Homemade Vegetable Spring Rolls with Handmade Dough

These homemade vegetable spring rolls are light, crispy, and packed with flavor, made from scratch, including the dough! Filled with a delicious mix of vegetables and spices, they are perfect as an appetizer or snack. These spring rolls donโ€™t require meat and are budget-friendly, offering a great vegetarian alternative thatโ€™s just as satisfying.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Rest Time for Dough: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients

For the Dough:

  • All-Purpose Flour: 200g
  • Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Warm Water: 120ml
  • Vinegar: 1/2 teaspoon (optional, for elasticity)
  • Oil: for greasing

For the Vegetable Filling:

  • Oil: 1 tablespoon (for sautรฉing)
  • Garlic: 3-4 cloves, finely chopped
  • Ginger: 2cm piece, grated (or 1/2 teaspoon dried ginger)
  • White Part of Chives: 3 sprigs, chopped
  • Onion: 1/2 large, cut into julienne
  • Green Chilis: 2, sliced (or substitute with bell pepper)
  • Carrot: 2 cups (180g), julienned
  • Cabbage: 4 cups (240g), julienned
  • Oyster Sauce or Hoisin Sauce: to taste
  • Soy Sauce: to taste
  • Vinegar: 1/2 teaspoon (preferably rice or apple vinegar)
  • Green Part of Chives: 3 sprigs, chopped
  • Sesame Oil: 1/2 teaspoon (optional)
  • Cornstarch: 1/2 teaspoon (for binding)

For Sealing the Rolls:

  • Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons
  • Water: 2 tablespoons

Directions

  1. Prepare the Dough
    • In a bowl, mix the flour and salt. Gradually add warm water mixed with vinegar, stirring until a dough forms.
    • Knead the dough for 5-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Shape into a ball, coat with oil, and place in a covered bowl to rest for 30 minutes.
  2. Prepare the Vegetable Filling
    • Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant.
    • Add the white part of the chives and cook for 1-2 minutes.
    • Stir in the onion, cooking until soft. Add chilis (or bell pepper), carrots, and cabbage, then season with salt and pepper.
    • Add oyster sauce, soy sauce, and vinegar, stirring to coat the vegetables evenly.
    • Mix in sesame oil and sprinkle with cornstarch. Cook for another minute, then set aside to cool.
  3. Form the Dough Sheets
    • Divide rested dough into 12 equal pieces (about 25-27g each) and shape them into balls. Cover with a damp cloth.
    • Roll each ball into a thin circle, about 5-6 cm in diameter, stacking with oil and cornstarch mixture between layers to prevent sticking.
    • Stretch each stack to 22-24 cm and cook briefly (15 seconds per side) on a dry, hot pan. Separate the layers once warm.
  4. Assemble the Spring Rolls
    • Place a spoonful of cooled filling onto each sheet. Fold in the sides, roll up, and seal the edges with a cornstarch and water mixture.
  5. Cook the Spring Rolls
    • Deep Frying: Heat oil in a pan to medium-high. Fry rolls for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
    • Air Fryer: Lightly brush with oil, place in an air fryer at 200ยฐC (390ยฐF) for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway until golden.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with sweet and sour dipping sauce
  • Pair with soy sauce or chili sauce
  • Enjoy with a side of fresh salad
  • Serve with steamed rice for a complete meal
  • Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds

    Cooking Techniques

    Deep-Frying

    • Temperature: Heat oil to around 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) for a crispy exterior.
    • Frying: Fry the rolls in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to uneven cooking. Cook until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per batch.
    • Draining: Place on a wire rack or paper towels to remove excess oil.

    Alternative Cooking Methods

    • Baking: Brush the rolls lightly with oil and bake at 400ยฐF (200ยฐC) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.
    • Air-Frying: Lightly brush with oil and air-fry at 375ยฐF (190ยฐC) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

    Serve with dipping sauces such as sweet chili sauce, soy sauce with a bit of vinegar, or peanut sauce for added flavor. Garnish with fresh cilantro or sesame seeds for a finishing touch.

