Crispy Chinese Spring Rolls with Dipping Sauce

Chinese Spring Rolls are a popular appetizer in Chinese cuisine, loved for their crispy, golden exterior and flavorful filling. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a weeknight dinner, or simply craving a delicious snack, these spring rolls are the perfect choice. Filled with a savory mixture of vegetables and sometimes meat, and paired with a tangy dipping sauce, these spring rolls are irresistibly crispy and full of flavor.

In this post, we’ll show you how to make Crispy Chinese Spring Rolls from scratch, with a simple dipping sauce that complements the crunchy, savory rolls perfectly. This recipe is easy to follow and produces the perfect golden, crispy spring rolls every time.

What Are Chinese Spring Rolls?

Chinese Spring Rolls are a type of dumpling or snack made by wrapping a variety of fillings, including vegetables, meats, or tofu, in thin wrappers, then frying them until crispy. The filling is often a mix of cabbage, carrots, and mushrooms, but can vary based on personal preferences. These rolls are a staple at Chinese restaurants and are often served with a flavorful dipping sauce.

Spring Rolls are different from egg rolls, as they typically use thinner wrappers and have a lighter, crisper texture. They can be served as an appetizer, snack, or side dish to complement your main meal.

Ingredients for Crispy Chinese Spring Rolls

To make these Crispy Chinese Spring Rolls, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Spring Rolls:

• 1 cup shredded cabbage (green or napa cabbage)

• 1/2 cup shredded carrots

• 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (shiitake, button, or any preferred variety)

• 1/2 cup bean sprouts (optional)

• 1/4 cup sliced green onions

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

• 1/2 teaspoon ginger (freshly grated or powdered)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 pack of spring roll wrappers (about 10-12 wrappers)

• Oil for frying (vegetable or peanut oil)

For the Dipping Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste)

• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil

• 1 teaspoon finely chopped green onions (optional)

• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

How to Make Crispy Chinese Spring Rolls with Dipping Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

1. Sauté the vegetables: In a large pan, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the shredded cabbage, carrots, and sliced mushrooms. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
2. Add the bean sprouts (if using), soy sauce, and ginger to the pan. Continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool for a few minutes.

Step 2: Assemble the Spring Rolls

1. Prepare the wrappers: Lay one spring roll wrapper flat on a clean surface. Keep the other wrappers covered with a damp towel to prevent them from drying out.
2. Fill the wrappers: Place a spoonful of the vegetable mixture along the bottom edge of the wrapper, leaving space on the sides. Be careful not to overstuff.
3. Roll the spring rolls: Fold the sides of the wrapper inward, then roll the wrapper tightly over the filling. Seal the edge with a little water to ensure it stays closed.

Step 3: Fry the Spring Rolls

1. Heat the oil: In a deep frying pan or wok, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Test the oil temperature by dropping in a small piece of bread—if it sizzles and browns quickly, the oil is ready.
2. Fry the spring rolls: Carefully place the spring rolls in the hot oil, frying them in batches. Fry for about 3-4 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides. Use tongs to turn them occasionally for even frying.
3. Drain excess oil: Once the spring rolls are crispy and golden, remove them from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 4: Make the Dipping Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, chili garlic sauce, and sesame oil.
2. Add chopped green onions and sesame seeds (optional) for extra flavor and texture. Stir well to combine.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the crispy spring rolls hot with the tangy dipping sauce on the side. You can garnish with additional green onions or sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture.

Tips for Perfect Crispy Spring Rolls

• Do not overstuff the spring rolls, as it can make them difficult to roll and fry. A small amount of filling goes a long way.

• Seal the rolls tightly: Use a bit of water to seal the edges of the wrapper to avoid the spring rolls from opening while frying.

• Fry in batches: Do not overcrowd the pan, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy spring rolls. Fry them in small batches to maintain crispiness.

• Use a thermometer: To ensure the oil is at the right temperature (around 350°F or 175°C), use a kitchen thermometer. This helps avoid undercooking or burning the spring rolls.

Why You’ll Love Crispy Chinese Spring Rolls

These Crispy Chinese Spring Rolls are a perfect combination of crunchy, savory, and flavorful, making them an irresistible appetizer or snack. The crispy exterior contrasts perfectly with the deliciously seasoned vegetable filling, while the dipping sauce adds a tangy, slightly spicy kick that ties everything together.

These spring rolls are easy to make at home, and you can customize the filling to your liking by adding meat, tofu, or other vegetables. Whether you’re serving them at a party, enjoying them for dinner, or pairing them with your favorite stir-fry, these crispy spring rolls are sure to be a hit.