Fried spring rolls
Thai cuisine is known for its bold and flavorful dishes. From curries to stir-fries, Thai food is an explosion of spicy, sweet, salty, and sour flavors. Thai Fried Spring Rolls, known as “Por Pia Tod” in Thai, are no exception. These crispy and crunchy rolls are a popular street food snack in Thailand and are enjoyed all over the world.
The basic ingredients for Thai Fried Spring Rolls are small pieces of vegetables and/or meat wrapped tightly in a thin pastry wrapper and deep-fried until golden brown. The wrappers are usually made of rice flour and water or flour and egg, resulting in a crispy texture that is not too greasy. The filling for spring rolls can vary depending on personal preference, but some common ingredients are carrots, cabbage, bean sprouts, glass noodles, and ground pork. Vegetarian or vegan options are also available by substituting meat with tofu or other plant-based proteins.
Thai Fried Spring Rolls are usually served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce made from sugar, vinegar, and chili flakes or garlic. Alternatively, they can be served with plum sauce or sweet chili sauce. These sauces compliment the crispy spring rolls perfectly by adding a touch of sweetness, acidity, and heat.
While the origins of spring rolls are unclear, they can be found in many Asian countries such as China, Vietnam, and Thailand. Thai Fried Spring Rolls in particular are believed to have originated from the Chinese dish “Lumpia,” which was introduced to Thailand by Chinese immigrants. Over time, Thais have adapted the dish to include local ingredients and flavors resulting in the Thai Fried Spring Rolls we know and love today.
Making Thai Fried Spring Rolls at home is a fun and rewarding experience. For the filling, vegetables are julienned and stir-fried with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce for flavor. Meat is cooked separately and added to the vegetable mixture. A small amount of filling is placed on a sheet of pastry wrapper and rolled into a tight cylinder. The rolls are then deep-fried in hot oil until they become golden brown and crispy. Lastly, the spring rolls are served with the respective dipping sauce and top of crushed peanuts.
Thai Fried Spring Rolls are a delicious appetizer or snack that can be enjoyed on their own or as part of a larger meal. They are also a great option for entertaining as they can be easily made ahead of time and reheated quickly. With their crispy texture and bold flavors, they are sure to impress any guest.
In conclusion, Thai Fried Spring Rolls are a culinary delight that has won over the hearts of people all around the world. With their crispy texture and flavorful fillings, they are an easy and delicious snack that can be enjoyed by all. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy snack or a flavorful appetizer, Thai Fried Spring Rolls are an excellent choice. So, grab your ingredients and get frying!
Ingredients:
- 1 pack of spring roll wrappers
- 1 pound ground pork or chicken
- 2 cups finely chopped cabbage
- ½ cup finely chopped carrots
- ½ cup finely chopped onion
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 egg, beaten
- Oil for frying
Instructions:
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In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and onion, and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
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Add the ground pork or chicken, and stir-fry until it’s cooked through.
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Add in the chopped cabbage, carrots, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce. Stir-fry everything together for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
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Remove the filling from the heat and let it cool.
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Once the filling has cooled, it’s time to prepare the spring rolls. Lay a spring roll wrapper on a flat surface and add a few spoonfuls of the filling in the center.
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Use your fingers to fold one end of the wrapper over the filling, tuck in the sides, and then roll it up tightly.
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Use the beaten egg to seal the loose end of the wrapper. Repeat this process with the remaining wrappers and filling.
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Heat the oil in a deep fryer or large pot until it reaches 350°F.
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Fry the spring rolls in batches for 3-4 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove the spring rolls from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess oil.
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Serve your Thai fried spring rolls hot with your favorite dipping sauce.