Homemade Popiah Spring Rolls Recipe
Welcome to the delightful world of Homemade Popiah, a classic Malaysian treat that brings together a delightful medley of flavors wrapped in a crispy skin. Inspired by the cherished recipe of an 85-year-old Chinese lady, this version of popiah offers a delicious blend of fresh vegetables, savory fillings, and tantalizing sauces. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving a taste of something special, this recipe will surely impress your family and friends.
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
- 20 Homemade Popiah Wrappers (Spring Roll Skins) 🥢
- 30-50 grams of Cornstarch
- 70-100 grams of Carrots, finely shredded 🥕
- 70-100 grams of Cucumbers, finely shredded 🥒
- 300 grams of Lettuce, shredded 🥬
- 350 grams of Turnips, finely shredded
- 100 grams of Shallots, finely chopped
- 50 grams of Garlic, minced 🧄
- 1 cup of Small Shrimp, peeled and deveined 🦐
- 50 grams of Eggs, beaten 🥚
- 1 teaspoon of Salt 🧂
- 50 grams of Fresh Red Chilies, finely chopped 🌶️
- 3 tablespoons of Peanuts, crushed 🥜
For the Sweet Sauce:
- 1 cup of Fresh Red Chili Paste (blend fresh red chilies)
- 2 tablespoons of Chopped Garlic, fried until golden brown
- 3 tablespoons of Crushed Peanuts (pounded)
For Assembly:
- Vegetable glue (for sealing the rolls)
- Garnishes: Chopped Spring Onions, Coriander, Fried Shallots
Instructions:
Preparing the Filling:
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Heat the Oil: Begin by heating a generous amount of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté until it becomes fragrant and golden brown. The aroma should fill your kitchen with a wonderful fragrance.
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Cook the Vegetables: Add the finely chopped shallots to the skillet and cook until translucent. Next, stir in the shredded carrots, cucumbers, and turnips. Cook for a few minutes until they start to soften.
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Add the Shrimp: Incorporate the small shrimp into the skillet and cook until they turn pink and opaque. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
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Season and Simmer: Pour in a small amount of stock (or water if stock isn’t available) and let it simmer until the vegetables are tender. Season with soy sauce to taste, then reduce the mixture until most of the gravy is evaporated, leaving a thick filling.
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Separate and Drain: Remove the cooked filling from the skillet and strain it to separate the vegetables and the gravy. You can set aside the gravy for future use or discard it if not needed.
Making the Sweet Sauce:
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Prepare the Chili Paste: Blend fresh red chilies to create a smooth paste. This paste will provide the sweet and spicy flavor for the spring rolls.
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Fry the Garlic: In a small pan, heat a little oil and fry the chopped garlic until it turns golden brown. This will add a crispy texture and rich flavor to your sauce.
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Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix the chili paste, fried garlic, and crushed peanuts. Adjust the consistency with a bit of water if needed to achieve a smooth, spreadable sauce.
Assembling the Popiah:
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Prepare the Wrapper: Lay out a popiah wrapper on a clean surface. Spread a thin layer of the sweet sauce onto the center of the wrapper, and if desired, add a sprinkle of chili paste for extra heat.
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Layer the Ingredients: Place a leaf of Chinese lettuce on top of the sauce. Add approximately 2 tablespoons of the prepared vegetable filling on top of the lettuce.
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Add Optional Toppings: Sprinkle some fried garlic with oil over the filling if desired. You can also add a touch of crushed peanuts for added texture.
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Roll the Spring Roll: Carefully fold the bottom edge of the wrapper over the filling, then fold in the side edges. Roll the wrapper tightly but gently, ensuring that the filling is securely enclosed. Use vegetable glue (or a mixture of flour and water) to seal the edge of the wrapper.
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Garnish and Serve: Place the assembled spring rolls on a serving platter. Garnish with chopped spring onions, fresh coriander, and fried shallots. Serve with the sweet chili sauce on the side for dipping.
Tips:
- Filling Variations: Feel free to customize the filling with other vegetables or proteins based on your preference.
- Crispiness: For an extra crispy texture, you can lightly pan-fry the assembled spring rolls in a bit of oil until golden brown.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the filling and sauces in advance and store them separately. Assemble the spring rolls just before serving to ensure freshness.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 258
- Fat: 7.8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.4g
- Cholesterol: 65.6mg
- Sodium: 550.6mg
- Carbohydrates: 36.6g
- Fiber: 9.9g
- Sugar: 5.5g
- Protein: 14.2g
Enjoy making these delightful homemade popiah spring rolls that are bursting with flavor and texture. Whether for a special occasion or a casual meal, these spring rolls are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them! 🌟🥳
