Pork & Vegetable Spring Rolls

There’s something deeply satisfying about biting into a perfectly crisp spring roll and these Pork & Vegetable Spring Rolls deliver. A crunchy golden shell filled with a savoury, well-seasoned mixture of pork and fresh vegetables. Whether served as a snack, appetiser, or party favourite, they never fail to impress. Pair them with a tangy rice vinegar and garlic dipping sauce or classic sweet chilli for an irresistible combination.

Table of Contents

• Ingredient Breakdown
• Tips for Ingredient Prep
• Mastering the Art of Rolling
• Frying to Perfection
• How to Avoid Soggy Spring Rolls
• Customising Your Spring Rolls
• The Perfect Dipping Sauce
• More Recipes Like This

Ingredient Breakdown

• Vegetable oil: Ensures even frying and enhances crispiness.
• Onion: Adds a rich, aromatic base to the filling.
• Carrots: Brings natural sweetness and a subtle crunch.
• Water chestnuts: Provides a satisfying, delicate crunch.
• Beansprouts: Keeps the filling fresh, light, and slightly crisp.
• Ground white pepper: Lends gentle heat without overpowering.
• Ginger paste: Infuses warmth and depth into the filling.
• Garlic paste: Enhances the savoury umami flavour.
• Pork mince: The star protein, offering a rich, meaty bite.
• Soy sauce: Balances saltiness and umami depth.
• Spring onions: Adds freshness and a mild onion kick.
• Spring roll wrappers: The essential crispy shell.
• Egg: Helps seal the rolls for secure frying.
• Vegetable oil (for frying): Ensures a golden, crisp exterior.

Tips for Ingredient Prep

Well-made Pork & Vegetable Spring Rolls start long before the frying stage. It begins with precise and thoughtful ingredient preparation. Every component in the filling needs to be cut, minced, or grated to ensure even cooking and a balanced texture. Onions should be minced finely to avoid large chunks disrupting the smooth consistency. Carrots, when grated rather than chopped, blend seamlessly into the mixture, providing subtle sweetness without overpowering the savoury flavours.

Water chestnuts, a key ingredient, should be minced small enough to retain their crunch while distributing evenly throughout the filling. Beansprouts require minimal preparation but should be rinsed and thoroughly dried to prevent excess moisture, which could make the mixture too wet. Pork mince benefits from a quick stir before cooking to break apart any large clumps, ensuring an even distribution of flavour once combined with the vegetables.

By taking the time to prepare each ingredient correctly, you create a filling that is cohesive, well-seasoned, and packed with the perfect balance of textures. This is something that sets a great spring roll apart from an average one.

Mastering the Art of Rolling

A well-rolled spring roll is key to achieving that perfect, crisp finish. The rolling technique must be precise to prevent oil from seeping in during frying. Place a spring roll wrapper in a diamond orientation on a clean surface, keeping the remaining wrappers covered with a damp tea towel to prevent drying.

Spoon a small portion of the cooled filling near the bottom of the wrapper, shaping it into a neat log. Fold the bottom point over the filling, followed by the sides to create a secure envelope shape. Roll tightly toward the top, ensuring no air pockets remain. Seal the edge with a dab of beaten egg to keep everything intact during frying.

Frying to Perfection

Deep frying is the final step that transforms these Pork & Vegetable Spring Rolls into a crispy delight. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or saucepan to 180°C. Consistent temperature control ensures even cooking and prevents the rolls from absorbing excess oil.

Carefully lower the spring rolls into the hot oil, frying in small batches to avoid overcrowding. Within five minutes, they should reach a deep golden hue. Remove them with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to eliminate excess oil.

How to Avoid Soggy Spring Rolls

Achieving that coveted golden crunch in a  Pork & Vegetable Spring Rolls takes more than just frying. It requires careful attention at multiple stages. One of the most common pitfalls is ending up with a soggy spring roll rather than a light, crispy one. Here are some tips of how to best avoid this!

First, ensure the filling is properly drained and cooled before assembling the rolls. Excess moisture from hot ingredients can cause the wrapper to weaken, leading to a limp result after frying. If the mixture seems too wet, lay it out on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any residual moisture.

Another key factor is the frying temperature. Oil that isn’t hot enough (below 180°C) will cause the spring rolls to absorb too much oil, making them greasy rather than crisp. Always test the oil by dropping in a small piece of wrapper. It should sizzle immediately.

Lastly, avoid overcrowding the fryer or pan, as this lowers the oil temperature and leads to uneven cooking. By following these steps, you ensure that every bite is satisfyingly crisp and golden.

Customising Your Spring Rolls

While the classic Pork & Vegetable Spring Rolls recipe is a firm favourite, it can easily be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Small changes to the filling can completely transform the flavour profile, making these spring rolls incredibly versatile.

• For a lighter option, swap pork mince for chicken or turkey. These leaner proteins absorb flavours beautifully while keeping the filling just as satisfying. 
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, finely chopped mushrooms make an excellent substitute, providing a rich umami depth similar to meat. You can also add tofu, but you should crumble it season it well to enhance its flavour.
• You can also adjust the seasoning to personal preference. Adding a splash of sesame oil to the filling gives it a more pronounced nutty aroma, while a pinch of Chinese five-spice introduces a warm complexity. 
• For those who love heat, finely chopped fresh chilli or a spoonful of chilli paste can provide an extra kick.

The Perfect Dipping Sauce

No spring roll is complete without a great dipping sauce. A simple rice vinegar and garlic sauce adds tanginess that cuts through the richness of the pork. Alternatively, sweet chilli sauce complements the crispness with its balance of heat and sweetness.

For an extra touch, serve with fresh herbs or a side of pickled vegetables to enhance the flavours. Whether as a party snack or a comforting homemade treat, these Pork & Vegetable Spring Rolls are always a crowd-pleaser.

More Recipes Like This

If you’ve enjoyed making these Pork & Vegetable Spring Rolls, here are some more of my recipes I think you might just like:

• Thai Basil Pork Stir-Fry (Pad Krapow): This quick and easy stir-fry is made with pork mince, Thai holy basil, chillies and garlic. It’s packed with tons of flavour and comes together in less than 15 minutes.
• Sticky Five-Spice Ribs: Super tender pork ribs smothered in a sticky, sweet sauce. These tasty, melt-in-your-mouth ribs are so easy to make! 
• Teriyaki Beef and Vegetable Stir Fry: Bursting with delicious flavours, tender beef and crisp vegetables, this tasty stir-fry is sure to be a hit with friends and family.

See how I make all these recipes and more over on my Instagram!