Appetizer
Veg Spring Rolls

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
grain12 sheets (about 250 g)
Imperial measurement: 12 sheets
cabbage
vegetable2 cups (150 g)
Imperial measurement: 2 cups (5.3 oz)
carrot
vegetable1 cup (100 g)
Imperial measurement: 1 cup (3.5 oz)
glass noodles
grain50 g (1.8 oz)
Imperial measurement: 1.8 oz
garlic
herb4 cloves (12 g)
Imperial measurement: 4 cloves
ginger
herb1 inch piece (10 g)
Imperial measurement: 1 inch piece
green chilli
vegetable1 (2 g)
Imperial measurement: 1
soy sauce
seasoning1 tablespoon (15 ml)
Imperial measurement: 1 tablespoon
rice vinegar
seasoning1 teaspoon (5 ml)
Imperial measurement: 1 teaspoon
salt
seasoning1/2 teaspoon (3 g)
Imperial measurement: 1/2 teaspoon
white pepper
spice1/4 teaspoon (0.5 g)
Imperial measurement: 1/4 teaspoon
cumin seeds
spice1/2 teaspoon (1 g)
Imperial measurement: 1/2 teaspoon
vegetable oil
fat500 ml (2 cups)
Imperial measurement: 2 cups (approx.)
all-purpose flour
grain2 tablespoons (16 g)
Imperial measurement: 2 tablespoons
water
liquid3 tablespoons (45 ml)
Imperial measurement: 3 tablespoons
Method
Soak the noodles
10 minsPlace 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.
Prepare the filling
5 minsIn 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.
Season and cool
5 minsAdd 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.)
Make sealing paste
2 minsIn a small bowl, mix the all-purpose flour with 3 tablespoons of water to form a smooth paste. Set aside.
Assemble spring rolls
15 minsPlace 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.
Heat the oil
3 minsIn 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.
Fry spring rolls
10 minsCarefully 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
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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Recipe by
Anaya Narayanan
Specialises in Indian cuisineAnaya Sharma is a biryani specialist who layers rice like a architect.
Describe yourself in three words: Precise, proud, saffron hands.