Download a printable recipe PDF here

Method

1. Prepare the Filling: Heat 2 Tbsp canola oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add lemongrass, shallots, and carrots; sauté until fragrant, about 3 minutes.

2. Stir in rehydrated wood ear mushrooms, tofu, and vermicelli noodles. Toss to combine evenly.

3. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. Cook for another 4 minutes, stirring to incorporate. Remove from heat and allow the filling to cool completely.

4. Assemble the Spring Rolls: Place 2 Tbsp of the filling in the center of each egg roll wrapper. Fold the bottom corner over the filling, fold in the sides, and roll tightly to seal.

5. Brush the edges lightly with the cornstarch paste to ensure a secure seal.

6. Fry the Spring Rolls: Heat oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F. Test with a small piece of wrapper; it should bubble immediately upon contact.

7. Fry the spring rolls in batches for 2 ½ - 3 minutes or until golden and crisp. Drain on a wire rack or paper towels to maintain crispness.

8. Prepare the nước chấm: (recipe follows).

9. Serve: Arrange the spring rolls on a platter with romaine lettuce leaves, the pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs. Serve with the dipping sauce on the side. Encourage diners to wrap the rolls in lettuce, pickled vegetables, and herbs before dipping.

Nước Chấm Method

1. Combine the garlic, chilis, hot water, fish sauce, palm sugar, and lime juice in a bowl. Stir until sugar dissolves.

2. Garnish with shredded carrots and serve. Serve with spring rolls or as a dipping sauce for other Vietnamese dishes.

Nước Chấm Notes

·    Vegan nước chấm can be prepared with a vegan fish sauce substitute

·   Make up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container.

Notes

· Rehydrating wood ear mushrooms: Soak dried mushrooms in warm water for 15-20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly before mincing.

· Preventing soggy wrappers: Ensure the filling is completely cool before assembling the rolls.

· Hot oil safety: Avoid overcrowding the frying pot to maintain the oil temperature and ensure even cooking. When you’re done frying, allow the oil to cool completely before handling. 

· Palm sugar substitution: If palm sugar is unavailable substitute 2 tsp. of brown sugar.

Variation

·       Air-Frying Option:

o   Preheat an air fryer to 375°F. Lightly spray assembled spring rolls with cooking oil.

o   Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crisp.

Source: Pulmuone.