A spring roll is a popular Chinese appetizer that many are familiar with around the globe. Not to be confused with an egg roll, a spring roll has traditional Chinese roots and can fit various diets. The dish is trendy around Chinese New Year, especially in the regions south of the Yangtze River.
As popular as a spring roll is, many don’t know about the roots and ingredients of the dish. Considering its versatility, there’s a lot to discuss with what it’s made of, if it contains eggs, other names for the dish, recipes, and much more. The more you know about the dish, the more there is to appreciate.
What Are Chinese Spring Rolls Made Of?
Spring rolls are made from a paper-thin wrap created from water and flour. The wrapper is usually so thin that it typically shatters at the touch, unlike an Egg roll. Filling-wise, it varies between a combination of shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, cabbage, and more. It’s usually fried, though there are frozen options you can bake.
A spring roll originated before the Tang Dynasty when people made a thin pancake with flour and added veggies and fruits to the dish. During the Tang Dynasty, the dish was decorated with celery and carrots and slowly transitioned into the dish we know today.
Do Chinese Spring Rolls Contain Eggs?
Generally speaking, no, a Chinese spring doesn’t contain any eggs. Thus, it makes it very easy to prepare a vegan dish variation since you just have to leave out the meat. Regardless, if you don’t want dairy or eggs in your spring roll, always ask before eating since every restaurant prepares the dish slightly differently. You may find non-traditional spring rolls such as mozzarella and crab, so don’t assume it’s the same everywhere you go.
What Are Chinese Spring Rolls Called?
Due to the origin of the dish, Chinese spring rolls are also referred to as spring pancakes’ or thin pancakes. Some regions refer to them as straightforward as pancakes, which is very common in the city of Xiamen. Regardless of what they’re called, spring rolls are a delicious dish worth trying no matter where you live.
Chinese Spring Roll Recipes
- Begin by mixing white flour with some water and salt. Press it into a dough and bake it into round wrappers.
- Add the filling, which is usually a veggie and protein (though the protein can be left out). A red bean paste is also ordinary in North China.
- Roll the wrappers by folding the two ends.
- Fry the spring rolls until they’re golden brown and crispy.
Find Chinese Spring Rolls Near Me
If you’re ever interested in finding spring rolls where you live, you must search “find Chinese Spring Rolls near me.” Some options should come up no matter where you live, so do your due diligence to see what’ll fit the best. If you can do that, it’ll set you up nicely with finding spring roll options near you.
Lastly, if you’re in Edmonton, consider stopping by Rice Bowl Deluxe for a bite. Not only do we have spring rolls at all three of our locations, but we also offer other popular Asian appetizers, rice bowls, noodle dishes, and more.