Go Back

Crispy rice paper rolls

Pan-fried rice paper rolls filled with vegetables, tofu, and edamame for a crispy, savory, high-fiber meal or snack.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Calories: 290

Ingredients
  

For the filling
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated
  • 8 ounces mushrooms finely chopped
  • 2 cups green cabbage finely shredded
  • 1 cup carrots julienned or shredded
  • 1 cup shelled edamame roughly chopped
  • 7 ounces firm tofu pressed and crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
  • 2 green onions thinly sliced, plus more for garnish
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For rolling and pan-frying
  • 12 rice paper wrappers
  • warm water for softening wrappers
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons neutral oil for pan-frying

Equipment

  • 1 large skillet for cooking filling and pan-frying rolls
  • 1 mixing bowl for cooling the filling
  • 1 shallow dish for warm water to soften rice paper
  • 1 cutting board or clean work surface for rolling

Method
 

Make the filling
  1. Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and ginger, and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Add the chopped mushrooms and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring often, until they release their moisture and begin to brown.
  3. Stir in the cabbage, carrots, chopped edamame, and crumbled tofu. Cook for another 4 to 5 minutes, until the vegetables soften slightly but still keep some texture.
  4. Add the soy sauce or tamari, rice vinegar, sesame seeds, green onions, and black pepper. Stir well and cook for 1 to 2 more minutes, until the filling is flavorful and most excess moisture has evaporated.
  5. Transfer the filling to a bowl or tray and let it cool for 10 minutes.
Roll the rice paper rolls
  1. Set up a rolling station with a shallow dish of warm water, the cooled filling, the rice paper wrappers, and a clean work surface.
  2. Dip one rice paper wrapper into the warm water for 5 to 8 seconds. Remove it while still slightly firm.
  3. Place the wrapper on the work surface and add about 1/3 cup of filling near the lower third, shaping it into a short log.
  4. Fold the bottom edge up over the filling, fold in the sides, and roll tightly to seal. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
Pan-fry the rolls
  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of neutral oil in a nonstick or well-seasoned skillet over medium heat. Place several rolls seam-side down in the pan, leaving space between them.
  2. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning carefully, until the wrappers develop crisp, golden-brown patches and the rolls are heated through. Add more oil as needed for the remaining batches.
  3. Transfer to a plate, garnish with extra sliced green onions, and serve warm.

Notes

Do not oversoak the rice paper wrappers. Let the filling cool before rolling, and cook off excess moisture so the rolls crisp properly in the pan. Reheat leftovers in a skillet, oven, or air fryer for the best texture.