Vietnamese Cha Gio Recipe

Cha Gio, also known as Vietnamese fried spring rolls, are a beloved appetizer in Vietnam cuisine. These deep-fried rolls are crunchy, savory, and full of flavorful ingredients that make a fantastic addition to any meal. Making Cha Gio requires a bit of patience, but the results are worth it!

Ingredients

Filling

• 1/2 cup pork, shrimp, or turkey
• 2-3 cups cooked mung bean threads
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 3 scallions, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fish sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 egg
• 4 tablespoons vegetable oil

Wrapper

• 12-14 (8”) round spring roll wrappers
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions

Making The Filling

1. In a skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the pork, shrimp, or turkey, mung bean threads, carrots, celery, and scallions.
3. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are lightly browned.
4. Stir in the garlic, fish sauce, sugar, and black pepper.
5. Cook for another 3 minutes.
6. Remove from heat and stir in the egg.
7. Set aside and let the filling cool.

Assembling The Spring Rolls

1. Fill a small bowl with warm water and place it on your work surface.
2. Dip one spring roll wrapper into the water for 5 seconds to soften.
3. Carefully lay the wrapper flat onto your work surface.
4. Place 1-2 tablespoons of the filling into the center of the wrapper.
5. Fold one edge of the wrapper over the filling and then fold the sides of the wrapper inward.
6. Roll the wrapper up by starting at the edge you first folded over the filling.
7. Wet your fingers with the warm water and moisten the edge of the wrapper to seal.
8. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.

Frying The Spring Rolls

1. Heat about 2 inches of oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat.
2. When the oil is hot, carefully place the spring rolls into the oil.
3. Fry for about 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally.
4. Remove when the spring rolls are golden brown and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Serve with a dipping sauce of your choice and enjoy!