Learn how to make spring roll wrappers (egg roll wrappers or lumpia wrappers) at home with a simplified method, no dough kneading, no long-time fermentation, and only need 15 minutes to make. The actual shortcut way!
Spring Roll Wrappers
Spring roll wrappers are thin, translucent, and edible paper made from flour and water. It is different from rice paper wrappers. They are commonly used in many East Asian cuisines, such as Vietnamese, Thai, and Chinese, to make spring rolls.
Spring roll wrappers need to be thin as pepper so they are delicate and crispy when fried or soft and chewy when served fresh. The thickness of the wrapper can also affect the overall texture and taste of the spring roll.
How Spring Roll wrappers are made traditionally
The traditional way of making spring roll wrappers need lots of kneading, smashing, and practice drawing the round circle. If you are interested in the process, go ahead and check traditional Spring Roll wrappers.
Why this shortcut version?
I keep my promise and have been testing spring roll wrappers or egg roll wrappers at home for the last two weeks. And I finally figure out the critical factors of paper thin and elastic spring roll wrappers, using the very traditional way.
When I finally master the skills, my husband showed me his concern that the traditional method was hard to control and the readers might fail at the first attempts just like me. After so much time cleaning up my cabinet surface, he strongly recommended that I should figure out a simplified version, the same as scallion pancakes. Since I think he offered a really great point. I started my journey and tested again. So this is the result and it produces quite great results. The wrappers are slightly thicker than the traditional version but thin enough and round enough! What’s better, I have matched those wrappers with several types of dishes. All of them taste fabulous.
Method of making spring roll wrappers- brushing Vs swirling
I use the brushing method to ensure the wrappers are as thin as possible. But I get feedback saying there might be small bumps inside the wrapper if this method is not well used. Then swirling method might be a good option. Scoop the batter into the pan and quickly swirl to cover, with the same fire control method. Sounds quite reasonable. But I believe that version is slightly thicker than the brushing version.
About fire control
- Keep a slow fire when brushing the batter, so you have enough time to spread the batter as thin as possible.
- When all the brushing work is done, slightly turn up the fire and the wrapper can be cooked within 10 seconds.
You should repeat the process of slow fire and high fire for successful spring roll wrappers. In addition, if the pan is too hot and the batter becomes solid too quickly, wait for a while until it is slightly cooled.
Cook’s Note
- If there are any skins left on the pan, use a wet cloth to clean them up. Otherwise, those things will create bumps in the next wrapper.
- The cooked wrappers should be cooled down separately before overlapping, otherwise, they may stick to each other.
🧂 Ingredients and Tools
We only need three ingredients for this recipe, flour, water, and salt. Then a non-stick pan and a brush.
- all-purpose flour
- water: 300~320ml
- salt:1/2 tsp.
- non-stick pan, recommend using small ones so we can make the perfect roundness based on the shape of the pan.
- a brush
🍳How to make Spring roll wrappers
Mix salt and all-purpose flour and then pour in water. Keep stirring until well combined.
Strain the batter to remove any lumps.
Prepare a non-stick pan and a small brush. Heat your pan over the slowest fire and then quickly brush the batter on the pan to form a round skin.
Slightly turn up the fire and heat the skin until white and firm. Transfer to cool down aside.
Clean the pan with a wet cloth and then repeat the process until all the batter is finished.
How to use spring roll wrappers
There are several ways of using spring roll wrappers. My favorite serving way is to either use it simply as Chinese spring roll wrappers or use it as pancakes for roasted chicken, Peking duck, and moo shu pork.
It can also be used to wrap salads, traditional spring rolls, or make egg rolls.
How to keep spring roll wrappers
I highly commend you for using freshly made spring roll wrappers to ensure the spring rolls are super crispy. But if you have leftovers, remember to store them in an air-tight bag to avoid moisture.
Other homemade stuff from starch
Easy Spring Roll Wrappers
Ingredients
- 200 g all-purpose flour
- 300 ml water + 20ml more if necessary
- 1/2 tsp. salt
Instructions
- Mix salt and all purpose flour and then pour in water. Keep stir until well combined.
- Strain the batter to remove any lumps.
- Prepare a non-stick pan and a small brush. Heat your pan over slowest fire and then quickly brush the batter on the pan to form a round skin. Slightly turn up the fire and heat the skin until white. Tear off and cool down aside.
- Clean the pan with a wet cloth and then repeat the process until all the batter is finished.
- The wrapper should be coved with a cloth or place in air-tight container to avoid softening back
It is easy and quick to make
Thank you!
I’m making this recipe as I type this! It’s so much easier than I thought it would be! I’ve tried a few methods of pouring and using a spoon to make the wrapper or tilting the pan, but the brush is the easiest. You can really control how much batter goes into the pan and you can brush more on in specific spots if it’s too thin. The “brushed” edges don’t matter when you roll it up. I made a vegan filling ahead of time, and now I’m making the wrappers, filling them, and frying them in a separate pan all at the same time. It’s pretty simple process. I’m making a ton to put in the freezer for when I get cravings for spring rolls. Definitely a great recipe!
Thanks Sarah. This is my tested easiest method for thin spring roll wrappers, although I master the traditional method now. Happy cooking!
Thank you for this recipe, Elaine! I would also like to know the traditional version as well.
I have already posted the traditional version. Check here.
Hi ! In terms of using brush for home made spring rolls , I experienced that bristles is coming out because of the heat , so pls advice me what kind of brush must i use .
Thanks
Bea, I use plastic brush. High quality and soft one.
I use a silicone brush.
Hi, can I use other kind of flour like potato instead of the all purpose flour?
High gluten flour may works too. But cake flour is not a good option.
Thank you so much for this recipe. I tried it and it came out very well. Thank you!
Dee,
Thank you for your lovely feedback.
Hi Elaine, Thank you for the post. I made today and they turned great although by the end I had to brush the pan with a little bit of oil cause they started sticking even cleaning the pan with a wet cloth. Any advice?
Another question: I’m looking to make this rolls with rice flour. Will you come up with a recipe? Thank you
I am not sure about the rice flour version. But will list in the testing list of 2020. Thank you!
This is really a life-saver.
In any cooking that needs water, i use broth made from bones i have always in the fridge and freezer.
Can i use that also in this recipe???
Much more taste.
thanks.
LOUISE
Water should be the best option for this one. I never tried to use broth. If you have a try, please let me know the result.
I was a bit leery about trying out this style, but this was sooooooooooo good! Thank you!
Thanks Jayati for the feedback!! Happy to know that my shortcut works so fine for others.
Fantastic recipe! I made it using gluten free flour as I can’t find GF spring roll wrappers. What a treat during the lockdown. Thanks from Janice-NZ
Thank you Janice for the feedback. I know that gluten free flour can work fine too. Good luck!