Spring rolls are a beloved treat that always steals the spotlight at any get-together. These crispy wrappers filled with shrimp, vegetables, and fresh herbs make for a delicious appetizer or main dish. But pairing them with the right side dishes is essential to make the meal genuinely fantastic. Whether you’re in the mood to crave something refreshing or want to explore bold flavors, the perfect accompaniments can elevate your spring roll experience. Some classic options, like cucumber salad and stir-fried veggies, offer a nice balance of light and savory flavors, while others, like a bowl of hot soup or a peanut dipping sauce, bring variety and contrast to the meal.
Add grilled pork skewers or fried vermicelli noodles to your plate for a more exciting spread. These hearty options perfectly complement the rice paper-wrapped rolls, adding delectable fillings to the table. Pairing your spring rolls with the proper salads, dipping sauces, and other savory sauces can turn an ordinary meal into an unforgettable feast. With so many possibilities, finding the perfect recipe to complete your meal and keep your guests returning for more is easy.
The History of Spring Rolls
Origin in China:
Spring rolls have a rich history that dates back thousands of years in China. Initially, they were flat pancakes made to celebrate spring. Over time, these evolved into rolled-up versions filled with various fresh ingredients.
Traditional Ingredients
Spring rolls typically contain fresh veggies such as:
- Green cabbage
- Red cabbage
- Green onions
- Carrots
All these ingredients are wrapped in a thin pastry, creating a crispy or fresh delight.
Global Variations:
Spring rolls have become a global favorite, enjoyed in different forms:
- Egg Rolls & Summer Rolls – Variants of spring rolls with unique fillings and wrappers.
- Vietnamese Gỏi Cuốn – Made with rice paper wrappers filled with glass noodles, bean sprouts, and wood ear mushrooms.
- Thai & Indonesian Versions – Often include shrimp or chicken for added flavor.
- Philippine Style – Characterized by more extended, thinner versions of the roll.
Serving and Enjoyment:
Spring rolls can be baked or eaten fresh, always served with a flavorful dipping sauce. They are a popular treat at any meal, especially during Chinese New Year celebrations.
Perfect Side Dishes to Complement Spring Rolls
Endless Versatile Pairings:
When pairing sides with spring rolls, there are countless versatile options. Whether you’re looking for something light or craving bold and savory flavors, there’s a side dish for every occasion. These pairings enhance the delicate filling of your spring rolls while offering a contrast in textures.
Light and Refreshing Sides:
For a fresh contrast to the crunch of spring rolls, consider:
- Cucumber Salad – A refreshing, hydrating option.
- Pickled Vegetables – Adds a tangy and crisp element.
- Citrusy Slaw – A zesty and bright addition.
- Thai Papaya Salad – A flavorful yet light choice.
- Japanese Edamame – A simple yet satisfying snack.
Hearty and Savory Sides:
For those who enjoy a more filling addition, try:
- Cold Noodle Salad – A rich and flavorful complement.
- Vietnamese Vermicelli Noodles – Light but substantial.
- Shrimp or Chicken – A protein-packed pairing.
- Crispy Wonton Strips – A crunchy side to match your spring rolls.
Catering to Dietary Preferences:
These side dishes cater to a variety of dietary needs, including:
- Vegetarian Options – Fresh salads, vegetable slaws, and edamame.
- Gluten-Free Choices – Rice noodle salads and protein-based sides.
- Spicy Accompaniments – Pickled chilies or chili-lime dressings for added heat.
Elevating the Dining Experience:
These side dishes add variety and provide a well-balanced meal with grains, vegetables, and proteins. Whether exploring cultural fusion flavors or sticking with traditional favorites, these options transform a simple meal into a culinary adventure.
Elevate Your Spring Rolls with These Delicious Sauces
Peanut Sauce:
Peanut sauce is a classic and delicious dipping option that pairs perfectly with spring rolls. Its creamy texture and nutty flavor, blended with coconut milk and a touch of soy sauce, create a rich and flavorful addition to your meal.
- Provides a perfect contrast to the crispness of the rolls.
- Works well with both fresh and fried spring rolls.
- Combines sweet, salty, and spicy flavors for a bold taste.
- A Thai-style version can be made with red cabbage and quick-pickled cucumbers for extra crunch.
- Also pairs well with pork belly, rice vermicelli noodle salad, shrimp, or tofu.
