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| Vietnamese Fried Spring Rolls |
Vietnamese cuisine is famous for its harmony of fresh herbs, light textures, and bold flavors — and Chả Giò, or Vietnamese fried spring rolls, perfectly embodies that balance. Crispy on the outside, soft and savory inside, these spring rolls are filled with a delicious mixture of meat, vegetables, and noodles. Served with crisp cucumber slices and fresh herbs like basil and lettuce, they offer a refreshing contrast that makes every bite satisfying.
In the image, the golden rolls are beautifully crisp with visible blistering on the rice paper, indicating perfect frying. Surrounded by fresh cucumber sticks and herbs, it’s a dish that is both comforting and vibrant — ideal for family meals, gatherings, or a flavorful snack.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
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250g ground pork or chicken
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½ cup shredded carrots
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½ cup bean thread noodles (soaked & cut)
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½ cup wood ear mushrooms (soaked & finely chopped)
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1 small onion, finely diced
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 egg
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1 tbsp fish sauce
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1 tsp sugar
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½ tsp black pepper
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½ tsp salt
For the Rolls:
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20–25 rice paper wrappers
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Bowl of warm water for dipping
For Frying:
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Cooking oil (vegetable or canola)
For Serving:
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Sliced cucumbers
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Fresh basil, mint, and lettuce
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Optional dipping sauce: nước chấm (fish sauce dip)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Filling
Start by soaking the bean thread noodles in warm water for 10 minutes until soft. Drain and cut them into small pieces.
In a large bowl, combine ground meat, carrots, noodles, mushrooms, onion, garlic, egg, fish sauce, sugar, pepper, and salt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly blended.
Let the filling rest for 10 minutes so the flavors absorb into the meat.
2. Prepare the Rice Paper
Rice paper is delicate but becomes easy to handle when lightly moistened.
Fill a shallow plate with warm water. Dip each sheet of rice paper for 2–3 seconds only — it will continue softening on its own.
Place it on a wooden board or clean cloth to avoid sticking.
3. Roll the Spring Rolls
Spoon about 1 tablespoon of filling onto the bottom edge of the rice paper. Fold the bottom over the filling, fold in the sides, and roll tightly.
Repeat until all filling is used. Make sure the rolls are tight to prevent bursting during frying.
4. Fry to Crispy Golden Perfection
Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat. To test temperature, dip a wooden chopstick in — bubbles should form around it.
Add the spring rolls gently in batches. Fry for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally until they are golden brown and crispy.
Rice paper will become beautifully blistered and crunchy, as shown in the image.
Transfer cooked rolls to paper towels to remove excess oil.
5. Prepare the Fresh Side Elements
Slice cucumbers into sticks or wedges. Prepare fresh herbs like basil, lettuce, and mint. These add coolness and freshness that balance the fried rolls.
Arrange them beautifully around the spring rolls on a serving plate.
6. Optional Dipping Sauce – Nước Chấm
If you want a classic Vietnamese dipping sauce:
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3 tbsp fish sauce
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3 tbsp water
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2 tbsp lime juice
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1 tbsp sugar
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1 chopped garlic clove
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Sliced chili (optional)
Mix until the sugar dissolves. Adjust sweetness or sourness to taste.
Serving Suggestions
Vietnamese fried spring rolls can be enjoyed in many ways:
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Dip each roll in nước chấm
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Wrap a roll in lettuce with herbs for a refreshing bite
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Serve alongside rice noodles for a complete meal
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Pair with pickled vegetables
For spice lovers, add chili sauce or sriracha on the side.
Tips for Perfect Spring Rolls
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Don’t overfill the rolls — it prevents tearing.
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Fry on medium heat so they cook evenly.
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Use two layers of rice paper if you want extra crispness.
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Let rolls rest 10 minutes before frying to help them dry slightly.
Final Thought
These Vietnamese Fried Spring Rolls (Chả Giò) are the perfect combination of crispy texture, juicy filling, and refreshing herbs. Each bite delivers both comfort and brightness, making them an irresistible dish for any occasion. Whether served as an appetizer or a main meal, they capture the true spirit of Vietnamese home cooking — simple ingredients, balanced flavors, and satisfying results.
Bon Appétit! 🥢✨