Spring Rolls: How to Use Rice Paper Sheets Perfectly
Spring rolls are a hugely popular dish, made with a thin wrapper filled with a variety of ingredients, from vegetables to meats including shrimp, chicken, or pork.
Spring rolls can be served either fresh or fried, offering the ideal balance of textures and flavours. Usually, rice paper sheets are used for spring rolls, which soften when dipped in water, making it easy to wrap the contents tightly and hold everything together.
However, it can sometimes be tricky to work out how to use rice paper sheets to make spring rolls that stay intact, taste great, and are easy to eat. At Thai Food Store, we are an authentic Thai food retailer, stocking a wide range of fresh, frozen, and dry produce. In this post, we’ve put together some helpful tips on how to use rice paper sheets to make the ideal spring rolls, ensuring they turn out perfectly every time.
Preparing Rice Paper Sheets: The Key to Perfect Spring Rolls
Rice paper sheets must be properly prepared before you start assembling spring rolls, otherwise, the spring rolls may not hold together and could fall apart. Below we’ve shared some steps to prepare rice paper sheets when you’re making spring rolls:
Soaking the Rice Paper Sheets — Soaking the rice paper sheets in warm water is essential to make them soft and pliable. Dip the rice paper into the water for a few seconds until it becomes flexible but still firm enough to hold its shape. Be careful not to leave it in the water too long, as this can cause the rice paper to become too soggy and tear easily during rolling.
The Right Water Temperature — The water used to soak the rice paper should be warm but not hot. Hot water can make the rice paper too fragile, while cold water will not soften it enough for easy rolling. A good rule of thumb is to use water that’s comfortably warm to the touch, similar to bath water, to ensure the rice paper softens just right.
Choosing the Right Surface — Once the rice paper is soaked, it’s important to place it on a clean, smooth surface to prevent it from sticking. A damp tea towel or a non-stick surface, such as a silicone mat, works best for this. Avoid using surfaces that are too wet or sticky, as this can cause the rice paper to tear or stick, making the rolling process difficult.
How to Make Sure Spring Rolls Stay Intact
Rice paper sheets must be properly prepared before assembling spring rolls. Otherwise, the spring rolls may not hold together and could fall apart.
Don’t Overfill the Rice Paper — Overfilling spring rolls is a common mistake that can lead to tearing or difficulty rolling. Keep the filling portion modest, ensuring there is enough space to fold in the sides and roll it tightly without bursting. A small amount of filling allows the rice paper to wrap around everything securely and maintain its shape, ensuring a neat and professional-looking roll.
Roll Tightly But Not Too Tight — When rolling spring rolls, make sure to wrap them tightly enough to hold the filling in place, but not so tight that the rice paper tears. Start by folding in the sides, then roll from the bottom up, gently but firmly, ensuring that everything stays compact without straining the rice paper. Finding the right balance is key to making sure the rolls stay secure yet flexible.
Seal the Edges Properly — After rolling, it’s important to properly seal the edges of the rice paper to prevent them from unrolling. Lightly press the edges of the rice paper together, ensuring they stick and create a secure closure. If needed, dip your fingers in a little water to help seal the edges more effectively. A well-sealed edge keeps the spring roll intact, even if you’re serving them later or transporting them.
Make the Ideal Spring Rolls with Rice Paper Sheets from Thai Food Store
Here at Thai Food Store, we stock a range of tasty, authentic Thai groceries to help you make your favourite recipes using the highest quality ingredients. Experience the taste of Thailand with our bold, vibrant, and delicious products.
We stock rice paper sheets from the top brand Bamboo Tree, including Square Rice Paper and Deep Fried Rice Paper, among others. We also offer a variety of other ingredients such as fresh vegetables, spices, and sauces to help you create the perfect spring rolls.
Additionally, we offer delivery across the UK starting from £3.49, with fresh supplies at £7.99 and frozen items at £13.31, with next-day delivery available.
Head over to our website today and browse our full range of authentic Thai food products — only at Thai Food Store.