These delicious turmeric sesame chicken spring rolls are fresh, crispy, and packed with flavor! Each bite has a perfect mix of tender chicken and crunchy veggies wrapped in a soft rice paper.
Rolling these up is a fun activity, and dipping them in a sweet and savory sauce makes them even better. I enjoy making a big batch to share with friends—they always vanish quickly!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spring Roll Wrappers: You can find these in the Asian section of most grocery stores. If you need a gluten-free option, look for rice paper wrappers instead. They require a bit of soaking but work well!
Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie chicken makes this dish super easy! If you prefer, use leftover chicken or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just make sure it’s well-seasoned.
Purple Cabbage: This adds color and crunch. If you can’t find purple cabbage, green cabbage works just as well. You can also swap in lettuce for a lighter feel.
Sesame Oil: This oil adds a nice nutty flavor. If you don’t have sesame oil, you can use any neutral oil. However, it might lose some of that distinct taste.
Turmeric: This is what gives your chicken its beautiful golden color. If you don’t have turmeric, you might try curry powder for a different flavor profile.
Dipping Sauce: Hoisin sauce is sweet and tangy, but if you’re craving a kick, peanut sauce is a great alternative. It pairs beautifully with spring rolls!
How Do I Roll Spring Rolls Without Them Falling Apart?
Rolling spring rolls can be tricky, but with practice, you’ll get the hang of it! Here’s how to do it right:
- Lay the spring roll wrapper on a clean, dry surface in a diamond shape, with a corner pointing towards you.
- Spoon the filling near the bottom corner but avoid overstuffing. Less is more here!
- Fold the corner closest to you over the filling, then fold in the side corners firmly to enclose the filling.
- Roll tightly towards the opposite corner and seal the edge with a little water, which acts like glue.
Don’t rush the rolling; take your time to ensure they’re sealed well. If you find the wrappers are cracking, try using slightly warmer wrappers, or cover them with a damp cloth to retain moisture while you work. Happy rolling!
How to Make Turmeric Sesame Chicken Spring Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Spring Rolls:
- 8-10 spring roll wrappers
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 cup purple cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 cup carrots, julienned or shredded
- 1 cup cucumber, julienned
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (white or toasted)
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
For the Dipping Sauce:
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce or plum sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp chili paste or sriracha (optional for heat)
- 1 tsp honey or brown sugar
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare, plus about 15 minutes for frying and another 10-15 minutes for marinating the chicken. In total, you’ll need roughly 45-50 minutes to make these delicious spring rolls from start to finish. It’s a fun and flavorful project!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a medium bowl, combine shredded chicken, turmeric, sesame oil, minced garlic, soy sauce, and sesame seeds. Mix thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly. Let this marinate for about 10-15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. Prepare the Vegetables:
While the chicken is marinating, thinly slice the purple cabbage, julienne the carrots, and cucumber. Chop the cilantro or parsley, and slice the green onions. Set all these vibrant veggies aside as they’ll add great texture and flavor!
3. Make the Dipping Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili paste, and honey. Adjust to taste if you prefer it sweeter or spicier. Set this aside for later—this delicious sauce will complement your spring rolls perfectly!
4. Roll the Spring Rolls:
Place a spring roll wrapper on a clean, flat surface with one corner pointing towards you (it should look like a diamond shape). Place a small handful of the turmeric chicken mixture near the corner closest to you, and top it with a bit of cabbage, carrots, cucumber, herbs, and green onions.
5. Fold and Seal:
Fold the corner closest to you over the filling, then fold in the two side corners. Continue to roll tightly towards the opposite corner, making sure it’s sealed well. Use a little water on the edge to help it stick. Repeat this process with the remaining wrappers and filling.
6. Fry the Spring Rolls:
Heat oil in a deep frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully drop in the spring rolls in batches. Fry them until they are golden brown and crisp, about 3-5 minutes per batch. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan to keep them crispy!
7. Drain and Serve:
Once golden and crispy, remove the spring rolls from the oil and let them drain on paper towels to remove any excess oil. Serve them hot with the prepared dipping sauce and a sprinkle of extra sesame seeds if you like.
Enjoy your flavorful Turmeric Sesame Chicken Spring Rolls bursting with vibrant veggies and savory, turmeric-infused chicken!
Can I Use Different Proteins in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While shredded chicken works great, you can substitute it with cooked shrimp, tofu, or even tempeh for a vegetarian option. Just make sure to adjust the marinating time if needed!
How Do I Store Leftover Spring Rolls?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’re best eaten within 2-3 days. To reheat, try baking them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to restore their crispiness!
Can I Make These Spring Rolls Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the filling and roll the spring rolls a few hours in advance. Just keep them covered with a damp cloth to prevent drying out. Fry just before serving for the best texture!
What Can I Serve with These Spring Rolls?
These spring rolls are great on their own, but you can pair them with a fresh salad, rice, or even a light soup for a complete meal. They’re also fantastic as an appetizer for gatherings!