The Difference Between Spring Roll and Egg Roll Explained

When it comes to popular Asian appetizers, spring rolls and egg rolls tend to top the list. But, have you ever wondered what sets the two apart? Besides their similar appearance, there are distinct differences between the two.

Origins

Spring rolls are believed to have originated in China over 1000 years ago. Egg rolls, on the other hand, are a relatively newer creation from the Chinese immigrants who arrived in the United States in the 20th century.

Ingredients

Spring rolls are made using thin rice paper wraps and filled with a variety of fresh vegetables like carrots, lettuce, bean sprouts, and mint leaves. They can also be filled with meat or seafood, making them a healthy and versatile snack. Egg rolls, on the other hand, are made using a thicker wheat flour wrapper and filled with meat, vegetables, and egg which are all deep-fried.

Cooking Style

Spring rolls are usually served fresh or fried, and are not as oily as egg rolls. They can be deep-fried too, but it is not the common way of preparation. On the other hand, egg rolls are always deep-fried, which makes them crispy and crunchy on the outside, while the filling remains soft and juicy on the inside.

Flavor

Spring rolls are known for their light and refreshing taste, filled with the flavor of fresh vegetables or seafood. They are often served with various dipping sauces, such as sweet chili sauce, peanut sauce, or hoisin sauce. Egg rolls, on the other hand, have a richer, savory taste due to being deep-fried, and are also served with dipping sauces, such as soy sauce or sweet and sour sauce.

Conclusion

In conclusion, spring rolls and egg rolls may be similar in appearance, but they are quite different when it comes to their origins, ingredients, cooking style, and flavor. Whether you prefer the refreshing taste of fresh vegetables or the savory flavor of a deep-fried snack, both spring rolls and egg rolls have something delicious to offer.

Table difference between spring roll and egg roll

Spring Roll vs Egg Roll

	Spring Roll	Egg Roll
Ingredients	Thinly sliced vegetables and sometimes tofu, wrapped in a thin rice paper wrapper	Chopped cabbage, celery, carrots, and sometimes meat, wrapped in a thicker wheat flour wrapper
Texture	Light and crispy	Dense and chewy
Cooking Method	Typically fried, but can also be fresh or steamed	Always fried
Region of Origin	East and Southeast Asian cuisine	Chinese cuisine
Dipping Sauce	Typically served with a sweet and sour sauce or a hoisin peanut sauce	Typically served with a soy sauce or a sweet and sour sauce
Calories	Approximately 40-50 calories per roll	Approximately 130-150 calories per roll