Nuoc Cham
Nuoc Cham is a traditional Vietnamese dipping sauce made from fish sauce, lime juice, garlic, and sugar. It offers a balance of sweetness and acidity, giving it a tangy and slightly sweet flavor.
- Enhances the freshness of ingredients in spring rolls.
- Adds a funky, bold taste that complements many dishes.
- It can also be used with lettuce wraps, fried noodles, or steamed rice.
- A staple in Vietnamese cuisine for its versatile and irresistible taste.
Sweet Chili Sauce:
Sweet chili sauce is a tangy, flavorful dipping sauce that pairs beautifully with spring rolls. It is made with vinegar, brown sugar, and ketchup, creating a perfect balance of acidity and sweetness.
- Offers a spicy kick for those who enjoy the heat.
- Has a smooth consistency that contrasts nicely with the crispy rolls.
- It can be paired with cucumber salad, cold noodle salad, or peanut sauce for extra depth.
- Available in both store-bought and homemade versions.
Hoisin Sauce:
Hoisin sauce is a rich and slightly spicy dipping sauce that enhances the flavor of fresh spring rolls. Made by whisking together soy sauce, peanut butter, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sriracha, garlic powder, onion powder, and Chinese five-spice powder, it brings a sweet, tangy, and umami-rich flavor to your meal.
- It can be adjusted with water for a thinner consistency.
- Works as both a dipping sauce and a marinade for grilled meats and vegetables.
- It can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks.
- Customizable with more salt or spice to suit personal taste.
Each of these dipping sauces adds a unique flavor profile and texture to spring rolls, allowing you to enhance your dining experience with various delicious pairings.
Fresh and Flavorful Side Dishes to Complement Spring Rolls
Pickled Vegetables (Atchara)
If you’re looking for the perfect complement to spring rolls, pickled vegetables like carrots, papaya, cucumber, and daikon are an excellent choice. Their crisp texture and slightly sweet flavor offer a delightful contrast to the richness of the savory rolls.
- The acidity of these pickled veggies provides a refreshing contrast, cleansing your palate after each bite.
- They are often found in Vietnamese cuisine and bring a fresh, light element.
- You can prepare them at home with simple ingredients or conveniently choose store-bought versions.
Cucumber Salad:
Cucumber salad is excellent for something fresh to pair with your spring rolls. The crisp cucumbers in a vinegar dressing create a refreshing contrast to the warm, savory rolls.
- The incredible, tangy flavor balances the richness of the rolls.
- A copycat Din Tai Fung recipe with marinated cucumbers, chili oil, and a zesty kick adds a vibrant touch.
- Rice vinegar dressing, thinly sliced cucumbers, red onions, and fresh herbs make this salad a light, tangy, and flavorful addition.
- This vegetarian appetizer is perfect for a special occasion and pairs well with summer rolls for extra crunch.
Asian Slaw:
A refreshing Asian slaw is a fantastic pairing with spring rolls. This dish features shredded cabbage, carrots, and other veggies tossed in a sesame dressing for a tangy and zesty flavor.
- The crunchy texture of the slaw provides a fresh element that balances the richness of fried rolls.
- Its vibrant colors and crispy consistency enhance the taste of the soft, crispy rolls.
- The sesame dressing adds a nutty, slightly sweet touch that perfectly complements spring rolls’ flavors.
Mango Salad:
Mango salad is the perfect match for spring rolls. Made with ripe mangoes, this vibrant dish brings fruity flavors and a spicy kick, creating a refreshing contrast to the savory rolls.
- The tangy dressing made with lime juice and fish sauce adds a touch of sweetness and spice.
- For extra flavor, include fresh herbs, unripe mangoes, and shredded unripe mango to give the meal a tropical twist.
- This salad pairs well with shrimp, chicken, or pork, offering a delicious contrast and a well-balanced addition to your spring roll feast.
These side dishes provide a variety of flavors and textures to enhance your spring roll experience, making each meal even more satisfying and delicious.
Delicious Side Dishes to Serve with Spring Rolls
Cold Sesame Noodles:
A great side dish to pair with spring rolls is cold sesame noodles. The smooth texture of the noodles coated in a rich sesame sauce made with sesame paste, soy sauce, and a hint of garlic complements the crisp and savory notes of the rolls.
- The nutty flavors of sesame oil add a savory depth that pairs well with Vietnamese spring rolls.
