Steam Cooking Spring Rolls: A Healthy, Tasty Option?

Spring rolls are a popular Indo-Chinese snack or starter, and they can be steamed as well as fried. The process of steaming spring rolls is similar to steaming dumplings. The filling is made first, and can include meat, seafood, or vegetables, and is then wrapped in spring roll wrappers and steamed for around 5-10 minutes. The wrappers are ready when they turn translucent.

How to fold spring rolls

There are many ways to fold a spring roll, and the technique may vary depending on factors such as the size of the wrapper, the amount of filling, and whether the ends of the wrapper are left open or closed. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to fold a spring roll:

Place the spring roll wrapper on a flat surface. For Chinese spring rolls, position the wrapper so that one of the four corners is facing towards you in a diamond shape. For Vietnamese spring rolls, use lukewarm water to dip the rice paper wrapper and place it on a flat surface.

Add the filling. For Chinese spring rolls, use about 1-2 tablespoons of filling per wrapper, being careful not to overfill. Place the filling in the centre of the wrapper, about 2 inches from the corner closest to you. For Vietnamese spring rolls, add the filling to the lower third of the wrapper, leaving about 1.5-2 inches of space on the left and right sides.

Begin rolling. Fold the corner closest to you over the filling. For Chinese spring rolls, gently press down on each side of the filling to flatten the wrapper. Then, fold the left and right sides of the wrapper towards the middle. For Vietnamese spring rolls, fold the sides of the rice paper along the entire height of the wrapper.

Seal the roll. For Chinese spring rolls, create a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch and hot water. Brush this mixture onto the opposite corner of the wrapper to seal it. For Vietnamese spring rolls, the rice paper will stick to itself naturally.

Finish rolling. For Chinese spring rolls, continue rolling the wrapper into a tight cigar shape. For Vietnamese spring rolls, continue rolling forward while tucking in the front to prevent air pockets from forming.

Place the finished spring roll on a tray or cutting board. For Chinese spring rolls, place the spring roll sealed side down on a wooden cutting board or a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. For Vietnamese spring rolls, place the rolls on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper.

Repeat these steps for the remaining wrappers and filling.

How long to steam spring rolls

Steaming is a great way to cook spring rolls, and it's super easy! The cooking time will depend on the filling and the number of spring rolls you're making, but on average, it should take between 5 to 10 minutes to steam your spring rolls.

First, you'll want to gather your ingredients and prepare the filling. A typical vegetable filling includes cabbage, carrots, beans, and cilantro, while meat fillings usually consist of ground beef or pork. You can also add in some soy sauce, oyster sauce, and other seasonings for extra flavour.

Once your filling is ready, you'll need to assemble the spring rolls. Place a damp cloth over the spring roll wrappers and let them sit for about 5-6 minutes. Then, take one wrapper and place it on a flat surface with one corner facing you. Add 1-2 tablespoons of filling to the centre, being careful not to overfill. Fold over the corner closest to you, and then fold in the left and right sides. Gently roll the wrapper towards the far corner and seal it with a bit of batter or cornstarch mixed with water.

Now you're ready to steam! Place the spring rolls in a bamboo steamer basket lined with parchment paper, making sure they're at least 1/2 inch apart. Set the steamer basket over simmering water and cover. Steam your spring rolls for about 5 to 10 minutes, or until the wrappers turn translucent.

And that's it! You can serve your steamed spring rolls hot with your favourite dipping sauce. Enjoy!

What to serve with steamed spring rolls

Steamed spring rolls are a tasty treat, and there are plenty of side dishes that can complement them. Here are some ideas on what to serve with your steamed spring rolls to make your meal more flavourful and well-rounded:

