Spring rolls: Versatile appetizers with a twist
Spring rolls are a popular dish in Asian cuisine, often served as an appetizer. These thin rolls, made from rice paper, are filled with various ingredients such as vegetables, meat, or seafood. Owing to their versatility and the range of ingredients that can be used, spring rolls are an excellent choice both as a light snack and as part of a larger meal.
The delicate rice paper rolls can be filled with fresh vegetables, meat, seafood, and a selection of sauces. Depending on your preference, spring rolls can be served raw, preserving the crunch of the ingredients, or deep-fried, transforming them into crispy egg rolls.
Given their adaptability and variety of possible fillings, spring rolls are ideal for a snack or part of a larger meal. They can be served either cold or hot and are often paired with sauces such as soy sauce or spicy sriracha.
Spring rolls - recipe
Ingredients:
- Rice paper (a few sheets, depending on the number of servings)
- Chosen filling, such as chopped white cabbage, carrot, green onion, and fresh cucumber
- Optional: vermicelli noodles, smoked salmon, bell pepper, mango
Sauce for serving:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 1 tablespoon water
How to prepare spring rolls
- Prepare the ingredients: Peel and grate the carrot, and finely chop the onion and other vegetables. If adding meat or seafood, ensure they are properly cooked or sautéed.
- Prepare the rice paper: Dip each sheet of rice paper in warm water for a few seconds until it becomes soft and flexible.
- Wrapping: Place the chosen filling in the center of the paper. Fold the sides to the center first, then roll from the bottom to the top, similar to making cabbage rolls.
- Serving: You can serve the spring rolls cold right after wrapping or fry them in a small amount of oil until crispy. Serve with the prepared sauce.
Spring rolls are a fantastic appetizer for everyday meals and larger social gatherings, offering a light yet flavorful treat. They are colorful and crispy and can be easily adapted to suit guests' preferences. Including them on your menu for a gathering is a great idea, as they are delicious and make an attractive presentation on the table.
