Nigerian Spring Rolls
Crispy Nigerian-style spring rolls filled with a savory, spiced vegetable and ground beef mixture. Perfect as an appetizer or party snack.
🧂 Ingredients
- 20 sheets Spring roll wrappers(Thawed if frozen. Keep covered with a damp cloth to prevent drying.)
- 300g Cabbage(Finely shredded.)
- 2 medium Carrots(Peeled and finely julienned or grated.)
- 200g Ground beef(Lean or regular.)
- 1 small Onion(Finely chopped.)
- 2 cloves Garlic(Minced.)
- 1 tsp Ginger(Freshly grated or minced.)
- 1 tbsp Curry powder(Nigerian-style or your preferred blend.)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil(For stir-frying the filling.)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- for sealing Water(Small bowl of water.)
- for deep frying Vegetable oil(Sufficient amount to submerge the spring rolls.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the filling: Finely shred the cabbage and julienne or grate the carrots. Finely chop the onion, mince the garlic, and grate the ginger.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 2
Heat 2 tbsp of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 3
Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 4
Stir in the shredded cabbage and julienned carrots. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender-crisp. You want them softened but still with a slight bite.
⏱️ 7 minutes - 5
Add the curry powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine and cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the spices to bloom.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 6
Remove the filling from the heat and transfer it to a bowl. Let it cool completely. This is crucial to prevent the wrappers from becoming soggy or tearing.
⏱️ 20-30 minutes (cooling time) - 7
Assemble the spring rolls: Lay a spring roll wrapper on a clean, dry surface with one corner pointing towards you (diamond shape). Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the cooled filling near the bottom corner.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 8
Fold the bottom corner up and over the filling. Fold in the left and right corners towards the center, creating a neat envelope. Roll tightly upwards towards the top corner.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 9
Moisten the top corner with a little water using your finger. Complete the roll, pressing gently to seal the edge securely. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 10
Heat enough vegetable oil in a deep pot or deep fryer to at least 3 inches deep over medium-high heat until it reaches 170°C (340°F).
⏱️ 10 minutes (heating time) - 11
Carefully lower 3-4 spring rolls into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 4-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 12
Remove the fried spring rolls with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet or on paper towels to drain excess oil.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 13
Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, or a spicy mayonnaise.
⏱️ 1 minute
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the filling is completely cool before wrapping to avoid tearing the wrappers.
- ✓Do not overfill the wrappers; this can cause them to burst during frying.
- ✓Seal the edges well with water to prevent oil from seeping into the rolls.
- ✓Fry in batches to maintain the oil temperature and ensure even crisping.
- ✓For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and add more vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Vegetarian: Omit ground beef and increase vegetables. Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or corn.
- All-meat filling: Use only ground beef or a mix of beef and pork.
- Spicy: Add chopped chili peppers or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling.