Ingredients for Authentic Chinese Spring Rolls
- Ground Lean Pork
- Cornstarch
- Rice Wine Vinegar
- Dry Sherry
- Salt
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup bamboo shoots (sliced)
- Dried Shiitake Mushrooms
- Green Onion
- Sugar
- White Pepper
- Soy Sauce
- Sesame Oil
- [Specify number, e.g., 12 spring roll wrappers]
- All Purpose Flour
- Water
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Hot Sauce
- Rice Vinegar
- Apricot Jam
How to Make Authentic Chinese Spring Rolls
- **Prepare the Marinade:** In a bowl, whisk together [Specify marinade ingredients with measurements].
- **Marinate the Pork:** Add 1 lb ground pork to the marinade. Mix thoroughly and let marinate at room temperature for 20 minutes.
- **Cook the Vegetables:** Sauté 1 cup shredded cabbage and 1/2 cup shredded carrots in 1-2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a wok until crisp-tender. Alternatively, steam the vegetables in a bamboo steamer until crisp-tender.
- **Cool the Vegetables:** Spread the cooked vegetables on a cookie sheet and refrigerate until completely cool.
- **Cook the Pork:** Heat 1-2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a wok. Add the marinated pork and sauté until no longer pink. Continue to sauté until all moisture evaporates and the pork is dry.
- **Cool the Pork:** Spread the cooked pork on a separate cookie sheet and refrigerate until completely cool.
- **Combine the Filling:** In a large bowl, combine the cooled pork, [Specify binder mixture with measurements], cooled vegetables, 1/2 cup bamboo shoots (sliced), 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms, and 1/4 cup chopped green onions. Mix well and ensure the filling is completely cool.
- **Prepare the Sealer:** Combine [Specify sealer ingredients with measurements] and mix until smooth.
- **Assemble the Spring Rolls:** Lay a spring roll wrapper on a flat surface, with a point facing you. Place about 1/4 cup of filling 1/3 of the way up the wrapper.
- **Roll the Spring Rolls:** Roll the wrapper tightly, tucking in the sides to form a narrow roll (about 1/2 to 2/3 inch in diameter).
- **Seal the Spring Rolls:** Brush the triangle end flap with the sealer for the last 1 1/2 to 2 inches.
- **Rest the Spring Rolls:** Keep the finished rolls covered with a damp towel or damp paper towels.
- **Refrigerate or Freeze:** Refrigerate or freeze the rolls. For long-term freezer storage, place the rolls in plastic bags.
- **Prepare the Dipping Sauce (Option 1):** Combine [Specify dipping sauce ingredients with measurements] and stir well.
- **Prepare the Dipping Sauce (Option 2):** Combine [Specify alternate dipping sauce ingredients with measurements] in a small saucepan. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring until smooth. Strain and cool.
- **Deep Fry the Spring Rolls:** Heat 1 quart of vegetable oil in a wok to 350°F (175°C). Fry the rolls in batches of 8-10, until deep golden brown. Do not overcrowd the wok. Adjust heat as needed to maintain temperature (do not exceed 375°F/190°C).
- **Drain and Serve:** Drain the spring rolls on paper towels. Cut each roll in half diagonally. Serve warm with Chinese mustard and your choice of dipping sauce.
- **Reheating:** Cooled rolls can be reheated at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, wrapped in foil.
Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor
Want to unlock deeper, more complex flavors? Try toasting your whole spices before grinding them, or blooming ground spices in a little warm oil to enhance their aroma. Deglazing your pan with a bit of stock, wine, or even water after browning ingredients can capture those tasty caramelized bits, adding richness to your dish.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)
Sodium
14 g
Sugar
9g
Fat
18g
Carbs
3g