Vietnamese Fried Vegetarian Spring Rolls (Chả Giò Chay)

Vietnamese Fried Vegetarian Spring Rolls (Chả Giò Chay)

from thefoodietakesflight.com
60 min
12 servings

Cha Gio Chay are Vietnamese Fried Vegetarian Spring Rolls. ‘Chay’ in Vietnamese translates to Vegetarian. Though of course this version is vegan and the rolls are filled with a mix of wood ear and fresh mushrooms, vermicelli noodles, tofu, and carrots before being rolled in flour spring rolls wrappers.

Ingredients

  • 12 spring roll wrappers (mine were 8.5” squares)
  • 2 tbsp dried wood ear mushrooms
  • 50 g dried mung bean vermicelli noodles
  • 1 lb extra firm tofu (mashed)
  • 100 g shiitake mushrooms (or other fresh mushrooms of choice)
  • 2 tbsp neutral oil
  • 1 small onion (diced)
  • 1 small carrot shredded
  • 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp dark soy sauce (to colour (optional))
  • 1/4 to 1/2 tsp white pepper
  • 2 1/2 tbsp corn starch
  • Water (to seal rolls)
  • Neutral oil (for frying)
  • Fresh lettuce leaves
  • Rice vermicelli (cooked)
  • Pickled Daikon Radish and Carrots
  • Fresh mint leaves
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Vegan fish sauce (, see homemade recipe here)

Directions

  1. 1

    You can watch teh video below for a complete step-by-step on how to make these rolls.

  2. 2

    Meanwhile, soak the wood ear fungus in boiling hot water for 10-15 minutes or until completely rehydrated and tripled in size. Once rehydrated, slice into thin strips.

  3. 3

    In another heat proof bowl, add in the dry noodles. Pour in boiling hot water and leave the noodles to sit for 10-15 minutes or until chewy and cooked to your liking. Drain the noodles from the water and run through cold water to stop the cooking.

  4. 4

    Mash the tofu in a bowl then set aside. You can press the tofu beforehand but it’s not necessary since the water will evaporate during cooking. Set aside.

  5. 5

    Heat a large pan or wok over medium high heat. Once hot, add in the oil.

  6. 6

    Prepare a bowl with water to use to seal the edges of the wrapper.

  7. 7

    See option to bake the rolls below.

  8. 8

    To bake the spring rolls, preheat your oven or oven toaster to 380F/200C.

  9. 9

    These are best enjoying while warm and crispy.