These fried spring rolls, otherwise known as nem rán or chả giò, is a delicious appetizer that can be prepared for any occasion. It is also a must for this dish to appear in Vietnamese traditional feasts or banquets, one such example could be the Lunar New Year. Despite its required presence in special events, it is a dish that is great for everyday meals as you can make it ahead of time or even freeze it for later.
It can be likened to the fan favorite Lumpiang Shanghai, but its texture can be much more interesting after being fried. With a crunchy outer layer and a chewy inside with the delicious flavors of the filling bursting out with every bite, it can be a unique start to your meal.
Ingredients:
– 90g Vermicelli Noodles
– Soak in hot water
– 150g Ground Pork
– 80g Shrimp, chopped
– 3 pc Shiitake Mushroom, diced
– 50g Wood Ear Mushroom
– 3 cloves Garlic, minced
– 1 tbsp Ginger, minced
– 1 pc Onion, minced
– ¼ cup Spring Onion, chopped
– 1 tbsp Fish Sauce
– 1 tbsp Sugar
– 1 tbsp Oyster Sauce
– ½ pc Carrot, grated
– 1 pc Egg
– 90g Vermicelli, soaked
– Season with black pepper
– Finish with sesame oil
– Rice Paper
– Oil, for frying
Procedure:
1. Soak the vermicelli noodles in hot water. After letting it soak in hot water, drain the excess liquid and cut it into smaller pieces.
2. In a bowl, add ground pork, shrimp, shiitake mushrooms, wood ear mushrooms, garlic, ginger, red onions, and spring onions. Season with fish sauce, sugar, black pepper, and oyster sauce. Add the carrots, egg, and vermicelli noodles. Mix well. Finish with sesame oil.
3. Wet the rice paper on both sides and place it on a plate lined with paper towel or napkin. Scoop an appropriate amount of the filling and place it on the rice paper, then roll. Make sure to tuck the ends.
4. In a pan, heat the oil. Fry the spring rolls until it is golden or cooked through. After it is cooked, place it on a plate with napkins to drain the excess oil. You can either eat this wrapped in lettuce or by itself. Make sure to only cook what you can finish. You can store the rest in the chiller.
With its easy preparation and quick cooking time, it is a dish that can be enjoyed by the whole family at any time they want. Or just prepare it ahead of time and make sure to store it properly, so everyone within the household can enjoy it whenever they desire without needing to expend more energy than wanted.