How to store spring rolls guide and best recipe

Sharing is caring!

I remember the first time I ventured into the world of Vietnamese cuisine. I stumbled into this small Vietnamese restaurant tucked away in a cozy corner of my city, and oh boy, it changed my life! I fell head over heels in love with gỏi cuốn, more popularly known as Vietnamese fresh spring rolls. Delicate rice paper enveloping a medley of fresh vegetables and added protein - it's a dance of flavors and textures that one can't get enough of. And the dipping sauce? Don't even get me started! Today I will share with you how to store spring rolls and my favorite recipe.

Having had the privilege of indulging in this delicacy on numerous occasions, I decided to recreate the magic in my kitchen. I tried (and failed) a few times, but eventually, I nailed down a spring roll recipe that, dare I say, rivals my favorite Vietnamese restaurant.

But the key challenge? Knowing the best way to store spring rolls so that they remain as fresh as they were when first made. So, for all of you who’ve been scratching your heads over this, I've got you covered! Dive in with me.

Storing the Delight: Tips for Keeping Spring Rolls Fresh

Preparing and Storing Fresh Vietnamese Spring Rolls

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Sourcing fresh ingredients is quintessential. When you're selecting your filling ingredients, especially fresh vegetables like bean sprouts, green onions, and leafy greens, ensure they're vibrant and crisp. The crisper the veggies, the more they'll pop in flavor and texture when you bite into your roll. Moreover, fresher ingredients equate to longer shelf life for your spring rolls, making them a treat you can enjoy over a day or two.
• Damp Tea Towel Magic: The nature of rice paper sheets is such that they can dry out quickly, turning brittle and unappetizing. Once you've masterfully filled and rolled your spring rolls, arrange them side-by-side on a large cutting board or tray. Then, gently drape a damp tea towel over them. This simple trick maintains the moisture level, ensuring the rice paper remains soft and chewy, just as it should be.
• Plastic Wrap: The Unsung Hero: The delicate nature of the rice paper wrappers means they have a tendency to stick together. And there's nothing more heart-wrenching than seeing your beautifully rolled spring rolls tear apart. This is where plastic wrap comes into play. By wrapping each spring roll individually, you not only prevent them from becoming conjoined twins but also ensure they remain fresh, with all their flavors locked in. It's like giving each roll its little protective cocoon.
• Airtight Containers - The Final Bastion: After wrapping, the next line of defense against staleness is a trusty airtight container. If you're stacking your spring rolls, remember to separate each layer using parchment paper or damp paper towels to counteract any residual stickiness. While these rolls are a delightful snack to be devoured soon, if you're storing them for the next day, the refrigerator is their best home.

How to store spring rolls

• Cooling is Crucial: It might be tempting to store those golden-brown beauties right after frying, but patience is key. Let your spring rolls cool down naturally, ensuring they're at room temperature. Storing them while they're still warm means they'll release steam within your storage container, resulting in a soggy disaster.
• Single Layer for the Win: When storing these crispy wonders, it's imperative to keep them in a single layer in your chosen container. This prevents them from pressing against each other, ensuring that crispy exterior remains intact. And if you've got multiple layers? Simply place a sheet of parchment paper in between to keep them separated.
• Thinking Ahead? Freeze!: If you've made a large batch and are thinking of enjoying some later in the week, or even further in the future, freezing is your go-to option. Start by laying them in a single layer on a tray, allowing them to freeze without touching each other. Once they're frozen solid, transfer them into zip-lock bags or airtight containers. This ensures they retain their shape and don't get squashed under their peers. When the craving hits, you have a stash ready to be reheated and relished!

Now, if you've ever wondered how to bring this experience into your kitchen, I have a treat for you! I've spent a considerable amount of time perfecting this recipe, ensuring that it captures the essence of authentic Vietnamese spring rolls while adding a personal touch. With a blend of fresh ingredients, tantalizing sauces, and a couple of tips and tricks, here's my version of the beloved spring roll. Ready to roll with me?

Spring Rolls

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook + marinade time: 40 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients Chicken:

• 1 lbs. chicken breast, cubed
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper 
• 1 tsp paprika 

Ingredients spring rolls:

• 3-4 tablespoons of oil
• 2 carrots (peeled and shredded)
• 1 medium cabbage (shredded) 
• 1 large green bell pepper (sliced)
• 2 tbsp of soy sauce
• 1 cup of chopped green onions 
• 1 tbsp soya sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste 
• 8 roll sheets
• Oil for frying

Slurry for binding rolls

• 3-4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour 
• Water, as required 

For dipping sauce

• ¾ cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup ketchup 
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Paprika 
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon lemon
• ½ apple cider

Directions:

