fried spring rolls

Fried Spring Rolls

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Fried Spring Rolls: Bringing Vietnam’s Favorite Snack to Your Table

fried spring rolls
chả giò

 

“Fried Spring Rolls,” also known as chả giò or nem rán, is a beloved Vietnamese street food that has gained international acclaim for its crispy exterior and flavorful filling. This dish has won the hearts of many food lovers around the world, including celebrities like Martha Stewart and Gordon Ramsay. Martha Stewart once praised the perfect crunch and savory taste of fried spring rolls, while Gordon Ramsay highlighted their versatility and rich flavor. For Vietnamese people, fried spring rolls are more than just a dish—they are a symbol of family gatherings, celebrations, and the art of Vietnamese cooking.

At Viet Kitchen, we will guide you on how to craft the perfect Fried Spring Rolls, blending crispy wrappers with savory fillings of pork, shrimp, and vegetables. Experience the authentic flavors of Vietnam’s iconic street food right in your own kitchen.

How to Make Fried Spring Rolls?

Ingredients (serves 4):

  • Rice paper or spring roll wrappers: 16 sheets (4 rolls per person)
  • Ground pork: 200g
  • Shrimp: 200g, peeled and chopped
  • Carrots: 1, finely shredded
  • Wood ear mushrooms: 50g, soaked and chopped
  • Bean thread noodles: 50g, soaked and chopped
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
  • Shallots: 2, minced
  • Egg: 1, beaten
  • Fish sauce: 2 tablespoons
  • Black pepper: 1 teaspoon
  • Vegetable oil: for frying

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, combine ground pork, shrimp, carrots, wood ear mushrooms, bean thread noodles, garlic, shallots, fish sauce, and black pepper. Mix well, then add the beaten egg to bind the ingredients.
  2. Assemble the spring rolls: Place a wrapper on a flat surface and add a spoonful of filling near one edge. Roll tightly, folding in the sides as you go to create a secure roll.
  3. Fry the spring rolls: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, fry the spring rolls in batches until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  4. Serve with dipping sauce: Fried spring rolls are best enjoyed with a dipping sauce made from fish sauce, sugar, lime juice, garlic, and chili.

Dipping Sauce (The Soul of the Dish):

  • Ingredients:
    • 4 tablespoons fish sauce
    • 2 tablespoons water
    • 2 tablespoons sugar
    • 1 tablespoon lime juice
    • 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
    • 1 chili, finely chopped
  • Instructions: Mix fish sauce, water, and sugar until fully dissolved. Add lime juice, garlic, and chili, and stir well.

Ingredients for fried spring rolls can be purchased at Asian supermarkets or Vietnamese markets in the U.S., such as H Mart or Ranch 99.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Fried Spring Rolls

  • Advantages: Fried spring rolls are crispy, flavorful, and perfect for parties or family gatherings. They can be made in advance and frozen, making them convenient for quick meals.
  • Disadvantages: Frying can be messy, and the spring rolls must be handled carefully to prevent them from breaking during the rolling process.

5 Famous Fried Spring Roll Spots in the U.S.

  1. Pho 75 – Arlington, VA
    • Address: 1721 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22209
  2. Ba Bar – Seattle, WA
    • Address: 550 12th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122
  3. Little Sister – Los Angeles, CA
    • Address: 523 W 7th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014
  4. Tân Tân – Houston, TX
    • Address: 11360 Bellaire Blvd, Houston, TX 77072
  5. Saigon Shack – New York, NY
    • Address: 114 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012

Enjoying Fried Spring Rolls in Vietnam

If you have the opportunity to visit Vietnam, be sure to try fried spring rolls at these renowned spots:

Saigon:

  1. Chả Giò Ngon – 72 Pasteur, District 1
  2. Nem Rán Ba Vi – 120 Lý Tự Trọng, District 1
  3. Chả Giò Cô Huệ – 95 Võ Văn Tần, District 3
  4. Nem Rán Chợ Bến Thành – Inside Bến Thành Market, District 1
  5. Chả Giò Ngọc Hà – 28B Cao Thắng, District 3

Hanoi:

  1. Nem Rán Hàng Bạc – 55 Hàng Bạc, Hoàn Kiếm
  2. Chả Giò Thanh Xuân – 21 Tô Hiến Thành, Hai Bà Trưng
  3. Nem Rán Lý Quốc Sư – 50 Lý Quốc Sư, Hoàn Kiếm
  4. Chả Giò Trần Hưng Đạo – 110 Trần Hưng Đạo, Hoàn Kiếm
  5. Nem Rán Ngọc Khánh – 69 Ngọc Khánh, Ba Đình

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Fried Spring Rolls

  1. Where do fried spring rolls originate from?
    • Fried spring rolls have their roots in Vietnam, where they are commonly served as appetizers or party dishes.
  2. Can fried spring rolls be made vegetarian?
    • Yes, fried spring rolls can be made vegetarian by using ingredients like tofu, mushrooms, and vegetables.
  3. How do I prevent the wrappers from tearing when rolling?
    • Make sure to soften the wrappers with a damp cloth and handle them gently during the rolling process.
  4. Can I make fried spring rolls ahead of time?
    • Yes, you can prepare them in advance and freeze them. Fry them directly from the freezer for convenience.
  5. What is usually served with fried spring rolls?
    • Fried spring rolls are usually served with a dipping sauce made from fish sauce, lime juice, garlic, and chili.

Conclusion

“Fried Spring Rolls” are a delicious and versatile dish that showcases the crispy and savory side of Vietnamese cuisine. With their golden, crunchy exterior and flavorful filling, they are perfect for any occasion. Whether served as an appetizer or a main dish, fried spring rolls are sure to impress with their rich taste and satisfying texture. Try making them at home to experience the authentic flavors of Vietnam’s beloved street food.

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