Popiah (Fresh Spring Rolls)
A fresh, un-fried spring roll filled with a savory mixture of braised turnip, carrots, and other vegetables, wrapped in a thin, crepe-like skin and served with various condiments.
🧂 Ingredients
- 16 pieces Popiah skins
- 500 g Turnip (jicama)(shredded)
- 1 piece Carrots(shredded)
- 4 cloves Garlic(chopped)
- 2 qty Shallots(chopped)
- 1 tbsp Oil
- 1 tbsp Light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp Dried shrimps(soaked and chopped)
- 1 tbsp Sugar
- 1/4 tsp White pepper
- 1 cup Water
- 3 tbsp Sweet bean sauce
- 1 tbsp Sambal chili(optional)
- 4-5 pieces Lettuce leaves
- 1/2 cup Bean sprouts(blanched)
- 1/2 cup Fried shallots
- 1 qty Boiled eggs(chopped)
- 3/4 cup Crushed peanuts
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat oil in a wok or pot over medium heat. Sauté chopped garlic and shallots until fragrant.
💡 Tip: Ensure garlic and shallots are fragrant before adding other ingredients. - 2
Add shredded turnip and carrots, chopped dried shrimps, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tbsp sugar, and 1/4 tsp white pepper. Stir-fry for a few minutes.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 3
Add 1 cup of water, bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 20 minutes, or until the turnip is tender. Drain any excess liquid.
⏱️ 20 minutes - 4
Lay out a popiah skin on a clean surface. Spread a thin layer of sweet bean sauce and optional sambal chili.
💡 Tip: Don't over-spread the sauces, as too much can make the popiah soggy. - 5
Layer with a lettuce leaf, a portion of the turnip filling, blanched bean sprouts, fried shallots, chopped boiled egg, and crushed peanuts.
- 6
Fold in the sides of the popiah skin, then roll it up tightly from the bottom.
💡 Tip: Roll firmly to prevent the popiah from falling apart. - 7
Cut the rolled popiah into 6 equal pieces and serve immediately.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The filling can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Ensure it is completely cooled and drained before assembling.
- ✓If jicama is unavailable, daikon radish can be used as a substitute.
- ✓For a vegetarian version, omit the dried shrimps and use vegetarian oyster sauce.
🔄 Variations
- Add shredded cucumber or other shredded vegetables to the filling.
- Include cooked shredded chicken or prawns in the filling.
- Serve with a side of hoisin sauce for dipping.