Surinamese Loempia (Spring Rolls)
Crispy, golden-brown spring rolls filled with a savory mixture of shredded vegetables and sometimes meat or shrimp, a popular snack and appetizer with Chinese-Indonesian influences.
🧂 Ingredients
- 20 sheets Spring roll wrappers
- 200 g Cabbage(finely shredded)
- 100 g Carrots(julienned)
- 100 g Bean sprouts
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 2 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 tbsp Soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Oyster sauce
- 1 tsp Sesame oil
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil(for stir-frying)
- 1 large Egg(beaten, for sealing)
- for frying enough Vegetable oil
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat 3 tbsp of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic and stir-fry until fragrant.
- 2
Add shredded cabbage and julienned carrots. Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- 3
Add bean sprouts, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until combined.
- 4
Remove from heat and let the filling cool completely. This is crucial to prevent soggy wrappers.
- 5
To assemble the loempia, place a spring roll wrapper on a clean surface with one corner pointing towards you. Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of filling onto the lower third of the wrapper.
- 6
Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the sides. Roll up tightly towards the top corner. Brush the top corner with beaten egg to seal.
- 7
Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling. Ensure all rolls are sealed tightly.
- 8
Heat enough vegetable oil for deep-frying in a wok or deep pot to 170-180°C (340-350°F). Carefully fry the loempia in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3-5 minutes per side.
- 9
Remove from oil and drain on paper towels. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the filling is completely cool before wrapping to avoid tearing the wrappers.
- ✓Don't overcrowd the pan when frying; fry in batches for best results.
- ✓For a vegetarian version, omit any meat or shrimp from the filling.
- ✓Adjust seasoning with more soy sauce or a pinch of sugar to taste.
🔄 Variations
- Add cooked shrimp or shredded chicken to the filling for a heartier roll.
- Include finely chopped water chestnuts for added crunch.
- Serve with a sweet chili sauce, peanut sauce, or a simple soy-vinegar dip.