Indulge in the delightful crunch and savory flavors of traditional Chinese Spring Rolls. This easy-to-follow recipe guides you through creating these iconic appetizers, featuring a delicate balance of fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and your choice of protein, all wrapped in thin, crispy pastry. Perfect for any occasion, whether as a starter for a dinner party or a delightful snack for family gatherings. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and savor the taste of China in every bite.

Ingredients:

• 10 spring roll wrappers (available at Asian grocery stores)
• 1 cup finely shredded cabbage
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• 1 cup thinly sliced mushrooms
• 1 cup thinly sliced bamboo shoots
• 1 cup cooked and shredded chicken, pork, or shrimp (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
• Oil for frying
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1- In a large skillet or wok, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

2- Add cabbage, carrots, bean sprouts, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots to the skillet. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened but still crisp.

3- If using meat or shrimp, add it to the skillet and stir-fry until cooked through.

4- In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Pour this mixture over the vegetables and meat/shrimp. Stir well to combine.

5- Add the cornstarch-water mixture to the skillet and stir until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and let the filling cool completely.

6- To assemble the spring rolls, place a spring roll wrapper on a clean surface. Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the filling onto the lower third of the wrapper.

7- Fold the bottom edge of the wrapper over the filling, then fold in the sides, and roll up tightly into a cylinder. Seal the edge with a little water.

8- Heat oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the spring rolls in batches for about 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.

9- Remove the spring rolls from the oil and drain on paper towels. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as sweet chili sauce or soy sauce with a dash of vinegar.

Enjoy your homemade Chinese Spring Rolls as a delicious appetizer or snack!

Nutritional Values:

Here's a rough estimate of the nutritional values for the ingredients used in the Chinese Spring Rolls recipe:

Spring Roll Wrappers (10 wrappers):

• Calories: 110 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sodium: 320 mg

benefits:

• Provides carbohydrates for energy.
• Low in fat and sodium.

Cabbage (1 cup finely shredded):

• Calories: 22 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sodium: 18 mg

benefits:

• Low in calories but high in fiber, promoting digestive health.
• Rich in vitamins C and K, supporting immune function and bone health.

Carrots (1 cup shredded):

• Calories: 45 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 11 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sodium: 42 mg

benefits:

• Excellent source of beta-carotene, promoting eye health and immunity.
• High in fiber, aiding digestion and promoting satiety.

Bean Sprouts (1 cup):

• Calories: 31 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sodium: 6 mg

benefits:

• Low in calories but high in protein, supporting muscle growth and repair.
• Rich in vitamins C and K, supporting immune function and bone health.

Mushrooms (1 cup thinly sliced):

• Calories: 15 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sodium: 2 mg

benefits:

• Low in calories but high in protein, supporting muscle growth and repair.
• Rich in antioxidants, protecting cells from damage and reducing inflammation.

Bamboo Shoots (1 cup thinly sliced):

• Calories: 41 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sodium: 3 mg

benefits:

• Low in calories but high in fiber, aiding digestion and promoting satiety.
• Contains essential minerals like potassium and manganese, supporting heart health and metabolism.

Cooked Chicken, Pork, or Shrimp (1 cup shredded):

• Calories: Varies depending on the meat/shrimp used.
• Typically, cooked chicken: 231 kcal, 43 g protein, 5 g fat, 0 g carbohydrates, 0 g fiber, 74 mg sodium.

benefits:

• Excellent source of high-quality protein, supporting muscle growth and repair.
• Rich in essential vitamins and minerals like B vitamins and zinc, supporting overall health and immunity.
• Pork and shrimp would have similar nutritional profiles.

Garlic (2 cloves):

• Calories: 9 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Protein: 0 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Sodium: 1 mg

benefits:

• Contains compounds like allicin, which may have antibacterial and antiviral properties.
• May help lower cholesterol levels and improve heart health.

Soy Sauce (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 20 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Sodium: 1386 mg

benefits:

• Contains essential amino acids, supporting muscle growth and repair.
• Provides flavor without adding significant calories.

Oyster Sauce (1 tablespoon):

• Calories: 9 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Sodium: 538 mg

benefits:

• Adds rich umami flavor to dishes.
• Contains minerals like iron and zinc, supporting overall health.

Sesame Oil (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 40 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 0 g
• Protein: 0 g
• Fat: 5 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Sodium: 0 mg

benefits:

• Rich in healthy fats like omega-6 fatty acids, supporting heart health.
• Adds a nutty flavor to dishes.

Cornstarch (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 8 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Protein: 0 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Sodium: 0 mg

benefits:

• Acts as a thickening agent in sauces, gravies, and fillings.
• Gluten-free alternative to flour for thickening.

These values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as brand, cooking methods, and specific ingredients used.