Homemade Spring Rolls Recipe (Fresh or Fried) – Easy

Spring rolls are a delicious and versatile dish enjoyed across many Asian cuisines. These delightful rolls can be made fresh with a vibrant mix of vegetables, proteins, and herbs wrapped in rice paper or fried to golden perfection with a crispy exterior. Whether served as an appetizer, snack, or main course, spring rolls are a crowd-pleaser with their light yet satisfying texture.

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In this recipe, we’ll guide you through making both fresh and fried versions of spring rolls. You’ll learn about the ingredients, preparation steps, and nutritional value while discovering the joy of making homemade spring rolls from scratch.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Active Time: 20 minutes
• Resting Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Cuisine: Asian (Vietnamese, Chinese, Thai variations)
• Course: Appetizer, Snack, Main Course
• Servings: 4-6
• Calories: ~200 per serving

Equipment Needed

• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Large bowl (for soaking rice paper)
• Frying pan or deep fryer (for fried spring rolls)
• Slotted spoon (if frying)
• Paper towels (for draining excess oil)

Ingredients

For Fresh Spring Rolls:

• 12 rice paper wrappers
• 1 cup cooked shrimp (sliced in half lengthwise) or tofu (for a vegetarian option)
• 1 cup rice vermicelli noodles, cooked
• 1 cup shredded lettuce or cabbage
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup cucumber strips
• 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• 1/2 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
• 1/4 cup crushed peanuts (optional)
• 1/4 cup hoisin sauce (for dipping)
• 1/4 cup peanut sauce or nuoc cham (Vietnamese dipping sauce)

For Fried Spring Rolls:

• 12 spring roll wrappers (not rice paper, but wheat-based wrappers)
• 1/2 pound ground pork or chicken (or tofu for vegetarian)
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup shredded cabbage
• 1/4 cup finely chopped mushrooms
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon fish sauce (optional, for extra umami)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for sealing wrappers)
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

Instructions

How to Make Fresh Spring Rolls

1. Prepare the ingredients – Cook and cool the rice vermicelli noodles. Slice shrimp or tofu, and prepare all vegetables and herbs.
2. Soften the rice paper – Fill a large shallow bowl with warm water. Dip a rice paper wrapper into the water for about 5-10 seconds until it becomes pliable. Lay it flat on a damp surface.
3. Fill the wrapper – Place a few shrimp slices (or tofu) in the center. Add a small handful of noodles, shredded carrots, cucumber, and herbs.
4. Roll it up – Fold the sides over the filling, then roll tightly from the bottom up, similar to rolling a burrito.
5. Serve – Place the fresh rolls on a plate and serve immediately with hoisin sauce, peanut sauce, or nuoc cham.

How to Make Fried Spring Rolls

1. Prepare the filling – In a bowl, mix ground pork or tofu with shredded carrots, cabbage, mushrooms, garlic, soy sauce, fish sauce, salt, and pepper.
2. Assemble the rolls – Lay a spring roll wrapper on a clean surface. Place a spoonful of filling near one edge. Fold in the sides, then roll up tightly, sealing the edge with cornstarch mixture.
3. Heat the oil – In a frying pan or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
4. Fry the rolls – Carefully place spring rolls into the hot oil, frying for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
5. Serve – Let the fried rolls cool slightly before serving with sweet chili sauce or soy sauce.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Tips for Perfect Spring Rolls

• For fresh rolls: Don’t over-soak the rice paper, or it will tear. Work quickly once it’s softened.
• For fried rolls: Keep the oil at a consistent temperature to prevent sogginess.
• Make ahead: Fresh spring rolls can be stored in a damp towel in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. Fried rolls can be reheated in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for crispiness.
• Dipping sauces: Experiment with different sauces like peanut sauce, hoisin sauce, or a simple soy sauce and lime mixture.

Final Thoughts

Spring rolls, whether fresh or fried, are a delightful treat that can be customized to suit different tastes and dietary needs. The fresh version is light, refreshing, and packed with healthy ingredients, while the fried version is satisfyingly crispy and indulgent. This Spring Rolls (Fresh or Fried) Recipe is perfect for family gatherings, parties, or even a quick homemade snack. Try making these at home, and enjoy the delicious flavors of homemade spring rolls!

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Ashley Doyle

I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.