Ingredients

For the Spring Rolls:

• 20 large spring roll wrappers (available at most grocery stores or Asian markets)
• Vegetable oil for deep frying
• Dipping sauces such as Coconut Sweet Chili, Sweet Chili, or Coconut Sriracha

For the Filling:

• 100g bean thread noodles (also known as cellophane or glass noodles)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
• 2 coriander roots, chopped
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)
• 200g (7 oz) pork mince
• 1 cup grated carrot
• 2 cups finely sliced cabbage
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce

For the Spring Roll Glue:

• 3 tablespoons plain flour (all-purpose flour)
• 3 tablespoons water

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

1. Soak the Bean Thread Noodles: Start by soaking the bean thread noodles in warm water for about 5 minutes to soften them. Afterward, drain the noodles and use a pair of scissors or a knife to cut them into shorter lengths, making them easier to work with when assembling the rolls.
2. Make the Garlic Paste: In a mortar and pestle, pound together the garlic, black peppercorns, and chopped coriander roots until you achieve a fine, fragrant paste.
3. Cook the Filling: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the garlic paste and sauté it for about 1 minute, or until the mixture becomes fragrant. Add the pork mince and cook it until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks.
4. Add Vegetables and Seasoning: Once the pork is cooked, add the bean thread noodles, grated carrot, finely sliced cabbage, and fish sauce. Cook for another 3 minutes, just enough to soften the vegetables and allow the flavors to blend. Taste the filling and adjust the seasoning with more fish sauce, if needed.
5. Cool the Filling: Remove the pan from the heat and allow the filling mixture to cool completely. This step is crucial to ensure that the spring rolls don’t become soggy when assembling them.

Step 2: Prepare the Spring Roll Glue

1. Make the Glue: In a small bowl, combine the plain flour and water. Mix well to form a thick paste. This will act as the glue to seal the spring rolls when you roll them up.

Step 3: Assemble the Spring Rolls

1. Prepare the Wrappers: Lay one spring roll wrapper flat on a clean surface or cutting board. Make sure the wrapper is positioned so that it looks like a diamond (with one point facing towards you).
2. Add the Filling: Spoon a heaping tablespoon of the cooled filling onto the center of the wrapper, horizontally across the middle.
3. Fold and Roll: Fold the sides of the wrapper in towards the filling, then roll up tightly, making sure to tuck the filling inside as you go. Use a small amount of the flour paste along the edge of the wrapper to seal it tightly. Repeat this step with the remaining wrappers and filling until all spring rolls are assembled.

Step 4: Cook the Spring Rolls

1. Heat the Oil: In a large saucepan or deep fryer, heat enough vegetable oil to submerge the spring rolls. The oil should reach a temperature of about 350°F (180°C). You can test if the oil is ready by dropping in a small piece of leftover spring roll wrapper—if it sizzles immediately, the oil is hot enough.
2. Fry the Spring Rolls: Carefully place the spring rolls into the hot oil in batches, being sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
3. Drain the Oil: Remove the cooked spring rolls from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Serve the Spring Rolls

1. Dipping Sauce: Serve the crispy pork spring rolls hot with your choice of dipping sauces. Sweet chili sauce, coconut sriracha, or a classic soy dipping sauce are great options.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and based on 1 serving (1 spring roll)

• Calories: 150 kcal
• Protein: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 220mg

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make the spring rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the spring rolls ahead of time by assembling them and storing them in the fridge. To prevent the wrappers from sticking, place parchment paper between the rolls. Fry them just before serving for the best texture.

2. Can I bake the spring rolls instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake them if you prefer a healthier version. Brush the assembled rolls with a little oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

3. Can I use a different protein?

Yes, feel free to substitute the pork mince with chicken, beef, or tofu for a vegetarian version. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the protein is cooked through.

4. How do I store leftover spring rolls?

Leftover spring rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and heat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their crispiness.

Tips for Making Perfect Pork Spring Rolls

1. Don’t Overfill: Avoid overstuffing the spring rolls, as it can make them difficult to roll tightly and cause the filling to spill out during frying.
2. Ensure the Filling is Cool: Let the filling cool completely before assembling the spring rolls to prevent the wrappers from getting soggy.
3. Fry in Batches: Fry the spring rolls in batches to ensure even cooking and prevent overcrowding, which can cause them to stick together.
4. Use Fresh Wrappers: Use fresh spring roll wrappers for the best texture. Dry wrappers can break or tear easily when rolling.

Storage Tips

• Freezing Spring Rolls: If you want to store them for later, you can freeze the uncooked, assembled spring rolls. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for 1-2 hours before transferring to an airtight container or freezer bag. To cook, fry from frozen, adding an extra 2-3 minutes to the frying time.
• Reheating: For leftover spring rolls, reheat them in the oven or air fryer to keep the skin crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.

Conclusion

Pork Spring Rolls are a versatile and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed on any occasion. Whether served as an appetizer, snack, or part of a main meal, these crispy rolls are packed with delicious, savory filling and can be paired with a variety of dipping sauces for added flavor. By following the steps above, you can create these tasty bites in no time, and with a few simple tips, you’ll be able to make the perfect pork spring rolls every time. Enjoy the satisfaction of homemade, crispy spring rolls that are sure to impress your family and friends!