Veg Spring Roll

These crispy Veg Spring Rolls are a beloved Indo-Chinese appetizer, perfect for parties or cozy evenings. Filled with flavorful stir-fried noodles and veggies, these rolls are wrapped in thin pastry sheets and deep-fried to golden perfection. They’re freezer-friendly and can also be air-fried for a healthier twist, offering a satisfying crunch and authentic taste every time.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 250g Hakka Noodles

• 2 tsp Salt

• Water (for boiling noodles)

• 1 tbsp Garlic, minced

• ½ tbsp Ginger, minced

• 1 tbsp Celery, finely chopped

• ½ cup Onion, thinly sliced

• ½ cup Carrot, julienned

• ½ cup Beans, sliced

• ½ cup Capsicum or Bell Pepper, thinly sliced

• 1 cup Cabbage, shredded

• 2-3 Green Chillies, slit

• 2 tsp Soy Sauce

• 1 tsp Vinegar

• 2 tsp Red Chilli Sauce

• ½ tsp Tomato Ketchup

• 1½ tsp Salt

• 1 tsp Pepper

• 1 tbsp Spring Onions, chopped

For the Spring Rolls:

• 40 Spring Roll Sheets

• 2 tsp Corn Flour

• 1–2 tbsp Water (to make slurry)

• Oil for deep frying (canola, sunflower or peanut)

Directions

1. Prepare the Filling:

• Heat oil in a wok and sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant.

• Add onions, celery, and chillies. Cook until onions are translucent.

• Add carrots and beans. Sauté for 1 minute, followed by capsicum (1 minute) and cabbage (2 minutes).

• Stir in soy sauce, vinegar, red chilli sauce, and ketchup.

• Add boiled noodles and toss to coat evenly. Season with salt and pepper.

• Mix in spring onions and let the filling cool completely.

2. Assemble the Rolls:

• Mix corn flour and water to make a thin slurry.

• Keep spring roll sheets under a damp cloth to prevent drying.

• Place one sheet on a flat surface, add 1–2 tbsp of filling near the bottom edge.

• Roll tightly, folding the sides in. Seal edges with slurry.

• Repeat with remaining sheets and filling.

3. Cook the Rolls:

For Deep Frying:

• Heat oil in a kadai or fryer. Fry 5–6 rolls at a time for 6–8 minutes until golden brown.

• Remove using a slotted spoon and place on tissue to drain excess oil.

For Air Frying:

• Preheat air fryer to 180°C (350°F).

• Brush rolls with oil and place in basket without overlapping.

• Air fry for 8 minutes at 180°C, then 1–2 minutes at 200°C.

Nutrients (Per Piece)

• Calories: 81 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 17g

• Protein: 3g

• Fat: 0.4g

• Saturated Fat: 0.1g

• Cholesterol: 2mg

• Sodium: 244mg

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 0.5g

• Vitamin A: 284 IU

• Vitamin C: 1mg

• Calcium: 12mg

• Iron: 1mg

What Makes Veg Spring Rolls Special

One of the most appealing aspects of Veg Spring Rolls is their dynamic texture — the crackling crisp of the outer layer giving way to a tender, savory, umami-rich filling. This contrast is a sensory delight, which is why they’ve earned their place as a popular party snack and street food staple across Asia. What sets these apart from other starters is the thoughtful blend of vegetables, seasonings, and noodles that give them their signature Indo-Chinese identity. They are packed with flavor but are not heavy, making them an ideal finger food that pairs beautifully with sweet chili sauce or soy-based dips.

The Cultural Connection

In Indian cuisine, Indo-Chinese food has carved a beloved niche — combining Chinese cooking techniques with Indian spices and ingredients. Veg Spring Rolls are a product of this fusion, incorporating ingredients like soy sauce, vinegar, red chili sauce, and stir-fried vegetables to create something truly unique. Originating as a Chinese New Year delicacy symbolizing wealth and prosperity due to their resemblance to gold bars, spring rolls have evolved in the Indian context into a festive favorite. Whether served during Diwali parties, family get-togethers, or casual evening snacks, they hold a nostalgic and cultural significance that adds emotional flavor to every bite.

