Vietnamese Fried Vegetarian Spring Rolls (Chả Giò Chay)

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.

12 Servings

Nutrition (1 serv.) Amount Nutrition (1 serv.) Amount
Calories 109 kcal Sugar 1 g
Carbs 14 g Cholesterol 2 mg
Protein 5 g Sodium 439 mg
Fat 3 g Fiber 1 g
Sugar 1 g
Cholesterol 2 mg
Sodium 439 mg
Fiber 1 g

Prep Time: 35 min Cook Time: 25 min Total Time: 60 min

https://thefoodietakesflight.com/cha-gio-chay-vietnamese-spring-rolls/

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)

Instructions

Step 1

Wrappers

Step 2

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

Step 3

For the wrappers, make sure they have been thawed and are at room temperature. This way it will be easier to separate them—they’ll be pliable and won’t break apart easily.

Step 4

Wood Ear Fungus, Tofu, and Noodles

Step 5

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.

Step 6

Noodles

Step 7

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.

Step 8

Roughly chop up the noodles into small pieces, around 1” long if possible. Set aside.

Step 9

Tofu and Mushrooms

Step 10

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.

Step 11

For the fresh mushrooms, mince or slice them into very small pieces.

Step 12

Cooking the Filling

Step 13

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

Step 14

Sauté the onion until translucent, around 1-2 minutes.

Step 15

Afterwards, add in the chopped wood ear mushroom and fresh mushroom. Cook down for 2-3 minutes.

Step 16

Add in the carrot and cook for 1-2 minutes before adding in the crumbled tofu and the chewy noodles.

Step 17

Mash the tofu if there are some big chunks. Leave everything to cook for 3-4 minutes over medium heat. This will allow some water from the tofu to evaporate.

Step 18

Season the filling with salt, sugar, soy sauce, dark soy sauce (if using) and pepper, to taste. Mix everything together.

Step 19

Add in the cornstarch to the mixture. Mix well until the filling starts to thicken. The corn starch will help bind everything together and it’ll thicken from the moisture of the tofu and carrot.

Step 20

Taste the filling and feel free to season more, if needed.

Step 21

Turn off the heat and transfer to a bowl to cool before wrapping into rolls.

Step 22

You can also opt to prepare the filling in advance and just store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. I made mine 2 days in advance.

Step 23

Wrapping the Spring Rolls

Step 24

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

Step 25

Add around 2-3 tbsp of filling on a wrapper. This may depend on the side of your wrapper. Compress the filling and try to squeeze out any air pockets.

Step 26

You can watch the video below or see the photos above for a complete step-by-step on how to wrap the spring rolls.

Step 27

For storage tips on the rolls, see the notes below.

Step 28

To Cook The Spring Rolls

Step 29

See option to bake the rolls below.

Step 30

Heat a large frying pan over high heat. Add enough oil to submerge at least half of a spring roll.

Step 31

Once the oil has small bubbles and is very hot, lower the heat to medium high. Carefully add in a few rolls (depending on the size of your pan). The spring rolls should immediately sizzle.

Step 32

Leave the rolls to cook for around 3 minutes or until golden brown before flipping over to brown the other side.

Step 33

Remove from the heat and place standing up on a strainer. Allow to cool and do not cover to prevent the rolls from getting soggy.

Step 34

Cook the rest of the rolls before turning off the heat.

Step 35

Baking the Spring Rolls

Step 36

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

Step 37

Place the rolls on a lined baking tray. I used parchment paper on mine. Brush some oil on both sides of the rolls.

Step 38

Leave to bake for 30-35 minutes or until lightly golden brown and crisp, flip halfway through cooking if needed. Note that these rolls won't turn as evenly golden brown and crisp as those cooked in the oil but still crispy!

Step 39

To Serve and Enjoy

Step 40

These are best enjoying while warm and crispy.

Step 41

You can wrap a spring rolls in a large piece of lettuce with some noodles, herbs, and pickled veggies before dipping in the sauce.

Step 42

You can also opt to slice the rolls into half or into bite-sized pieces. It’s totally up to you!