Crispy Chinese Spring Rolls Recipe
Chinese · Snacks

Crispy Chinese Spring Rolls Recipe

Spring Rolls are a popular Chinese snack made with thin pastry wrappers filled with vegetables or meat, then deep-fried until golden and crispy. This recipe delivers a crunchy exterior with a flavorful, savory filling perfect for snacking or appetizers.

Prep
20 min
Cook
15 min
Serves
3
Difficulty
Medium

Method

1

Filling Base

Start by heating a pan over medium heat and lightly sautéing minced garlic until fragrant, then add shredded cabbage, carrots, and bean sprouts and stir-fry for a few minutes until slightly softened.
2

Flavor Infusion

Season the vegetable mixture with soy sauce, sesame oil, and black pepper, mixing well so all the flavors are evenly distributed, then remove from heat and allow it to cool completely.
3

Wrapper Setup

Place a spring roll wrapper on a flat surface and add a spoonful of the cooled vegetable filling near one corner, making sure not to overfill.
4

The Seal

Fold the sides of the wrapper inward and roll it tightly, sealing the edge with a cornstarch-water mixture to ensure it does not open while frying.
5

Prep Batch

Repeat the process for all wrappers, keeping them covered with a damp cloth to prevent drying out.
6

Wok Fry

Heat oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat until hot enough for frying, then carefully add the spring rolls in batches.

A batch of spring rolls being deep fried in a black wok until golden brown
7

Golden Crunch

Fry them until they turn golden brown and crispy, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking on all sides.

A steaming hot vegetable spring roll pulled apart revealing the colorful stir-fry filling
8

Drain Oil

Remove the spring rolls and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil, keeping them crispy.
9

Serve Hot

Serve hot with sweet chili sauce or soy dipping sauce and enjoy these crunchy spring rolls.

A restaurant style presentation of spring rolls on a table with various dipping sauces and fresh carrots

Cook’s tips

  • Make sure the filling is completely cool before rolling; warm filling will make the pastry wrappers soggy and cause them to break.
  • Keep the wrappers covered with a damp cloth at all times as they dry out and become brittle very quickly.
  • For a non-vegetarian version, you can add cooked ground pork or shrimp to the filling.

Recipe notes

Spring Rolls are a popular Chinese snack made with thin pastry wrappers filled with vegetables or meat, then deep-fried until golden and crispy. This recipe delivers a crunchy exterior with a flavorful, savory filling perfect for snacking or appetizers.

Completing your Asian appetizer spread? Pair these with a bowl of our Authentic Thai Pad Thai or serve as a side to our Quick Vegetable Fried Rice for a complete Chinese dinner!

Frequently asked questions

Can I freeze these?

Yes! Freeze them before frying. Fry them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.

Can I use an air fryer?

Yes, brush them with a little oil and air fry at 200°C (400°F) for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through.