Why This Version Stands Out

What makes this particular recipe shine is its use of Hakka noodles as a filling base, which adds a chewy, seasoned dimension not often found in traditional spring rolls. The inclusion of crunchy carrots, beans, bell peppers, and shredded cabbage creates a colorful, nutrient-dense stuffing that not only tastes great but is also visually appealing. Unlike pre-packaged versions that often come with preservatives and artificial flavors, these homemade spring rolls are fresh, customizable, and incredibly rewarding to prepare.

Another notable feature of this recipe is its adaptability to different cooking methods. While deep-frying is the classic technique, air-frying offers a guilt-free way to enjoy the same crunch with a fraction of the oil. This modern twist makes it possible to enjoy a traditional snack even when you’re aiming for healthier meal choices.

Perfect for Entertaining

When it comes to appetizers, very few options match the crowd-pleasing potential of Veg Spring Rolls. They’re bite-sized, easy to eat, and universally liked — even picky eaters enjoy their mild spice and balanced flavor. Since they can be pre-rolled and frozen ahead of time, these spring rolls are a host’s best friend. Simply fry or air-fry them just before serving and you’ll have a hot, crispy snack ready within minutes. They pair well with mocktails, cocktails, or a side of warm soup, making them a smart addition to both casual gatherings and elegant dinners.

Freezer-Friendly Convenience

The ability to freeze Veg Spring Rolls is a major advantage for busy home cooks. You can batch prepare dozens of rolls, freeze them in a single layer on a tray, then store them in airtight containers or ziplock bags. When ready to cook, there’s no need to thaw — simply fry or air-fry directly from frozen. This makes meal planning and entertaining not only easier but more efficient. You save time while still offering something delicious and homemade, which can be a real game changer during the holiday season or for quick weekday snacks.

Nutrition and Dietary Flexibility

These spring rolls may be deep-fried, but they still offer a nutritious blend of fiber-rich vegetables and whole ingredients. Each piece comes in at just around 81 calories, with a modest carbohydrate and fat count. The inclusion of cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers contributes essential vitamins and antioxidants, while the noodles provide energy-boosting carbs. For those seeking even healthier alternatives, the rolls can be filled with more greens, swapped with whole wheat wrappers, or even baked instead of fried. You can also easily make them gluten-free by using rice paper wrappers and gluten-free noodles.

Customizable and Versatile

The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. You can swap the vegetables according to the season or your personal preferences. Add mushrooms for an earthy depth, sweet corn for a pop of sweetness, or paneer or tofu for added protein. You can even spice them up with schezwan sauce or adjust the chili levels to make them kid-friendly. For those who love experimenting, turning these spring rolls into a fusion wrap with cheese, herbs, or even fruit-based chutneys can offer surprising and delicious results.

Tips for Best Results

To achieve the perfect crunch, make sure the spring roll wrappers are completely sealed with the corn flour slurry and not overfilled. Overfilling may cause them to burst during frying. It’s also crucial to keep the wrappers covered with a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out while assembling. Use high-heat oil for frying and ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the rolls — this prevents them from soaking too much oil and becoming soggy. If air-frying, don’t overcrowd the basket, and give them a light brushing of oil for even browning.

Conclusion

Veg Spring Rolls are more than just a tasty appetizer — they’re a celebration of flavor, texture, and cultural fusion. From their crunchy exterior to their umami-packed filling, every bite offers comfort and joy. Their ease of preparation, storage convenience, and universal appeal make them a must-have recipe for any home cook. Whether you’re hosting a festive party, looking for a crispy tea-time snack, or simply craving something indulgent yet balanced, these spring rolls deliver. With both traditional and health-conscious cooking options, they invite everyone to the table — and keep them coming back for more.