Description
Homemade spring rolls are a crispy, golden delight packed with fresh vegetables, savory seasonings, and your choice of protein. Whether deep-fried, baked, or air-fried, these crunchy rolls are healthier and tastier than takeout. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even a light main dish, spring rolls bring authentic Asian flavors straight to your kitchen.
Who Is This Recipe For?
This recipe is ideal for:
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Food lovers who crave restaurant-quality appetizers at home.
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Families looking for customizable meals everyone will enjoy.
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Meal-preppers who want a freezer-friendly option for busy nights.
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Vegetarians or meat-eaters alike, since you can fill them with veggies, chicken, shrimp, pork, or tofu.
Why It’s Great
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✅ Customizable: Fill with your favorite vegetables or proteins.
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✅ Budget-friendly: Made with simple pantry staples and fresh produce.
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✅ Versatile cooking methods: Fry, bake, or air fry for different results.
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✅ Healthier than takeout: Fresh, lighter, and no hidden additives.
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✅ Crowd-pleasing: Perfect for parties, appetizers, or family dinners.
Ingredients
Filling:
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2 tbsp sesame oil (or vegetable oil)
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2 cups shredded cabbage (green or napa)
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1 cup carrots, julienned
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½ cup bean sprouts or thinly sliced bell pepper
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1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped
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2 green onions, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tsp grated ginger
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Salt & pepper to taste
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Optional protein: cooked chicken, shrimp, pork, or tofu
Wrappers:
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12–15 spring roll wrappers
To Seal:
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1 tbsp flour + 2 tbsp water (mixed into a paste)
For Frying:
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Vegetable oil for deep frying
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
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Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
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Sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant.
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Add cabbage, carrots, mushrooms, and sprouts; stir-fry for 3–4 minutes.
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Season with soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix in green onions.
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Drain excess liquid and let filling cool completely.
Step 2: Assemble the Rolls
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Place a wrapper like a diamond on a flat surface.
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Add 2 tbsp filling near the bottom third.
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Fold the bottom over, tuck in the sides, and roll tightly.
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Seal edges with flour-water paste. Repeat until done.
Step 3: Cook the Rolls
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Deep Fry: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry 3–4 rolls at a time until golden (2–3 min). Drain on paper towels.
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Bake: Brush with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
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Air Fry: Spray lightly with oil and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes.
Dipping Sauce Ideas
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Soy Garlic Sauce: Soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, sugar.
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Sweet Chili Sauce: Store-bought or homemade.
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Peanut Hoisin Sauce: Peanut butter, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, vinegar, water to thin.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
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Skillet or wok
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Mixing spoon/spatula
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Sharp knife & cutting board
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Spring roll wrappers
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Frying pan / oven / air fryer
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Basting brush (for baking/air frying)
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
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Freeze: Arrange uncooked rolls on a tray, freeze, then transfer to a bag. Cook directly from frozen.
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Refrigerate: Store cooked rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in oven or air fryer to crisp.
Fresh Spring Roll Variation (Vietnamese Style)
For a lighter, no-fry option:
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Use rice paper wrappers.
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Fill with shrimp or tofu, vermicelli noodles, lettuce, mint, basil, and fresh veggies.
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Roll tightly and serve with peanut-hoisin dipping sauce.
Serving Suggestions
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As an appetizer with dipping sauces.
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With steamed jasmine rice or stir-fried noodles.
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Packed into lunchboxes.
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On party platters for gatherings.
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As a side with grilled Asian meats or soups.
FAQ
Can I use egg roll wrappers instead?
Yes, but they are thicker and give a different crunch. Spring roll wrappers are thinner and crispier.
Are spring rolls gluten-free?
If using rice paper or gluten-free wrappers, yes. Always check the label.
What’s the best oil for frying?
Neutral oils like canola, vegetable, or peanut oil.
Why do mine burst while frying?
Overfilling or not sealing properly can cause bursting. Also ensure the oil isn’t too hot.
Conclusion
Homemade spring rolls are crispy, golden bites of flavor that you can easily customize to your liking. Whether deep-fried, baked, or fresh Vietnamese-style, they’re healthier, fresher, and far more satisfying than takeout. Once you learn the simple technique, you’ll find yourself making them again and again—perfect for family dinners, parties, or anytime you crave a crunchy, flavor-packed snack. ✨