    Tips for Success

    • Rolling Thin Dough: Rolling thin is essential for achieving a delicate, crispy wrapper.
    • Avoid Overfilling: Too much filling can make rolling difficult and may cause the wrapper to burst during frying.
    • Chilling the Filling: Ensure the filling is cool to prevent the dough from becoming soggy.

    Storage and Reheating

    • Make-Ahead: Assemble the rolls and freeze them uncooked. Fry them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
    • Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer for a crispy texture.

    Variations

    • Protein Options: Add tofu, shrimp, or shredded chicken for a heartier roll.
    • Vegetable Choices: Use seasonal vegetables, such as zucchini or snap peas, for added variety.
    • Spicy Filling: Add finely chopped chili or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for a spicy twist.

    Homemade Vegetable Spring Rolls with Handmade Dough are a rewarding and versatile dish thatโ€™s great for entertaining or enjoying as a light meal. The process is hands-on, but the result is a flavorful, crispy treat thatโ€™s customizable to your tastes.

Cooking Tips

  • Elastic Dough: Add a little vinegar to make the dough more stretchable
  • Check Oil Temperature: Ensure oil is hot enough to avoid soggy rolls
  • Cooling the Filling: Let filling cool completely before rolling to prevent soggy wrappers
  • Sealing Edges: Use cornstarch mixture to tightly seal and prevent leaks
  • Air Fryer Alternative: Lightly brush rolls with oil before air frying for crispy results

Nutritional Benefits

  • Fiber: Cabbage and carrots provide fiber for digestive health
  • Vitamins: Vegetables are rich in vitamins A and C, supporting immunity
  • Low-Fat: Air frying reduces oil, making them lighter
  • Protein: Chives and sesame oil add a mild protein boost
  • Antioxidants: Garlic and ginger offer antioxidants, promoting good health

Dietary Information

  • Vegetarian: This recipe is vegetarian-friendly
  • Vegan Option: Use vegetable oil instead of sesame oil
  • Gluten-Free Option: Substitute flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour
  • Low-Calorie: Air frying lowers calorie content
  • Nut-Free: Contains no nuts

Nutritional Facts (Per Roll)

  • Calories: ~80 kcal
  • Protein: 2g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fat: 2g
  • Fiber: 2g

Storage

  • Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
  • Freeze: Place uncooked rolls in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw before cooking
  • Reheat: Reheat in an air fryer or oven for 5-7 minutes until crispy

Why Youโ€™ll Love This Recipe

  • Homemade Dough: Freshly made wrappers provide a delightful texture
  • Vegetarian Delight: A wholesome meatless filling loaded with flavor
  • Customizable: Easily add your choice of fillings
  • Crispy Texture: Perfectly crispy with each bite
  • Easy Storage: Make ahead and freeze for convenient snacking

Conclusion

These homemade vegetable spring rolls are a delicious, satisfying snack or appetizer with a perfect balance of crispy, fresh, and savory flavors. The homemade dough and veggie filling make these rolls a special treat, allowing you to control every ingredient and skip the meat while keeping the taste rich and fulfilling. Whether you fry or air-fry, these spring rolls are sure to be a hit at your next gathering or family meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I add meat to the filling?
    Yes! You can add shredded chicken or ground pork for a non-vegetarian version.
  2. Is there a gluten-free option for the dough?
    Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free wrapper.
  3. Can I bake the spring rolls instead of frying?
    Yes, you can bake them at 400ยฐF (200ยฐC) for 15-20 minutes, brushing with oil for extra crispiness.
  4. How can I keep the rolls crispy after frying?
    Place them on a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep them crispy.
  5. Can I use store-bought wrappers?
    Absolutely! Store-bought spring roll wrappers can save time and work just as well.

Enjoy these homemade spring rolls as a flavorful, satisfying treat!


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