Do you know the difference between spring rolls and egg rolls? Though they both are deep-fried favorites commonly found on Chinese menus, many people don’t fully understand their unique characteristics. From the ingredients to the cooking process, there is quite a bit of variance between a spring roll and an egg roll. In this blog post, we’ll break down all the crucial distinctions so you can make an informed decision when choosing your favorite delectable treat.
What Is a Spring Roll?
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A spring roll is a type of appetizer that originated in China. They can be fried or baked and filled with various combinations of meat and vegetables.
They are a popular dim sum dish in East and Southeast Asia. They can be found in a variety of regional variations, including Chinese spring rolls, Vietnamese summer rolls (cha gio), Filipino lumpia and Malaysian popiah.
The wrappers are often thinner than egg roll wrappers, which gives them a light, crispy texture when they’re fried. They’re often served with a sweet and sour sauce.
Fillings vary widely across Asian cuisines, with chicken and pork a common choice, but shrimp is also commonly used. Fresh herbs are often added, and some spring rolls contain rice vermicelli or slivers of meat or seafood.
To assemble a spring roll, dip one rice paper wrapper into water to soak for about 10 seconds. It should still feel firm when it comes out of the water but soften as you add fillings to it.
Spring Roll Nutrition Fact:
Spring rolls are a great option for a healthy snack. They are low in calories and contain nutrients like vitamin C, calcium, potassium, fiber, iron, and folate.
Carbohydrates in food are your body’s primary source of energy. A balanced diet should contain about 45 to 65 percent of its calories from carbohydrates, according to the US Dietary Guidelines.
One vegetable spring roll contains 8.5 to 13 grams of carbohydrates, which is about 7 percent of your daily calorie needs on a 2,000-calorie diet. The rest of the calories come from protein, fat, and fiber.
Most vegetable spring rolls contain 3.5 to 4 grams of total fat and 0.5 to 1.0 grams of saturated fat, which increases your risk of heart disease and high cholesterol levels. These amounts can also contribute to weight gain.
What Is an Egg Roll?
Egg rolls are fried appetizers made with cabbage chopped Chinese roast pork wrapped in wheat flour-based wrappers that form tiny bubbles when deep fried. They’re a staple in Chinese-American restaurants.
They are similar to spring rolls, but whereas spring rolls have a rice paper wrapper and can be served fresh, egg rolls have thicker wrappers and are generally deep fried. This gives them a much thicker and sturdier texture than spring rolls, so they’re more like fried pasta than they are a traditional Chinese dish.
The origin of the egg roll isn’t known, but it is a popular Chinese-American food that originated in New York City sometime in the early 20th century. While there are several theories about the invention of the egg roll, Henry Low, a famous chef in New York, is credited with being the first to come up with the recipe for it.
The most common fillings for egg rolls include shredded cabbage, pork, chicken, or shrimp. They’re often seasoned with salt, pepper, and soy sauce before being stir fried in oil.
Egg Roll Nutrition Fact:
If you’re looking for a healthier take on your favorite Asian takeout, then this Egg Roll Stir Fry is just the thing. It has all of the good parts – lean ground beef, loads of veggies, and yummy seasonings like ginger and garlic – without that greasy fried coating!
It’s also super easy to make and you can swap out the chicken for a vegetarian option. Just a note, though, that the frying method can add some extra sodium to your meal.
This recipe makes a ton of egg rolls, so you’ll have plenty to serve for lunch or dinner. It’s perfect for an on-the-go, easy weeknight meal that’s sure to be a hit with the whole family!
Difference Between Spring Rolls and Egg Roll:
Spring rolls and egg rolls are both delicious rolled appetizers, but their differences are very noticeable. They have distinct flavors, preparation methods, and appearances.
A spring roll is a Chinese dish that typically includes cabbage, noodles and vegetable fillings as well as meat varieties such as pork. It is a popular snack and starter in Asian countries.
It is commonly paired with different types of sauces including sweet, sour, and savory ones.
Egg rolls on the other hand are a more Americanized version of the original spring roll. Originally influenced by Chinese spring rolls, these deep-fried bites are an important takeout menu staple and originated stateside in the early 20th century.
Both can be prepared with a variety of vegetables and meats, but a spring roll has a thinner wrapper than an egg roll. In addition, the dough for a spring roll is made with flour and water instead of eggs.
While egg rolls are fried, spring rolls are usually cooked without oil in an air fryer or microwave. This makes them healthier options than frying in oil.
Which is Healthier: Spring Roll or Egg Roll?
A spring roll is a paper-thin wrapper rolled around fillings of vegetables or meat. They’re a popular dim sum dish in Cantonese cuisine and can be found in Chinese restaurants.
They’re also available in a variety of forms, including frozen and packaged versions. They can be fried or baked.
Both types of rolls are light and easy to eat. They’re low in calories and have some nutrients, like protein, fiber, calcium and iron.
To make a crispy spring roll, prepare a mixture of cooked meat (chicken, pork or shrimp are common) and shredded vegetables. Toss the filling with a little sesame oil and soy sauce. Place a couple tablespoons of the mixture on each spring roll wrapper and seal them tightly. Deep-fry them in 375 degF oil for 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally.
Egg rolls, on the other hand, have a thicker wheat flour wrapper that’s typically filled with ground pork or shredded pork and stir-fried ingredients such as cabbage, carrots and celery. The egg roll’s wrapper is often coated in a batter before being deep-fried, which gives them their bumpy appearance.
Similarities of Spring Roll Vs Egg Roll:
If you love Chinese-American cuisine, then you’re probably familiar with both spring rolls and egg rolls. While they both look very similar, there are a lot of differences between these two staple appetizers.
For starters, the wrappers for both spring rolls and egg rolls are different. While the wrappers of spring rolls are made from thinner dough that can be deep-fried, egg roll wrappers are thicker and noticeably crispier.
The fillings for both types of wrappers are also different. While spring rolls are usually made with cabbage and other vegetables, egg rolls have other ingredients inside them as well.
Both types of roll are often served with a dipping sauce. However, there are a few things to consider when choosing the right type of dipping sauce for these appetizers. These factors include the texture, method of cooking, and origins.
Conclusion:
When it comes to Chinese food, spring rolls and egg rolls are often confused for one another. Despite their common name, these two dishes are actually quite different from each other and it takes some research to figure out which one is the best for you.
The first thing that you need to know is that spring rolls are made of a variety of ingredients whereas egg rolls are traditionally fried. In addition, the best spring roll may be a combination of meat and vegetables, while an egg roll is usually filled with cabbage. The best of both worlds isn’t hard to find at a decent Chinese restaurant, but you should still be prepared to pay top dollar for your entrée. It is also important to note that spring rolls are often served as an appetizer, while egg rolls are a more substantial meal. Regardless of what type of roll you’re looking for, be sure to make your order the right way! You’ll be happy you did. You might even be impressed by how much you eat!
