Five-Spice Spring Rolls

Five-Spice Spring Rolls carry special symbolism on the New Year’s table, representing auspiciousness and good wishes. The process of making them often involves family participation, symbolizing family reunion and warmth. This traditional custom helps strengthen family bonds and unity, making the New Year more meaningful.

五香春卷

Ingredients:

  • Bean curd sheets, 2 pieces
  • Water (for sealing the bean curd sheets)
  • Pork belly, 1.5 kg (minced)
  • Spring onions, 3 stalks (finely chopped)
  • Carrot, 1 piece (diced)
  • Shiitake mushrooms, 10 pieces (finely chopped)
  • Black fungus, 1/2 cup
  • Water chestnuts, 1/2 cup

Seasoning:

  • Sesame oil, 3 tablespoons
  • Light soy sauce, 2 tablespoons
  • Shaoxing wine, 1 tablespoon
  • Ground pepper, a pinch
  • Garlic, 2 tablespoons (minced)
  • Tapioca flour, 3 tablespoons
  • Cornstarch, 1 tablespoon

Instructions:

  1. Rinse the pork belly and mince it with a large knife, then place it in a large bowl.
  2. Add all the seasoning ingredients and stir the minced meat clockwise until it becomes slightly sticky.
  3. Add spring onions, carrots, water chestnuts, black fungus, and shiitake mushrooms, mix well.
  4. Prepare a basin of clean water, cut one piece of bean curd sheet into 8 pieces, soak one piece of bean curd sheet in water for a while, then shake it a few times, place it on a cutting board, and wrap it with the meat filling.
  5. Arrange the wrapped spring rolls in a steaming tray, steam over high heat for 10 minutes after the water boils.
  6. Evenly wrap the steamed filling in the bean curd sheet, forming a rectangular shape. Fold the sides inward when rolling, then roll tightly from the bottom and seal with water.
  7. Heat cooking oil in a pan, the temperature should be around 160°C, and fry the wrapped rolls until golden and crispy.
  8. Drain excess oil with kitchen paper towels.

Tips:

  1. Use high-temperature resistant oils such as grapeseed oil or palm oil to avoid reused oil and maintain vascular health.
  2. Add broccoli or other vegetables for decoration to enhance the appearance and balance the dish.
  3. Excess spring rolls can be frozen for future use.

Nutritional Benefits

As a must-have dish on the New Year’s table, Five-Spice Spring Rolls are especially suitable for the elderly, children, and patients with illnesses. The main ingredient, pork, provides high-quality protein and rich nutrition. Additionally, a variety of ingredients such as black fungus, carrots, spring onions, and garlic provide a rich texture and comprehensive nutrition to the spring rolls.

Pork is rich in vitamin B12 and iron, suitable for supplementing nutrients in the elderly and children; dietary fiber in black fungus helps regulate blood lipids and promote intestinal health; while carrots are rich in vitamin C and beta-carotene, which helps boost immunity. Such a combination of ingredients not only provides delicious taste but also offers comprehensive nutrition.

Although spring rolls require frying during preparation, the filling can be prepared and frozen for later use, making it convenient to use anytime. In addition, spring rolls can be cooked in various ways such as steaming, stir-frying, or adding to soups, showcasing diverse culinary possibilities. The pork filling can also be replaced with mackerel or other fish according to personal taste preferences.

The uniqueness of Five-Spice Spring Rolls lies not only in the inheritance of traditional culture but also in the combination of innovative cooking and healthy eating concepts. Healthy eating tips are incorporated into the preparation of the spring rolls, with an emphasis on using fresh, wholesome ingredients and minimal use of oil. The result is a satisfying dish that is not only delicious but also nourishing for the body. By promoting the benefits of healthy eating, Five-Spice Spring Rolls offer a modern twist on a classic dish while still honoring its cultural roots.

 

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.