The debate of the spring roll vs. egg roll is as old as time itself. What, exactly, makes them different from one another?
Egg rolls have been around for a long time. They frequently make an appearance at family gatherings and potlucks.
And flavorful spring rolls have been popping up in restaurants everywhere in recent years.
Both offer an incredible sensory experience, but which one is truly the superior product?
To come to any decision, they must first be compared on flavor, texture, visual appeal, and nutrition.
It’s a miraculous matchup that sparks heated culinary debates across the world. Are you ready to join in?
What is a Spring Roll?
This dish originated in China and has since spread throughout East Asia and Southeast Asia.
Rice paper or other super thin wrappers are usually used for wrapping the fillings inside.
They also contain other ingredients like glass noodles, shredded carrots, mushrooms, meat, and seafood.
Depending on where you’re eating them from, different regional variations use different kinds of wrappings.
Some use bean curd skins or wheat flour wrappers.
Spring Roll Regional Variations
Spring rolls come in all shapes and sizes, making them one of the most versatile snacks out there.
Depending on where you are in the world, a spring roll can look, taste, and even be named differently!
In China, they’re known as ‘chun juan’ or ‘egg rolls’. Japan has their own version called ‘yaki spring rolls,’ which include more vegetables than meat.
Thailand is famous for its deep-fried ‘por pia’, which often contains pork or shrimp.
In Vietnam, ‘gỏi cuốn’ (or summer rolls) are usually prepared with rice paper wrappers and filled with crunchy vegetables like carrots and cucumber.
In Indonesia, ‘lumpia semarang’ is often served with a sweet and sour sauce.
Meanwhile, the Philippines has its own version called ‘Lumpiang Shanghai’, which is usually filled with ground pork or beef.
Singapore’s spring rolls come in the shape of a cylinder, filled with ingredients like carrots and vermicelli noodles. But they’re also available in vegan varieties too!
What is an Egg Roll?
Egg rolls were actually created in the United States.
They’re a fusion of traditional Chinese Spring rolls and American culinary techniques.
Instead of using rice paper wrappers, wheat flour wrappers are used along with egg as an ingredient for added texture.
Inside the wrap is usually cabbage, mushrooms, pork, or beef along with other vegetables like carrots and bamboo shoots.
Egg Roll Regional Variations
Egg rolls are loved worldwide, but sometimes, a region puts its twist on this classic favorite.
From India to China, egg rolls take on many unique forms that reflect both local culture and culinary traditions.
In India, these fried starters have taken on a spicy flavor thanks to the inclusion of curry powder and cumin in the filling.
There are also often carrots and potatoes mixed in for extra crunch and texture.
In Japan, you might find shrimp tempura egg rolls instead, an inventive combination of two popular Japanese dishes.
In Latin America, egg rolls come in the form of deep-fried pastries filled with everything from cheese to black beans and pork.
While Chinese-American restaurants serve up the classic egg roll, traditional Chinese egg rolls are a bit different.
Crispy on the outside, they’re usually filled with cabbage, pork, and mushrooms.
No matter where you go in the world, you can rest assured that someone has put their own special spin on egg rolls.
Spring Roll vs. Egg Roll
Ever been faced with a tough decision at the local takeaway joint? Do you go for a spring roll or an egg roll?
It’s a hard choice, and many of us go round and round trying to decide which one is better.
Let’s take a look at the differences between spring rolls and egg rolls.
That way, you can make a deliciously informed decision the next time you’re at the counter.
Cooking Method
While egg rolls are usually always cooked using the same method, spring rolls are more versatile in this regard.
Egg rolls are usually deep-fried because the dough is thicker and requires more heat.
It also contains eggs that need to be thermally processed.
On the other hand, spring rolls can be fried, but also steamed, and even raw.
Frying in oil is also possible with spring rolls, but be sure not to crack the skin.
And if you’re feeling creative, you can even pop them in the oven for some extra, non-greasy kick.
Dough Preparation
For making dough of spring rolls, you need all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, vegetable oil, and cold water. \You can also use rice flour. Mix these together in a bowl until they form a thick paste.
Once the dough is ready, you can roll it out on a lightly floured surface until it’s about 1/4 inch thick.
Cut it into 4-inch circles for your spring roll wrappers!
To make egg roll dough, you also need flour, water, oil, and salt, but also eggs.
Mix them, cut them into smaller pieces for rolling, fill them with your favorite fillings, and deep fry them.
Difference in Texture
Texture-wise, they might look the same, but once you bite into them, you’ll see what sets them apart!
Egg rolls tend to have a doughy exterior and an interior that’s filled with savory ingredients like pork, shrimp, or vegetables.
On the other hand, spring rolls are made from thin wrappers filled with a variety of fresh ingredients.
They’re also often referred to as “fresh” because they are cooked quickly and served immediately after preparation.
Egg rolls are deep fried while spring rolls can be either fried or served cold in rice paper wrappers with a peanut sauce for dipping.
The texture can vary depending on how they’re prepared.
Fried egg roll wrappers are usually crunchier and denser than their less-fried counterparts.
Spring rolls are light, crisp, and delicate with a hint of sweetness from the vegetables.
The wrappers of spring rolls remain delicate and light even when cooked.
But the wrappers of egg rolls become crispier and darker as they cook.
This difference in texture allows for different types of dipping sauces to be enjoyed with each type of roll.
Filling Ingredients
Generally speaking, the main filling ingredients used in spring rolls are vegetables.
These include cabbage, carrots, mushrooms, and bean sprouts, but it depends on the particular regional variety you’re making.
However, meat or fish can also be included in some recipes.
Egg rolls, on the other hand, are usually stuffed with pork or shrimp.
It’s been cooked and seasoned with a variety of sauces, vegetables, and spices.
All types of fillings can be used in both spring rolls and egg rolls depending on personal preference and cultural influences.
Which One is Healthier?
Are you trying to make a healthier choice between egg rolls and spring rolls?
While both can be delicious, there is definitely one that reigns supreme when it comes to nutrition.
Let’s start with the obvious.
Eggs rolls are typically made with egg-based wrappers while spring rolls use wrappers with lighter ingredients.
Right away, this should tell us something about their nutrition content.
But don’t let that be your only indicator!
Egg rolls are almost always deep-fried, while spring rolls are also steamed, baked, or pan-fried.
Deep frying your food is like playing with fire, and not in a good way.
It creates a lot of extra fat, grease, and calories that can clog up your arteries.
But it also increases your risk for serious health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.
So if you’re looking to make the healthiest choice, it’s clear that spring rolls come out on top!
They’ll give you a delicious flavor without leaving your stomach feeling heavy.
Plus, they’re much easier on your waistline!
