Asian > Vietnamese > Appetizer

Cha Gio (Vietnamese Fried Egg Rolls) Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup chopped wood ear mushrooms
- 1/4 cup chopped glass noodles
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 package egg roll wrappers
- 1 egg, beaten
- Vegetable oil for frying

Special equipment needed:
- Deep fryer or large pot for frying
- Mixing bowl
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Spoon
- Pastry brush

Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine ground pork, shredded carrots, shredded cabbage, chopped onion, chopped wood ear mushrooms, chopped glass noodles, minced garlic, fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and black pepper. Mix well.
2. Lay an egg roll wrapper on a cutting board with one corner facing you. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the pork mixture onto the wrapper, spreading it into a line about 2 inches long and 1 inch wide.
3. Fold the corner closest to you over the filling, tucking it under the filling. Roll the wrapper once, then fold in the sides. Brush the top corner with beaten egg, then roll the wrapper up tightly to seal.
4. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
5. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F.
6. Fry the egg rolls in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
7. Remove the egg rolls from the oil with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
8. Serve hot with dipping sauce.


- Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
5. Temperature:
- Frying temperature: 350°F
Serving size:
- Makes about 20 egg rolls
- Serving size: 2-3 egg rolls per person

Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 250
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 10g
- Sodium: 400mg

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground chicken or turkey can be used instead of ground pork.
- Shredded daikon or jicama can be used instead of shredded carrots.
- Shredded lettuce or bean sprouts can be used instead of shredded cabbage.
- Shiitake mushrooms can be used instead of wood ear mushrooms.
- Rice vermicelli can be used instead of glass noodles.

Variations:
- Vegetarian egg rolls can be made by omitting the ground pork and adding more vegetables, such as shredded zucchini or bell peppers.
- Seafood egg rolls can be made by adding chopped shrimp or crab meat to the filling.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the egg roll wrappers are completely thawed before using.
- Don't overfill the egg rolls or they may burst while frying.
- Use a pastry brush to brush the beaten egg onto the wrapper to ensure a tight seal.
- Serve the egg rolls immediately after frying for the best texture.

Storage instructions:
- Leftover egg rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- To reheat, place the egg rolls on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the egg rolls on a platter with dipping sauce in the center.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions.

Garnishes:
- Chopped cilantro or green onions

Pairings:
- Vietnamese dipping sauce, sweet chili sauce, or soy sauce for dipping
- Jasmine rice or vermicelli noodles as a side dish

Suggested side dishes:
- Jasmine rice or vermicelli noodles
- Steamed or stir-fried vegetables

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the egg rolls burst while frying, try using less filling or wrapping them more tightly.
- If the egg rolls are too greasy, try frying them at a slightly lower temperature.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure the ground pork is cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is safe to eat.

Food history:
- Cha Gio, also known as Vietnamese fried spring rolls, are a popular appetizer in Vietnamese cuisine. They are typically served with a dipping sauce made from fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and chili peppers.

Flavor profiles:
- Cha Gio are savory and crispy, with a filling of ground pork, vegetables, and glass noodles. The dipping sauce is sweet, salty, and tangy.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the egg rolls as an appetizer or snack.

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Region: Vietnamese

Taste: Savory, Crunchy, Umami, Tangy, Aromatic