- The cold temperature provides a refreshing contrast, balancing the warmth of the rolls while enhancing their flavors.
- This dish is an easy make-ahead recipe, served cold for a convenient option when entertaining.
- Add Chinese chili garlic sauce for a spicy kick.
- Mix in stir-fried bok choy or Chinese broccoli for extra crunch and flavor.
- A harmonious balance between rich and flavorful rolls elevates your spring roll meal.
Vietnamese Rice Noodles (Bún):
A perfect side dish for spring rolls is Vietnamese rice noodles (Bún), lightly seasoned rice noodles mixed with fresh herbs and various fresh ingredients.
- The dish has a vibrant flavor that complements the crispy texture of spring rolls.
- Often topped with bean sprouts, grilled shrimp, and grilled chicken for added protein and texture.
- Tossed in a zesty fish sauce-based dressing, which enhances the combination of flavors and textures.
- A classic companion to Vietnamese spring rolls, creating a satisfying and well-balanced meal.
These delicious side dishes provide the perfect balance of flavors and textures to enhance your spring roll experience.
Best Storage Tips for Spring Rolls and Fried Rice
Storing Fresh Vietnamese Spring Rolls:
- Place fresh spring rolls in a small bowl lined with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid to maintain moisture.
- Store the spring roll wrappers in an airtight container or resealable bag for extra protection.
Storing Crispy Spring Rolls:
- Place crispy spring rolls in a container lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Use an airtight container to prevent them from becoming soggy.
- Reheating: The best option is an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness, as the microwave can make them soft.
Storing Leftover Fried Rice:
- Store fried rice in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Use Ziploc sandwich bags and freeze them flat for better storage.
Reheating frozen fried rice:
- Thaw it overnight in the fridge.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a medium skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
Storing Spring Roll Side Dishes:
- Many spring roll side dishes can be made and stored in the refrigerator.
- Always check individual storing instructions for each recipe to ensure freshness and quality.
Conclusion: Elevate Your Spring Roll Experience with Perfect Pairings and Storage Tips
Spring rolls are a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer or a full meal when paired with the right sides and dipping sauces. Whether you prefer them fresh or crispy, the right accompaniments can enhance their flavors and textures, making every bite more enjoyable. From light and refreshing salads like cucumber salad and Asian slaw to hearty options like cold sesame and Vietnamese rice noodles (Bún), there is a perfect side dish for every craving. Additionally, various dipping sauces like peanut sauce, nuoc cham, and sweet chili sauce can add depth and contrast, elevating your dining experience even further.
Beyond flavor pairings, proper storage and reheating techniques ensure that your spring rolls remain fresh and crispy, allowing you to enjoy them at their best. With so many options available, you can mix and match flavors to create a well-balanced meal that suits any occasion. Whether preparing a simple dinner at home or hosting a gathering, these pairings will help you turn your spring roll experience into a culinary delight that leaves everyone satisfied and returning for more.
What to Eat with Spring Rolls (FAQs.)
Q. What Do Chinese People Eat with Spring Rolls?
Ans: In China, spring rolls are often enjoyed with dipping sauces like soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, or hoisin sauce. These sauces add a layer of flavor, making the meal even more enjoyable. Chinese people also like to pair their spring rolls with side dishes such as stir-fried vegetables or noodles, which perfectly complement the spring rolls. These additions create a complete and satisfying meal with a harmonious balance of flavors and textures.
Q. Can you eat spring rolls as a meal?
Ans: Yes, spring rolls can be eaten, especially with protein-rich fillings like shrimp or chicken, and paired with a side salad or rice. Their versatility makes them an excellent option for lunch or dinner.
Q. What to Serve with Spring Rolls for Dinner?
Ans: For a satisfying dinner with spring rolls, you can serve them alongside fried rice, stir-fried noodles, or a warm light soup. These pairings enhance the crispy texture of the rolls and add a nice variety to the meal. Add protein, like shrimp or chicken, for a more filling dish. To round out the meal, serve a refreshing crunchy Asian slaw on the side, which complements the rolls and completes the experience.
Q. How to Keep Spring Rolls Crunchy?
Ans: To keep spring rolls crispy and crunchy, fry them at the right temperature, ideally around 350°F. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can cause the rolls to become soggy. Once they’re fried, place them on a wire rack instead of paper towels to prevent moisture buildup, which helps maintain their crispiness.