• Start by marinating the chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika, and let it rest for 30 minutes.
• Heat oil in a wok or pan, then add the marinated chicken and cook until it turns brown. Set it aside.
• In the same pan, add carrots, cabbage, green onions, and bell pepper. Mix everything well.
• Season the mixture with salt, crushed black pepper, and soy sauce. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes. Now, add the cooked chicken and mix everything together. Set it aside.
• In a small bowl, create a smooth paste by mixing all-purpose flour with water.
• Take a spring roll sheet and place a portion of the filling mixture in the center. Fold the sides over the filling and roll it up tightly. Use the all-purpose flour paste to seal the edges.
• Repeat the process with the remaining spring roll sheets and filling mixture.
• Heat oil in a wok or deep-frying pan for deep-frying the spring rolls.
• Carefully place the rolls in the hot oil and fry them until they turn golden brown.
• Once the spring rolls are cooked, remove them from the oil and let excess oil drain on a paper towel.
• In a bowl, combine the ingredients for the dipping sauce and mix until smooth.
• Serve the hot chicken vegetable spring rolls with the dipping sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions: how to store spring rolls

How do I refresh stored spring rolls for best results? After retrieving from the fridge, allow the spring rolls to sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before consuming. For fried spring rolls, reheat them in an air fryer or oven to regain that crispy texture.

Can I prepare the filling in advance? Absolutely! Preparing filling ingredients in advance is a great way to save time. Store your filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just ensure you drain any excess water or moisture before using.

I accidentally wet the rice paper too much. What do I do? No worries! Lay the wet wrapper flat on a plastic cutting board or a large plate. As you place your fillings and roll, the excess water will be absorbed.

Can I store spring rolls with different sauces inside? While it might be tempting, it's advisable to serve the sauce separately. Different sauces can make the delicate rice paper soggy.

I've seen both rice paper and tapioca starch wrappers. Which one is better? Both have their unique textures. Rice paper sheets give a soft and chewy texture typical of fresh Vietnamese spring rolls, while tapioca starch wrappers (often used in cha gio) give a crispier texture when fried. The choice depends on your personal preference.

Key Takeaways

Delving into the world of spring rolls, be it your first time or your hundredth, always presents an opportunity to learn something new. These delicate delights, whether fresh or fried, require a tender touch, both in preparation and storage. So, let's recap and emphasize the essential points for achieving spring roll perfection:

• Champion Freshness: Freshness is the cornerstone of a tantalizing spring roll. When using rice paper wraps or any of the ingredients, ensure that they're at their peak freshness. Think of crisp veggies, vibrant fillings, and supple rice paper sheets. Not only does this promise a burst of flavors but also ensures that your spring rolls remain palatable for longer. So next time you're at the grocery store, take a few extra moments to pick the freshest ingredients.
• The Non-Stick Strategy: One of the chief concerns when storing spring rolls is their tendency to stick together, turning a delectable dish into a messy lump. To counter this, use individual plastic wraps for each roll and cover them with damp tea towels. This dual approach ensures that each spring roll retains its individuality and prevents any heartbreak when you're ready to dig in.
•  Tailored Storage Techniques: Not all spring rolls are created equal. Fresh Vietnamese spring rolls, with their translucent rice paper and veggie-packed fillings, require a different storage approach compared to their fried counterparts. Understanding the distinction is key. While fresh rolls benefit from damp storage conditions, fried ones need to be kept in a manner that retains their crispy texture.
• The Freezer is Your Friend: Planning a spring roll feast for later or simply want to store some for those sudden cravings? Freezing is a great option. However, remember this golden rule: Always freeze spring rolls individually first to ensure they retain their shape and don't stick together. Once they're frozen solid, you can then group them together in a container or bag. This ensures you have bite-sized delights ready at a moment's notice.
• Sauce Storage Savvy: Sauces, be it soy sauce, peanut sauce, or the myriad of different sauces accompanying spring rolls, elevate the eating experience. However, when it comes to storage, they should be given their separate quarters. Keeping sauces away from the spring rolls ensures that the rolls' integrity and texture remain unaltered. So, whether it's the tang of lime juice or the richness of peanut butter, ensure these are stored separately and drizzled or dipped only when you're about to feast.

Conclusion: How to store spring rolls

Preparing and enjoying spring rolls, whether they're the fresh Vietnamese rice paper rolls or the crispy Chinese spring rolls, is an adventure of its own. But knowing how to store spring rolls effectively ensures that you can savor this culinary delight for days after making them. Whether it's your first time or you're a seasoned pro, I hope this guide provides valuable insights into keeping those rolls fresh and tasty. Until next time, keep rolling and munching!

Sharing is caring!