Chinese Spring Rolls
Chinese Spring Rolls offer a delightful combination of tender meat and crisp vegetables wrapped in a savory wrapper. The dish features bold flavors from soy sauce and five-spice, making it perfect for appetizer or main course, appealing to those who enjoy flavorful, crunchy bites with a touch of Asian spices.
Ingredients
- 1 to 1 1/2 lb. sirloin steak or 4 large chicken breasts, boned ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. onion powder ⓘ
- 1/4 cup soy sauce ⓘ
- 1 tsp. Chinese 5 spice powder ⓘ
- 2 cups chopped celery
- 1 cup shredded cabbage (optional) ⓘ
- 1 bunch broccoli (optional) ⓘ
- 1 carrot, grated ⓘ
- 3 cups fresh bean sprouts ⓘ
- 1 tbsp. cornstarch ⓘ
- 1 egg, beaten
Instructions
- Cut the meat into small thin pieces.
- In a large frying pan or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of oil until smoking.
- Stir-fry the meat in small portions until cooked, then set aside.
- Add more oil if necessary, and stir-fry the vegetables until crisp-tender.
- Combine cooked meat with vegetables, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and five-spice powder.
- Mix cornstarch with a little water to make a slurry, and add to the mixture to thicken if desired.
- Beat the egg and brush onto wrapper edges for sealing.
- Wrap filling in spring roll wrappers and fry until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider marinating the meat in soy sauce, garlic powder, and five-spice powder for 30 minutes before cooking. If you want to lighten the dish, substitute the sirloin with extra firm tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option. To ensure a crispy texture, fry the spring rolls in batches and avoid overcrowding the pan. Explore more tasty Chinese recipes for inspiration.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these spring rolls with sweet and sour sauce or soy sauce for dipping. They pair wonderfully with a side of jasmine rice or a fresh cucumber salad. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside Peppery Beef And Vegetables for a delightful mix of flavors and textures.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover spring rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the wrappers soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chinese Spring Rolls contains roughly 434 calories, with 17g protein, 89g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (69% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (48% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (37% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 14g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make spring rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply wrap the filling in the wrappers and fry them fresh. This helps maintain their crispiness and flavor.
What can I substitute for the meat?
You can use shredded chicken, shrimp, or even a mix of vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers for a vegetarian version. These alternatives will still deliver a satisfying and tasty filling while accommodating different dietary preferences.
Can I freeze the spring rolls?
Yes, uncooked spring rolls can be frozen. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, fry them straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).