Egg rolls and spring rolls are both popular types of appetizers served in restaurants and takeout. They look similar and have almost the same taste, but there are some key differences between them.
They differ in their ingredients, appearance, and taste. Egg rolls are made with a thick egg-based wrapper while spring rolls are made with thin rice paper wrapper.
Egg Roll vs Spring Roll: The Differences
Below are the differences between egg rolls and spring rolls:
Wrappers
One of the main differences between egg rolls and spring rolls is the type of wrapper used.
Egg rolls are typically made with a thicker, egg dough wrapper that is deep-fried until crispy while spring rolls are made with a thinner, translucent rice paper wrapper that is often served uncooked or lightly fried.
Fillings & Ingredients
The fillings in egg rolls and spring rolls can vary widely, but there are some general differences.
Egg rolls often contain a mixture of chopped vegetables such as cabbage, carrots, and bean sprouts; ground meat such as pork or chicken; and sometimes noodles or other ingredients. The egg roll is then deep-fried until crispy and golden brown
Spring rolls often contain a mixture of raw or lightly cooked vegetables such as carrots, cucumbers, lettuce, and herbs; tofu; shrimp, or other seafood.
Cooking Method
As mentioned earlier, egg rolls are typically deep-fried until crispy and golden brown. The deep-frying process gives them a crunchy texture and a rich, savory flavor.
Spring rolls, on the other hand, can be served fresh or lightly fried. When fried, they are usually cooked for a shorter amount of time than egg rolls, giving them a lighter and less greasy texture.
Flavor and Texture
Since egg rolls are made with hearty fillings enveloped by a thick, flaky pastry, they’re crunchy and savory. Their denser structure also allows them to absorb oil during frying, which further enriches the overall taste.
Spring rolls, with their comparably thin rice paper wrapper, provide a contrasting mouthfeel – crispy yet delicate. They have a lighter and more refreshing flavor since their filling is mostly raw veggies and herbs.
Dipping sauces also significantly influence the final taste, with options ranging from sweet and sour to tangy and spicy.
Are egg rolls and spring rolls the same?
No, egg rolls and spring rolls are not the same. They have different fillings, wrappers, and cooking methods.
Egg rolls are made with a thicker, crispier wrapper made with wheat flour, eggs, and water, and are often filled with pork, cabbage, carrots, and other vegetables. Spring rolls are made with a thinner, translucent wrapper made with rice flour, water, and salt, and are often filled with vegetables, herbs, and sometimes shrimp or meat.
Spring rolls are usually served fresh or fried, while egg rolls are typically deep-fried.
Which is better, egg roll or spring roll?
Egg rolls tend to have a heartier filling and are fried, while spring rolls are lighter and often served fresh or fried.
The choice between egg rolls and spring rolls is subjective and depends on personal and dietary preferences.
To add, spring rolls are often considered a healthier option than egg rolls because they are typically not deep-fried and contain more fresh vegetables.
What is in an egg roll?
What’s in an egg roll can vary but typically includes a filling of vegetables such as cabbage, carrots, and onions; and meat such as chicken wrapped in a wheat flour dough fried until crispy.
Some egg roll recipes may also include noodles or shrimp.
Despite its name, egg rolls do not typically contain eggs as an ingredient. The name may have originated from the wrapper’s egg wash used to seal the roll or from a Cantonese word for yolk that sounds similar to roll.
Is egg roll healthy or unhealthy?
Egg rolls are generally considered unhealthy as they are deep-fried and high in calories, fat, and sodium.
The filling of an egg roll can include pork, cabbage, and other vegetables, which are by themselves good sources of nutrients, but the deep-frying process adds a significant amount of oil and calories.
Some restaurants offer baked or air-fried versions of egg rolls as a healthier alternative.
If you want to enjoy egg rolls in moderation, consider sharing them or pairing them with a side salad or steamed vegetables to balance out the meal. Making homemade egg rolls with fresh ingredients and baking or air frying them can also be a healthier alternative.
What does spring roll have in it?
Spring rolls can have meat in them, but they can also be vegetarian or vegan.
Spring rolls typically have a filling of vegetables such as carrots, cucumbers, and lettuce; rice noodles, and sometimes shrimp, tofu, or chicken.
Matter of fact, meat is not what makes it a spring roll, but the wrapper as well as how it is served.
Conclusion
Although egg rolls and spring rolls may look similar, they are two distinct dishes with different ingredients, cooking methods, and flavors.
Egg rolls are made with a thicker, egg-based wrapper and a cooked filling, while spring rolls are made with a thinner, translucent wrapper and a raw or lightly cooked filling. Spring rolls are often served uncooked or lightly fried, while egg rolls are deep-fried until crispy.
Whether you prefer the rich and savory taste of egg rolls or the light and refreshing flavor of spring rolls, both dishes are delicious and worth trying.