How to Make Spring Rolls: Fresh, Fried, Vegan & More
Spring rolls are a popular dish across Asian cuisines—from Thai to Vietnamese and Chinese. Whether you enjoy them fresh or fried, spring rolls are light, customizable, and incredibly versatile. In this guide, you’ll learn how to make spring rolls, explore their nutritional value, and discover the difference between spring rolls and egg rolls.
🥢 What Is a Spring Roll?
A spring roll is a type of rolled appetizer typically filled with vegetables, herbs, and sometimes meat or seafood. They’re either fresh (uncooked) with rice paper wrappers or fried in thin wheat or rice-based wrappers.
Spring rolls are popular in Vietnamese, Thai, and Chinese cuisines, and they vary in texture and ingredients depending on the region.
🧂 Spring Roll Ingredients
Common Ingredients for Spring Rolls:
- Wrapper: Rice paper (fresh rolls), or thin wheat/rice wrappers (fried rolls)
- Fillings: Julienned carrots, cucumbers, lettuce, cabbage, bell peppers
- Proteins: Shrimp, tofu, chicken, pork, or just veggies
- Herbs: Fresh mint, cilantro, Thai basil
- Optional: Vermicelli noodles or glass noodles
These ingredients for spring rolls can be mixed and matched to fit your dietary preferences or pantry staples.
🍽️ How to Make Spring Rolls
Fresh Spring Rolls (Vietnamese Style):
Step 1: Soak rice paper in warm water for 5–10 seconds. Step 2: Lay it flat, then add lettuce, herbs, veggies, noodles, and protein. Step 3: Fold in the sides and roll tightly like a burrito. Step 4: Serve with dipping sauce—peanut or hoisin preferred.
Fried Spring Rolls:
Step 1: Prepare a filling of veggies + protein + seasoning. Step 2: Wrap in spring roll wrappers and seal with water or cornstarch. Step 3: Deep-fry in oil or use an air fryer until golden and crispy. Step 4: Serve hot with sweet chili sauce or soy dip.
🥗 Types of Spring Rolls
🦐 Shrimp Spring Rolls
Fresh and protein-rich. Shrimp pairs perfectly with crunchy veggies and herbs.
🍗 Chicken Spring Rolls
Great for fried rolls. Use cooked, seasoned chicken for a savory bite.
🥬 Vegetable Spring Rolls
Perfect for vegan or low-calorie meals. Fill with crunchy cabbage, carrots, and cucumbers.
🥢 Tofu Spring Rolls
Pan-fried or baked tofu adds plant-based protein and chewiness to any roll.
🍃 Vegan Spring Rolls
Skip meat and fish sauce. Use tofu, fresh herbs, and peanut dipping sauce.
⚡ Air Fryer Spring Rolls
Crispy, golden, and oil-free. Air-frying gives traditional fried rolls a healthier twist.
🔍 Nutrition Info: Are Spring Rolls Healthy?
Are Spring Rolls Healthy?
Yes—especially fresh versions. They’re low in fat, high in fiber, and full of raw vegetables. Fried rolls are higher in calories and fat due to the oil.
Calories in Spring Rolls
- Fresh vegetable roll: ~80–100 kcal per roll
- Shrimp spring roll: ~100–130 kcal
- Fried spring roll: ~150–200 kcal
- Air fryer spring roll: ~120–150 kcal
Spring Rolls Nutrition Info (varies by filling):
- Carbs: 10–20g
- Protein: 3–8g
- Fat: 1–10g
- Fiber: 2–4g
Are Spring Rolls Gluten-Free?
Fresh spring rolls made with rice paper are typically gluten-free—just ensure the dipping sauces (soy or hoisin) are gluten-free too. Fried rolls often use wheat wrappers and may contain gluten.
🥟 Egg Roll vs Spring Roll: What’s the Difference?
Spring Rolls: Thin wrappers, fresh or fried, lighter fillings
Egg Rolls: Thicker wheat wrappers with egg, always deep-fried, often contain meat and cabbage
In short, egg rolls are heavier, crispier, and more Americanized, while spring rolls are more delicate and traditional.
Spring rolls are a fresh, flavorful, and flexible dish for any diet. Whether you’re making shrimp spring rolls, vegan tofu rolls, or crispy fried versions, they’re easy to customize and fun to prepare. With the right ingredients and sauces—especially homemade peanut sauce—you can turn simple rolls into a delicious, nutrient-packed meal.