Can You Freeze Spring Rolls
You can freeze spring rolls. Simply put the spring rolls in a freezer bag and put them in the freezer. They are usually served cold but if you want to freeze them you can do so for later consumption. Spring rolls can be stored for 3 days in the refrigerator.
First, use a low heat to partially cook crunchy spring rolls, remove and allow to completely cool (or keep them frozen for later). Do not defrost it, so that they get nice crispy) 4) Leave the fresh spring rolls there about 7-8 minutes, until cooked through. Fresh summer rolls are best eaten right away, but you can keep them wrapped up in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for several hours. Properly stored, they will retain their best qualities for around 1 to 2 months, but they are safer past that point.
For longer-term storage, first freeze the fresh summer rolls individually on a sheet pan, then put them into a container with solid sides, as their edges are delicate and may snap during the inevitable nosing around that happens in a freezer. While wrapped egg rolls may be stored in a freezer as well, try freezing them first (individiually) on baking sheets before placing them (individiually) in a hard-sided container, because their edges are delicate and will not break in the inevitable rummaging that happens in a freezer. While freezing egg roll wrappers significantly increases their shelf-life, they only will last 6 months in the freezer, and that is if you keep them stored correctly. Keeping your frozen eggs rolls in a zipper-lock, resealable freezer bag for several hours is all that is needed to freeze them.
Freezing both uncooked and cooked egg rolls is fairly straightforward, but with the latter, you will have to allow at least 1 to 2 hours to cool down after cooking before freezing. When you are ready to serve, you simply pull your uncooked eggs rolls out of their frozen bags and throw them in a fryer to fry. If you decide to deep fry cooked egg rolls, be sure to use a medium-low heat to first cook the eggs rolls through, and then to heat them to a high temperature to crisp up the wrappers. Once your frozen egg rolls wrappers are soft enough to fold without breaking, you are ready to use your filling of choice and deep-fry your eggs rolls.
Without first thawing your egg rolls, drop the frozen ones into hot oil, making sure you do not crowd the pan. Simply roll the stuffing into the egg roll wrapper, and toss them into the pan with just a bit of oil (vegetable oil, peanut oil, extra virgin olive oil work well) until nice and crisp. Since frozen spring rolls are frozen, you will have to fry in smaller batches to ensure the hot oil from your frying pan stays hot enough to make them crispy. Since you can easily separate frozen spring rolls from each other, even when they are frozen, you can directly fry them.
Frozen spring rolls will last longer in the freezer, but they will not have as perfect texture when heated or cooked. Yes, spring rolls can be heated, regardless if they are deep-fried varieties or Vietnamese varieties wrapped in rice paper. If you just defrosted the freezer, well, spring rolls get soggy before the right temperature for a frozen item is reached. Make space in the freezer for the foil sheet pans (leveled to prevent spring rolls from sliding) inside, and let them sit there for 2+ hours.
| Steps | |
| Sheet Pan | On a sheet pan, arrange spring rolls in a single layer |
| Wax Paper | If you have wax paper, use it to line the pan because it will help it not stick as much |
| Freezer | Clear space in the freezer and set the sheet pan inside for at least two hours. They don’t form clumps when they freeze because of this |
Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap (to make wrappers softer, to prevent sticking), and store in a sealed container in the refrigerator. As long as you keep your spring roll wrappers wrapped up in a plastic bag, they will last indefinitely. Making an individual egg roll is simple, simply place into a gallon-sized ziploc freezer-safe bag, which will keep each individual roll whole. To maximize shelf life for safe, quality egg rolls, store them refrigerated in covered, airtight containers, or wrap them tightly with heavy-duty foil or plastic wrap.
To learn about Can You Freeze Dry Pasta, check out my other article where I cover things in detail.
The freezing times shown are only for the best quality — left-over eggs rolls kept frozen continuously at 0degF will remain safely stored indefinitely. Refrigerating firms up and gives noodle sheets and noodles [inside rolls, in this recipe] some stiffness (if a bit dry, lightly rub with a damp cloth). They will be better uncooked, and give you nearly identical results to a freshly made one if you bake post-freezing. Even when frozen alone, you need to brown in smaller batches if you want them crisp, as the pan oil stays hot when they are chilled.
Use a food processor with a fine-cutter attachment, a mandoline like the one I used here (I like this Oxo one for $15), or shave with a knife. For a deep-fry, the wider your skillet, the more oil you need. If you are pan-frying the summer rolls individually, pour a half-inch of oil into a skillet and cook them 3 minutes on each side, until they are browned. You want your spring rolls, or French fries, or potato pancakes, to begin to brown at the same time as they are heated in hot oil–it is as though you are forcing food to move from one firm phase (freezing) to the next firm phase (frying) without letting it pass through the soggy phase between. The thinner the wrapper, the more floppy the crust, and if the oil is not hot enough, you are going to have rolls that are full of grease.
To learn about Can You Keep Uncrustables In The Fridge, check out my other article where I cover things in detail.
Like with everything in a microwave, there is the risk that a spring roll can build internal heat and steam and burst, forcing the whole thing to eat itself out, or at the very least creating tears in the rice wrapper. I have seen far too many Chinese-American takeout joints that have gigantic spring rolls about as big as a soft drink can, with a dense, chewy, bubble-textured skin and moist, soggy filling. It is not absolutely critical that you even notice that advice, unless you A) want the absolute best-looking spring rolls, and B) have great vision, because the differences are truly minimal.
How do you store and freeze spring rolls?
On a sheet pan, arrange spring rolls in a single layer. Tf you have wax paper, use it to line the pan because it will help it not stick as much. Clear space in the freezer and set the sheet pan inside for at least two hours. They don’t form clumps when they freeze because of this.
Can you freeze and reheat spring rolls?
In the event that spring rolls are frozen, they can be reheated or cooked directly from frozen. Air fryers and ovens are the best ways to cook frozen spring rolls. It is possible to deep fry spring rolls directly from frozen if they are uncooked. Adding a little extra time won’t make a big difference.
Should I defrost spring rolls before cooking?
The frozen spring rolls may be stored in an airtight container or bag for up to three months. Do not defrost before cooking. Raise the temperature of the deep fryer to 190°C/375°F if you are deep frying. 3-5 minutes should be added to the cooking time if air frying is being used.