• Salads and Vegetables: A crunchy Asian slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing can add a nice contrast to the soft and juicy steamed spring rolls. You can also serve a refreshing cucumber salad, a citrusy slaw, or a Thai green mango salad. If you want to keep things simple, steamed or stir-fried vegetables are always a great option.
• Rice Dishes: Steamed jasmine rice is a versatile side dish that pairs well with spring rolls. For something more flavourful, try coconut rice, which is made by cooking rice in coconut milk, adding a touch of sweetness to your meal. Vegetable fried rice is another classic option that adds texture and flavour to your meal.
• Noodle Dishes: Cold sesame noodles coated in a rich, nutty sauce provide a lovely contrast to the warm, crispy spring rolls. Vietnamese noodle salad (Bun Cha Gio) is another refreshing option, featuring vermicelli rice noodles, fresh herbs, and bean sprouts.
• Dumplings: Steamed dumplings are delicate and savoury, making them a great addition to your meal. They come with various fillings, such as meat, vegetables, or seafood.
• Soups: A bowl of soup can be a delightful companion to your spring rolls. Try the Thai Tom Yum soup or Chinese hot and sour soup for a combination of contrasting flavours and temperatures.
• Dipping Sauces: Don't forget the dipping sauces! Peanut dipping sauce is a popular choice, adding a rich and creamy contrast to the crispness of the rolls. Sweet chilli sauce is another favourite, adding a kick of flavour and a smooth consistency.
• Meat and Seafood: If you're looking for something more substantial, shrimp fried rice or orange chicken can be great options to pair with your steamed spring rolls.

What ingredients to use for steamed spring rolls

Steamed spring rolls are a great snack option, especially if you're looking for something healthy and delicious. The best part about making spring rolls is that you can get creative with the ingredients and experiment with different combinations of fillings and wrappers. Here are some ideas for ingredients to use when making your own steamed spring rolls:

Wrappers

Spring roll wrappers are readily available in the market, usually in the refrigerated or frozen section of the produce aisle. They are made with wheat flour and come in various sizes, from small squares for mini spring rolls to larger squares that make spring rolls about 10-12 cm long. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try making your own wrappers using a pasta crank. Rice paper wrappers are another option, commonly used for Vietnamese spring rolls, but they require soaking before wrapping.

Fillings

The beauty of spring rolls is that you can fill them with just about anything you like. Here are some popular options:

• Vegetables: Finely chopped or shredded cabbage, carrots, beans, cilantro, scallions, celery, shiitake mushrooms, and bean sprouts are all great choices. Try to cut the vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even steaming.
• Meat: Ground beef, pork, or chicken are commonly used. You can also use raw shrimp or lobster claw meat for a fancy seafood twist.
• Seasonings and Sauces: Soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic powder, pepper powder, cornstarch, salt, and white or black pepper can be added to taste.

Dipping Sauces

Spring rolls are often served with a dipping sauce on the side. Here are some options to try:

• Soy sauce
• Sweet and sour sauce
• Peanut sauce: Mix peanut butter, sweet chili sauce, low-sodium soy sauce, and hoisin sauce in a blender until smooth.

Other Tips

When preparing your spring rolls, remember to work with one wrapper at a time and keep the others covered with a damp cloth or tea towel. Place the filling in the center, being careful not to overfill, and then roll and seal the wrapper. Steam the spring rolls for about 5-10 minutes, or until the wrappers turn translucent.

How to prepare spring rolls for steaming

Preparing spring rolls for steaming is a simple and quick process. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Ingredients:

• Spring roll wrappers (square-shaped or rice paper)
• Finely chopped vegetables (cabbage, carrot, beans, cilantro/scallions, etc.)
• Seasoning (soy sauce, lime juice, sugar, garlic powder, pepper powder, oyster sauce, etc.)
• Meat or seafood (optional)
• All-purpose flour and water for sealing
• Oil for frying (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Prepare the filling by mixing finely chopped vegetables and your choice of seasoning in a large bowl. You can also add meat or seafood if desired.
• Cover the spring roll wrappers with a damp cloth and set aside for a few minutes.
• Prepare a thick batter by mixing all-purpose flour and water in a separate bowl. This will be used to seal the spring rolls.
• Place one wrapper on a flat surface with one corner towards you.
• Put 1-2 tablespoons of the filling in the center of the wrapper, being careful not to overfill.
• Fold over the corner near you and then fold the left and right sides.
• Gently roll towards the far corner and seal the edges with the batter.
• Repeat this process for the rest of the wrappers.
• Place the spring rolls side by side in a bamboo steamer basket lined with parchment paper.
• Steam the spring rolls over simmering water for about 5-10 minutes or until the wrappers turn translucent.
• Serve the steamed spring rolls hot with your favorite dipping sauce!

Note: It is recommended to cut all the vegetables to the same size to ensure even steaming. Also, always try to use less pressure when working with spring roll wrappers to avoid breaking them.

Frequently asked questions