Spring rolls (Chun juan)
(Spring rolls, 春捲, Spring pancakes, Thin pancakes)
Spring rolls are traditional Chinese snacks consisting of thin sheets of dough that are filled with various ingredients, then deep-fried in hot oil. Some of the more common ingredients for the filling include shredded pork, shrimp, mushrooms, and cabbage.
These flavorful snacks are commonly served as an appetizer, accompanied by numerous dips, tea, or coffee. Originally, spring rolls were called spring dish, symbolizing the beginning of Spring. Spring dish used to be sent to friends or relatives as a spring present and a blessing, and they were usually filled only with vegetables and fruits.
The dish originated during the Eastern Jin dynasty era, and the spring dishes later evolved into spring cakes. With the development of cookery skills, the traditional spring cakes evolved into spring rolls, which were commonly present at Chinese imperial menus.
Today, there are numerous variations of spring rolls around the world, most notably in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Vietnam, South Korea, Indonesia, and Australia, although spring rolls can be found in most Chinese restaurants.
Types of Spring rolls (Chun juan)
Recipe variations
Traditional Spring Rolls
READY IN 1h 5minThis recipe shows how to make a classic and simple version of spring rolls. The dough is made from scratch and is egg-based, while the filling is completely vegetarian but still packed with flavor. It is adapted from travelchinaguide.com, the website of the leading and largest tour operator in China that offers information on all things Chinese and is praised by leading media outlets like The New York Times, USA Today, and National Geographic.
Pork and Prawn Spring Rolls
READY IN 4h 35minAdapted from the Classic Chinese Cookbook by Yan Kit So, this recipe shows how to make spring rolls with pre-made wrappers slightly larger than usual. The rich filling combines pork, seafood, and cellophane noodles, and you can substitute Shaohshing wine with medium-dry sherry.
Simple Pork and Cabbage Spring Rolls
READY IN 1h 5minA basic filling consisting of pork, carrots, and napa cabbage is the base of this spring rolls recipe. The pork can be replaced with chicken or mushrooms, and the spring rolls should be served warm. The filling is done in a flash, and the recipe instructs the use of store-bought wrappers, which is why these spring rolls are done in the blink of an eye.
Shanghai-Style Spring Rolls
READY IN 2h 50minThis recipe variety, adapted from Seriouseats.com, fills the spring rolls with a creamy filling made with napa cabbage and pork that have been braised down into a thick purée. This approach is characteristic of the city of Shanghai, and the spring rolls are served with vinegar or duck sauce.
Fresh Chinese Spring Rolls
READY IN 20minContrary to a popular belief, it is not mandatory to deep-fry the spring rolls. This recipe, adapted from fruitguys.com, shows how to make fresh spring rolls in dried rice wrappers. This recipe is suitable for vegans and vegetarians: the choice of vegetables includes regular, napa or Savoy green cabbage, carrot, mushrooms and mixed vegetables such as bean sprouts, snow peas, and sweet pepper.
Spring rolls (Chun juan) Authentic recipe
This recipe shows how to make a classic and simple version of spring rolls. The dough is made from scratch and is egg-based, while the filling is completely vegetarian but still packed with flavor. It is adapted from travelchinaguide.comRead more
WHERE TO EAT The best Spring rolls (Chun juan) in the world (according to food experts)
