Friday Recipes: Spring Rolls and Fried Rice

I used to make this combination a lot. Then we cut back on fried foods, and we don’t do it as often. My husband and I made this last week, and I forgot how much I enjoy it.

Spring  RollsIMG_1541

  • 1 head green cabbage
  • 6 oz. Minced or ground chicken (pre-cooked)
  • 2 medium carrots
  • 1 medium stalk celery
  • 1 Tbsp. Oyster sauce (available at Walmart or your local Asian market)
  • ¼ tsp. Salt
  • sprinkle black pepper
  • 2 eggs, beaten (also use for fried rice later)
  • 1 package spring roll skins (aka egg roll wraps(can be found in the produce section of Walmart))

Shred cabbage (large with food processor attachment), carrots and celery (small in FP). (Before cleaning, use the blade to mince pre-cooked chicken.)

In a large frying pan (or wok–we used cast iron) over low heat add the vegetables.  Mix several times until the cabbage begins to soften.  Add the other ingredients and toss well.  When the vegetables have become wilted, place the mixture in a strainer.  Place the strainer in bowl and then in the refrigerator.  Allow to sit for two (2) hours or until the mixture is cool to the touch.

Follow directions on spring roll package for rolling using a dab of egg to seal. I put about a tablespoon (measuring spoon) into each wrapper. If I have leftover mix, I use it in the Fried Rice (below). It took me several times before I was able to make consistent rolls, so don’t be discouraged.

To cook, preheat vegetable oil to 350 degrees.  Place several rolls in at a time.  Fry until golden brown.  Allow to rest on paper towels while you finish the batch. Serve with your favorite sauces (we use honey).

Makes 20’ish egg rolls.

Fried Rice

  • 3 tbsp cooking oil, separated
  • 2 beaten eggs (from spring rolls)
  • ½ cups diced cooked ham or raw pork (I sometimes use bacon)(optional, but it tastes better with it)
  • ¼ cup finely chopped fresh mushrooms (I omit)
  • ¼ cup thinly sliced green onion (preferred, but regular onion works)
  • 4 cups cooked rice, chilled (very important)
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce (I use more, but I usually make more than 4 cups rice)

Prepare rice several hours in advance or the night before, so it can be chilled.

NOTE: I’ve done it with warm rice, and it just doesn’t work as well.

In a 10-inch skillet heat 1 tablespoon oil.  Add beaten eggs (from Spring Rolls) and cook without stirring until set.  Invert skillet over a baking sheet(wax or parchment paper works as well) to remove eggs (or just scoop them out);  cut them into short, narrow strips.

In the same skillet heat the remaining oil.  Cook ham or pork, mushrooms (if used) and onion in hot oil for 4 minutes or till onions are tender.  Stir in cooked rice and the egg strips; sprinkle randomly with 3 tablespoons soy sauce.  Heat through, tossing gently to coat with soy.  Serve with additional soy sauce, if desired.

When we made the egg rolls this last time, my husband made Pad Thai (sorry, no recipe as he is constantly changing how he cooks it) instead of the fried rice, so no picture.

I hope you enjoy this meal as much as I did. Yum!

Happy Eating,

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