Cambodian Spring Rolls

December 30, 2023 - 113 views

Cambodian cuisine is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that is sure to tantalize your taste buds. One of the most popular dishes in Cambodian cuisine is the spring roll offering a great culinary experience.

In this article, we will explore the different types of Cambodian spring rolls, how to cook them, and where to find and savor the best ones.

Cambodian Spring Rolls

Cambodian spring rolls come in two main varieties: fried and fresh. Fried spring rolls are crispy and crunchy, while fresh spring rolls are soft and chewy.

Both types of spring rolls are generously packed with a tantalizing mix of succulent meats, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic herbs.

Experience the perfect balance of textures and tastes, and let these exquisite spring rolls transport you to a world of culinary bliss.

Fried Spring Rolls

Fried spring rolls are a popular snack in Cambodia. These delectable treats are meticulously crafted by encasing a medley of ground pork, shrimp, crisp vegetables, and aromatic herbs in a delicate pastry wrapper.

A symphony of flavors and textures, as each bite reveals a golden-brown, crispy exterior that gives way to a savory filling.

Fried Spring Rolls

Cambodian Fried Spring Rolls

Main Ingredients

To make these delectable Cambodian fried spring rolls, you will need the following main ingredients:

  • Spring Roll Wrappers: They are thin sheets made from wheat flour, water, and salt. Can be found in most Asian grocery stores and supermarkets.
  • Ground Pork or Chicken: Ground pork or chicken is commonly used in Cambodian fried spring rolls. The choice of meat is flexible and can vary based on your preference.
  • Black Pepper: Ground black pepper is used to add a subtle spiciness and depth of flavor to the filling. You should use Kampot pepper, produced in the southwest of Cambodia, which is considered one of the best peppers in the world.
Rolls Dipping Sauce
  • Vermicelli noodles
  • Carrot
  • Minced pork
  • Tofu
  • Bean sprouts
  • Soy sauce
  • Fish sauce
  • Rice papers
  • Oil to deep-fry the rolls
  • Chopped garlic
  • Chopped red chili
  • Sugar
  • Lime juice /or vinegar
  • Fish sauce
  • Black pepper

Cooking Steps

Step 1: In a large bowl, mix together the ground pork, shrimp, carrots, cabbage, onion, garlic, fish sauce, sugar, and black pepper.

Step 2: Place a spoonful of the mixture on a spring roll wrapper and roll it up tightly.

Step 3: Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a large pot over medium-high heat.

Step 4: Fry the spring rolls in batches until golden brown and crispy.

Step 5: Serve hot with sweet chili sauce.

Fried Spring Rolls Cooking Steps

Fried Spring Rolls Cooking Steps

  • Make sure the filling is not too wet, or it will make the wrapper soggy.
  • Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature of the oil to ensure that it stays at around 350°F.

 

Fresh Spring Rolls

For those seeking a lighter option, fresh spring rolls offer a healthier alternative without compromising on taste.

Embrace the art of balance as a harmonious blend of cooked shrimp, tender rice noodles, crisp lettuce, and fragrant herbs gently nestled within a soft rice paper wrapper.

With each bite, experience the refreshing crunch and vibrant flavors that make these rolls an irresistible delight.

Fresh Spring Rolls

Cambodia Fresh Spring Rolls

Main Ingredients

  • Rice Paper Wrappers: These translucent, round wrappers are made from rice flour, water, and salt. They are soaked in water to soften before rolling. Rice paper wrappers are gluten-free and provide a delicate and chewy texture to the spring rolls.
  • Rice Noodles: These thin noodles are made from rice flour. They are soaked in hot water until tender and then drained.
  • Shrimp: Cooked and peeled shrimp are a common protein choice for Cambodian fresh spring rolls. They provide a subtle sweetness and a delightful texture to the rolls. You can also use cooked chicken instead, depending on your preference.
  • Dipping Sauce: Various dipping sauces can be served with Cambodian fresh spring rolls, including hoisin sauce, or a simple mixture of fish sauce.
Spring Rolls

Dipping Sauce

(Fish Sauce)

  • Rice paper wrappers
  • Green leave lettuce
  • Thai Basil
  • Mint
  • Cooked shrimp/ chicken
  • Rice noodles
  • Cucumber
  • Sugar
  • Vinegar or lime juice
  • Fish sauce
  • Minced chilies
  • Minced garlic minced
  • Crushed peanut

Cooking Steps

Step 1. Soak the rice noodles in hot water until soft.

Step 2. Prepare the vegetables and herbs by washing and chopping them into small pieces.

Step 3. Fill a large bowl with warm water.

Step 4. Dip a rice paper wrapper into the water for a few seconds until it softens.

Step 5. Place the wrapper on a flat surface and add the shrimp, rice noodles, lettuce, bean sprouts, cilantro, mint leaves, and Thai basil leaves on top.

Step 6. Roll up the wrapper tightly around the filling.

Fresh Spring Rolls Cooking Steps

Fresh Spring Rolls Cooking Steps

  • Don't overfill the wrapper or it will be difficult to roll up.
  • Keep the wrappers moist by covering them with a damp towel until ready to use.

 

Best Places to Try Cambodian Spring Rolls

If you're looking to try Cambodian spring rolls, there are plenty of places to find them in Cambodia. Some of the best places to try them include

1. Khmer Kitchen Restaurant

  • Address: Corner of Street 11 and Alley West, Old Market, Siem Reap, Cambodia
  • Working hours: 09:00 a.m - 11:00 p.m
  • Price Range: US $2 - 10

This family-owned restaurant is owned by Perk Sophal, who started a cooking journal. This led to it becoming one of the most famous authentic Khmer restaurants, serving locals and aid workers from the UN and the Red Cross since 1999.

2. Wild

  • Address: Wat Damnak, Krong Siem Reap 17000, Cambodia
  • Working hours: 11:00 a.m - 10:30 p.m
  • Price Range: US $2 - 5

If you are looking for a finger food restaurant, Wild is an ideal place! Their whole menu is dedicated to spring roll lovers. They took spring rolls to the next level with different varieties of flavors: sweet, sour, and cheesy.

3. Charney Tree

  • Address: Pokombo Ave, along Siem, Reap riverside, 50m before Preah Prum Rath pagoda
  • Working hours: 10:00 a.m - 2:30 p.m & 6:00 p.m - 10:30 p.m
  • Price Range: US $6 - 10

A green restaurant with a contemporary setting in the heart of Siem Reap’s riverside district. Charney Tree has the mission of bringing Cambodian cuisine to international grounds, with premium ingredients from local farms and creative food presentation.

4. Spoons Cambodia

  • Address: 0142, Group 5, Pave Road, Wat Damnak Village Salakomreouk Commune, Siem Reap
  • Working hours: 10:00 a.m - 11:00 p.m
  • Price Range: US $3 - 5

Spoons Cafe and Restaurant is not only a restaurant but also a student training facility for the underprivileged! 100% of the restaurant profits are used to support SPOONS Cambodia Organization and its students.

 

In conclusion, Cambodian spring rolls are a delicious and versatile dish. This tasty dish can be enjoyed as a side dish or healthy snack that is hearty and fulfilling on every occasion.

Whether you choose the crispy allure of fried spring rolls or opt for the wholesome goodness of fresh spring rolls, let your taste buds be transported to the enchanting world of Cambodian cuisine.

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