Egg rolls and summer rolls – two yummy dishes of Asian cuisine. But, what makes them unique? Let’s explore these scrumptious rolls and find out!
Firstly, not just their names are different, but also their composition. Egg rolls have a crunchy exterior with a mix of veggies, meat, and sometimes noodles. Summer rolls, on the other hand, have a delicate rice paper wrap that encloses fresh veggies, herbs, and shrimp/tofu.
So, these two rolls offer diverse flavor experiences. Egg rolls are for those who love savory flavors and a nice crunch. The filling is tender and can be customized with ingredients like cabbage, carrots, mushrooms, pork, etc. Summer rolls are for those who prefer lightness with vibrant colors and fragrant aromas. Fresh lettuce leaves, herbs, and sauces like peanut or hoisin enhance their flavor.
To enjoy these treats, pair egg rolls with sweet & sour sauce. For summer rolls, peanut sauce adds creaminess and freshness.
Egg Rolls
The defining feature of Egg Rolls? Golden and crunchy! This delightful crunch creates a contrast to the flavorful filling inside.
Filling options cater to different diets; meats, veggies – the possibilities are endless! The filling is packed with flavor; spices, sauces, and herbs come together.
Egg Rolls are typically served hot and fresh from the fryer. Plus, they come with awesome dipping sauces; sweet and sour, chili, and more!
Did you know that Egg Rolls have been in America since the early 20th century? Time to embark on an Egg Roll adventure! Treat yourself today and enjoy a gastronomical journey!
Summer Rolls
Summer rolls are a tasty and reviving Vietnamese dish, often enjoyed as a starter or light meal. The delectable creation features a thin and transparent rice paper wrapper filled with fresh, crunchy veg, scrumptious herbs, and sometimes shrimp or tofu. Summer rolls are usually served chilled – perfect for hot summer days. Here are six things to know about them:
- They are also known as fresh spring rolls or salad rolls.
- The wrappers are thin and clear.
- They are not cooked.
- The filling includes lettuce, carrots, cucumber, bean sprouts, and mint leaves.
- Peanut sauce or hoisin sauce goes great with them.
- Summer rolls provide a healthy alternative to fried spring rolls.
Plus, summer rolls have a unique texture that is both soft and chewy. The blend of crispy veg and aromatic herbs give a burst of flavor with each bite. Best of all, they are guilt-free for those watching their calories. To avoid sticking while rolling, wet your fingers first. So, if you’re looking for a light and flavorful snack or appetizer, give summer rolls a go – they’ll become a favorite in your culinary repertoire!
Wrapper for Summer Rolls
Summer roll wrappers come in a package of circular or square wrappers that are dehydrated and dry. To prepare it for wrapping, it’s dipped in warm water for a few seconds, and then laid on a cutting board for wrapping. Once the rice paper is plyable and moldable, fresh ingredients can be added on top for rolling. As the ingredients are rolled, the wrappers are sticky and allow the ingredients to stay in place and the ends to wrap to adhere the roll.
Differences Between Egg Rolls and Summer Rolls
Egg rolls and summer rolls may look alike, but they have their differences. Let’s explore them with some insight.
Wrapping?
- Egg rolls: Deep-fried & crispy.
- Summer rolls: Soft & translucent rice paper.
Filling?
- Egg rolls: Cooked stuff like meat & veg.
- Summer rolls: Fresh herbs & raw veg.
Cooking Method?
- Egg rolls: Fried.
- Summer rolls: Not cooked, pre-cooked elements.
Plus, egg rolls often include cabbage for texture & flavor. Summer rolls usually feature herbs like basil or mint for a refreshing taste.
Once upon a time in Vietnam, a young couple tried to make the perfect summer roll. They worked hard, experimenting with various combos until they found culinary bliss. Their creation soon became popular, earning them great respect for their innovation.
Conclusion
It’s time to wrap up our discussion on egg rolls and summer rolls. These two Asian delicacies differ in various ways.
Egg rolls are deep-fried and have a crispy exterior.
Summer rolls are usually fresh and refreshing.
The fillings also vary; egg rolls contain savory ingredients like meat or vegetables, while summer rolls have herbs, raw vegetables, and maybe shrimp.
Plus, the wrappers are different. Egg roll wrappers are made from wheat flour dough and can absorb oil. Summer rolls have rice paper wrappers, which give them a different mouthfeel and let the colors of the ingredients show.
Let’s also take a look at their history. Egg rolls have their roots in Chinese immigrants in America. They wanted to make traditional spring rolls, but with local ingredients. Over time, they developed their own version full of Chinese and American flavors.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are egg rolls?
Egg rolls are a popular Chinese appetizer made with a wheat-based wrapper filled with a savory combination of meats (such as pork, shrimp, or chicken), vegetables, and sometimes noodles. They are deep-fried until crispy and served with a dipping sauce.
What are summer rolls?
Summer rolls, also known as fresh spring rolls or salad rolls, are a type of Vietnamese dish. They are made with rice paper wrappers filled with fresh vegetables, herbs, rice vermicelli noodles, and often shrimp or pork. Summer rolls are not cooked and are typically served with a peanut dipping sauce.
What is the main difference between egg rolls and summer rolls?
The main difference between egg rolls and summer rolls lies in their cooking method and ingredients. Egg rolls are deep-fried and have a crispy texture, while summer rolls are not cooked and have a softer, chewy texture. Egg rolls have a meaty filling, whereas summer rolls are typically filled with fresh vegetables and shrimp or pork.
Are egg rolls healthier than summer rolls?
In terms of healthiness, summer rolls are generally considered healthier than egg rolls. Egg rolls are deep-fried, which adds more calories and fat to the dish. Summer rolls, on the other hand, are not fried and contain fresh, raw ingredients, making them a lighter and more nutritious option.
Which one is more popular in Chinese cuisine?
Egg rolls are more popular in Chinese cuisine. They are a staple appetizer in Chinese-American restaurants and are often served during special occasions such as Chinese New Year. Summer roll, although delicious, are more commonly associated with Vietnamese cuisine.
Can egg roll be served cold like summer roll?
Egg rolls are traditionally served hot and crispy, while summer roll are served cold or at room temperature. Due to their deep-fried nature, egg rolls are not typically consumed cold as they lose their desired texture. However, personal preferences may vary, and some people may enjoy eating leftover egg rolls cold.
