Authentic Vietnamese Crispy Net Spring Rolls (Chả giò rế) Recipe

Ingredients

  • 500g ground pork
  • 200g shrimp, peeled and finely chopped
  • 1 carrot, shredded
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 50g glass noodles, soaked and chopped
  • 30g dried wood ear mushrooms, soaked and chopped
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 30 rice papers
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • 1 bunch of lettuce, mint, and cilantro for serving
  • Nuoc cham dipping sauce for serving

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, chopped shrimp, shredded carrot, chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped glass noodles, and chopped wood ear mushrooms.
  2. Add the salt, black pepper, and fish sauce to the mixture and stir well to incorporate all the ingredients.
  3. Crack the egg yolks into the mixture and stir again until everything is well mixed.
  4. Take one rice paper and dip it into warm water until it softens. Lay it flat on a clean surface.
  5. Place a spoonful of the filling onto the edge of the rice paper. Roll the edge over the filling, then fold in the sides and continue rolling until you have a tight spring roll.
  6. Repeat this process with the remaining rice papers and filling.
  7. Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot. Once hot, add the spring rolls, a few at a time, and fry until golden brown.
  8. Remove the fried spring rolls with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
  9. Serve the Cha Gio Re with lettuce, mint, cilantro, and Nuoc cham dipping sauce.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Vegetarian option: Substitute the ground pork and shrimp with finely chopped tofu or tempeh.
  • Crust variations: Instead of using rice paper, try using spring roll wrappers made with wheat flour or tapioca starch.
  • Seafood twist: Add diced crab meat or minced scallops to the filling for a seafood-filled cha gio re.
  • Spicy kick: Incorporate finely chopped chili peppers or a dash of hot sauce to the filling mixture for a spicy version.
  • Herb infusion: Experiment with different herbs such as Thai basil, lemongrass, or kaffir lime leaves to add unique flavors to the filling.
  • Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of fish sauce to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Vegan adaptation: Replace the egg yolks with a vegan egg substitute or omit them entirely. Use vegan-friendly dipping sauce instead of nuoc cham.

Recipe overview

Dive into the flavorful world of Vietnamese cuisine with this delightful recipe for Chả giò rế, or Vietnamese crispy spring rolls. These golden, crunchy morsels are filled with a succulent mix of ground pork, shrimp, and aromatic vegetables, all wrapped up in delicate rice paper. They're then fried to perfection, resulting in a delectable contrast between the crisp exterior and juicy, savory interior. Served with fresh herbs and a tangy dipping sauce, these spring rolls are an irresistible appetizer or snack that will transport your taste buds straight to the streets of Vietnam. This recipe, although it involves a bit of prep work, is straightforward and a fun culinary project. So, roll up your sleeves and let's get started on this Vietnamese classic!

Common questions

  1. Can I use other types of meat instead of pork? Yes, you can substitute the ground pork with ground chicken, beef, or a mixture of different meats according to your preference.
  2. Can I use pre-cooked shrimp? While fresh shrimp is recommended, you can use pre-cooked shrimp if that is what you have available. Just make sure to finely chop them before adding them to the filling mixture.
  3. What can I use as a vegetarian substitute for the meat and shrimp? You can replace the meat and shrimp with finely chopped tofu or textured vegetable protein (TVP). Make sure to season it well to enhance the flavors.
  4. Can I bake the Cha Gio instead of frying? Yes, you can bake the spring rolls in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden.
  5. Can I freeze the uncooked spring rolls for later? Yes, you can freeze the uncooked spring rolls. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then place them in the freezer until they are firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. When ready to fry, thaw them in the refrigerator before cooking.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Deep fryer - A deep fryer is recommended for frying the spring rolls, as it provides consistent and even heating.
  • Large pot - If you don't have a deep fryer, a large pot can be used for frying the spring rolls. Make sure it is deep enough to contain the oil and has enough space for the rolls to cook evenly.
  • Slotted spoon - A slotted spoon is useful for removing the fried spring rolls from the oil, allowing excess oil to drain.
  • Paper towels - Paper towels are necessary for draining the excess oil from the fried spring rolls.
  • Clean surface - A clean surface, such as a cutting board or countertop, is needed for rolling the spring rolls.
  • Warm water - Warm water is essential for softening the rice papers before rolling the spring rolls.
  • Bowl - A large bowl is required for mixing the ingredients together to make the filling.

Origin stories

Chả giò rế hails from the vibrant streets of Vietnam, a country known for its complex flavors and love for fresh produce. This dish, also known as Vietnamese spring rolls, is a beloved street food enjoyed by locals as much as by travelers. Each region of Vietnam has its own version of chả giò rế, with varying ingredients and dipping sauces. Traditionally, these spring rolls were made in celebration of Tết, Vietnamese New Year, representing wealth and good fortune. The golden brown color of the fried spring rolls symbolizes the gold bars of prosperity. However, over time, they have become a common feature in everyday meals and gatherings, loved for their crispy exterior and flavorful filling. So, every bite of Chả giò rế you take is not just a delightful culinary experience, but a taste of Vietnamese culture and festivity.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.