanuts or cashews (optional)
Now, place a few slices of the herbs and lettuce leaves on top of the filling.
This will not only add flavor but also help to balance the flavors in the spring roll.
To assemble the spring rolls, fold the bottom half of the wrapper up over the filling.
Next, fold in the sides and then roll the spring roll up tightly.
Serving Suggestions
Once you have assembled all the spring rolls, they are ready to be served.
You can serve them as an appetizer or a main course, depending on your preference.
Here are some serving suggestions for Spring Rolls:
- Serve with peanut sauce: This is a classic combination that works perfectly with the spring rolls. The creamy and nutty flavor of the peanut sauce complements the crunchy texture of the spring roll wrapper.
- Serve with sweet chili sauce: For those who like it spicy, serving the spring rolls with sweet chili sauce is a great option.
- Serve as part of a salad: Spring rolls can be added to a salad for extra crunch and flavor. Simply place them on top of a bed of greens or mixed vegetables.
- Serve at a party: These bite-sized snacks are perfect for parties and gatherings. They can be served as finger food or appetizer.
Spring rolls can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days before serving.
To reheat, simply pan-fry them until crispy or steam them for a few minutes.
Serve with sweet chili sauce, soy sauce or a dipping sauce of your choice
To assemble the spring rolls, you will need to prepare all the ingredients and have them ready for assembly. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Prepare the filling
- Shred or chop the vegetables (carrots, cabbage, bean sprouts) into thin strips.
- Cut the cooked shrimp into small pieces.
- Mince the garlic and ginger.
- Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl until well combined.
Step 2: Assemble the spring roll wrappers
- Lay a spring roll wrapper on a flat surface, with one corner pointing towards you.
- Place about 1 tablespoon of the filling mixture in the center of the wrapper.
Step 3: Fold and seal the spring rolls
- Fold the bottom corner of the wrapper over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll up the wrapper to form a tight cylinder.
- To seal the spring roll, brush the edges of the wrapper with a little water and press them together to adhere.
Step 4: Serve and enjoy!
- Heat some oil in a pan over medium heat and fry the spring rolls until golden brown and crispy.
- Alternatively, you can bake or steam the spring rolls for a healthier option.
Serve the spring rolls hot with your choice of dipping sauce:
- Sweet chili sauce: made from chili peppers, sugar, vinegar, and garlic.
- Soy sauce: a classic Asian seasoning made from fermented soybeans.
- Oyster sauce (optional): adds a savory umami flavor to the spring rolls.
Enjoy your delicious homemade spring rolls!
Garnish with chopped scallions or sesame seeds
- To assemble the spring rolls, start by preparing all the ingredients and having them ready to use. This will make the process much smoother and faster.
- Lay a spring roll wrapper on a clean surface in front of you. Place about 1 tablespoon of your desired filling in the center of the wrapper.
- Make sure not to overfill the wrapper, as this can make it difficult to seal and may result in the filling spilling out during cooking.
- Now, brush the edges of the wrapper with a small amount of water. This will help the wrapper stick together when sealed.
- Folding the bottom half of the wrapper over the filling, fold in the sides and then roll up the wrapper to form a tight cylinder.
- Repeat the process until all the spring roll wrappers are used up, making sure to apply even pressure to seal each one tightly.
- To serve, garnish with chopped scallions or sesame seeds. Garnishes not only add flavor but also make the dish visually appealing.
- For an added crunch and flavor, you can pan-fry the spring rolls until golden brown before serving. This will give them a crispy exterior while maintaining their crunchy interior.
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