Appetizer

Veg Spring Rolls

Golden-brown vegetable spring rolls arranged on a white platter with a small bowl of sweet chili dipping sauce, garnished with fresh coriander leaves.
Prep
30 mins
Cook
15 mins
Servings
12
AsianMediumSnackVegetarianDairy Free

About this dish

Crisp, golden vegetable spring rolls with a vibrant filling of shredded cabbage, carrots, and glass noodles, seasoned with soy and ginger. Inspired by the street food stalls of Southeast Asia, this version is specially adapted for the Indian kitchen with a subtle tempering of cumin and green chilli.

The key is to roll tightly and fry at the right temperature for that satisfying crunch.

Ingredients

UK and US measurements are both included for every recipe.

spring roll wrappers

grain

12 sheets (about 250 g)

Imperial measurement: 12 sheets

cabbage

vegetable

2 cups (150 g)

Imperial measurement: 2 cups (5.3 oz)

carrot

vegetable

1 cup (100 g)

Imperial measurement: 1 cup (3.5 oz)

glass noodles

grain

50 g (1.8 oz)

Imperial measurement: 1.8 oz

garlic

herb

4 cloves (12 g)

Imperial measurement: 4 cloves

ginger

herb

1 inch piece (10 g)

Imperial measurement: 1 inch piece

green chilli

vegetable

1 (2 g)

Imperial measurement: 1

soy sauce

seasoning

1 tablespoon (15 ml)

Imperial measurement: 1 tablespoon

rice vinegar

seasoning

1 teaspoon (5 ml)

Imperial measurement: 1 teaspoon

salt

seasoning

1/2 teaspoon (3 g)

Imperial measurement: 1/2 teaspoon

white pepper

spice

1/4 teaspoon (0.5 g)

Imperial measurement: 1/4 teaspoon

cumin seeds

spice

1/2 teaspoon (1 g)

Imperial measurement: 1/2 teaspoon

vegetable oil

fat

500 ml (2 cups)

Imperial measurement: 2 cups (approx.)

all-purpose flour

grain

2 tablespoons (16 g)

Imperial measurement: 2 tablespoons

water

liquid

3 tablespoons (45 ml)

Imperial measurement: 3 tablespoons

Method

1

Soak the noodles

10 mins

Place the glass noodles in a bowl and cover with hot water. Let soak for 10 minutes until soft. Drain and cut into 2-inch lengths using scissors.

2

Prepare the filling

5 mins

In a large pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for 10 seconds. Add garlic, ginger, and green chilli; sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add shredded cabbage and carrot. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly wilted but still crisp.

3

Season and cool

5 mins

Add the soaked noodles, soy sauce, rice vinegar, salt, and white pepper. Toss well and cook for another minute. Remove from heat and let the filling cool completely before assembling. (Warm filling can tear wrappers.)

4

Make sealing paste

2 mins

In a small bowl, mix the all-purpose flour with 3 tablespoons of water to form a smooth paste. Set aside.

5

Assemble spring rolls

15 mins

Place a spring roll wrapper on a clean surface in a diamond orientation. Place about 2 tablespoons of filling near the bottom corner. Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the sides tightly. Roll up, and seal the final edge with a dab of flour paste. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.

6

Heat the oil

3 mins

In a deep frying pan or wok, heat oil to 180°C (350°F). The oil is ready when a tiny piece of wrapper sizzles immediately upon contact.

7

Fry spring rolls

10 mins

Carefully slide 4-5 spring rolls into the hot oil, seam side down. Fry for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crisp. Do not overcrowd. Drain on paper towels. Repeat with remaining rolls.

Equipment

  • large pan or wok
  • deep fryer or deep skillet
  • mixing bowls
  • tongs
  • paper towels
  • small bowl for sealing paste

Nutrition facts

360 kcal
Calories
3 g
Protein
20 g
Carbohydrates
6 g
Fat
2 g
Fiber
350 mg
Sodium

Tips

  • Ensure the filling is completely cool before wrapping, or the steam will make the wrappers soggy and difficult to seal.
  • For a non-vegetarian twist, add 100 g of minced chicken or shrimp to the filling, cooking it first with the aromatics.
  • If you prefer baking, brush the spring rolls lightly with oil and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden.
  • To make the rolls extra crispy, double-fry them: fry once at 160°C (320°F) for 2 minutes, let rest for 2 minutes, then fry again at 190°C (375°F) until deep golden.

Serving suggestions

  • Serve hot with sweet chilli sauce, soy vinegar dip, or garlic mayonnaise. Garnish with spring onion curls and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

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Anaya Narayanan

Recipe by

Anaya Narayanan

Specialises in Indian cuisine

Anaya Sharma is a biryani specialist who layers rice like a architect.

Describe yourself in three words: Precise, proud, saffron hands.