Fried spring rolls are a traditional dish on Tet

Every time Tet comes, Vietnamese people eagerly prepare traditional dishes for the family feast. Among them, fried spring rolls (also known as spring rolls in the South) is an indispensable dish in the Tet feast. With a crispy outer shell, minced pork filling mixed with shiitake mushrooms, vermicelli, wood ear mushrooms, and vegetables, fried spring rolls become a symbol of the sophistication and creativity of Vietnamese cuisine.

1. History and Meaning of Fried Nem Ran in Vietnamese Cuisine

Fried spring rolls have long appeared in Vietnamese culinary culture, and are considered a dish imbued with national spirit. Initially, fried spring rolls were a dish of Northern people, but today it has become a popular dish throughout the country, especially during Tet holidays. Fried spring rolls not only carry the meaning of fullness and prosperity, but also represent family cohesion and reunion, when members prepare and fry each golden spring roll together.

In the Tet feast, fried spring rolls are considered a dish that symbolizes harmony and connection between ingredients. Each spring roll contains the cook's enthusiasm and affection for family and friends during Tet and spring.

2. Basic Ingredients of Fried Nem Ran

Fried spring rolls can be prepared with many different ingredients, depending on the region and each family's preferences. However, the indispensable basic ingredients to create the unique flavor of fried spring rolls include:

• Minced pork: It is the main ingredient that creates sweetness and rich flavor for spring roll filling.
• Wood ear and shiitake mushrooms: Creates a crunchy texture and a characteristic aroma for spring rolls.
• Vermicelli: Cut into small pieces and mixed evenly into the filling, giving the spring rolls a soft texture.
• Bean sprouts, carrots, onions: The added vegetables add freshness and natural sweetness to the dish.
• Chicken eggs: Used to bind ingredients in spring roll filling.
• Banh da nem (rice paper): Used to roll stuffing and deep fry, creating an eye-catching golden crust.

Each family will have their own variations on ingredients, adding different vegetables or spices to create their family's signature fried spring roll flavor.

3. How to Make Traditional Fried Nem Ran

To make traditional fried spring rolls, the process usually includes the following steps:

1. Prepare ingredients: Minced pork, wood ear mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, vermicelli, vegetables and other ingredients are prepared, chopped and mixed well with spices.
2. Spring rolls: After mixing the ingredients well, take out the rice paper (rice paper), put a sufficient amount of filling in the middle and roll it tightly.
3. Fried spring rolls: Nem is fried in hot oil until golden and crispy on both sides. Be careful not to let the oil get too hot to avoid the spring rolls from burning on the outside and raw on the inside.
4. Enjoy: Fried spring rolls are often eaten with raw vegetables and sweet and sour dipping sauce made from fish sauce, sugar, vinegar and chopped garlic and chili. Hot spring rolls with a crispy crust and soft, fragrant filling will bring a delicious and cozy feeling.

4. Variation of Fried Nem Ran According to Each Region

Although it is a popular dish across the country, each region has its own variation of fried spring rolls to suit local tastes.

In the North, Traditional fried spring rolls Usually made with basic ingredients such as pork, vermicelli, wood ear mushrooms and shiitake mushrooms, the taste of spring rolls is quite mild and lighter than other regions. Northerners often roll small spring rolls, fry them crispy and eat them with sweet and sour fish sauce.

In the Central and Southern regions, fried spring rolls (also known as spring rolls) often have more diverse fillings, including seafood such as shrimp, crab and pork. Southern spring rolls are often fried until golden brown and have a sweeter taste, served with raw vegetables, vermicelli and sweet dipping sauce.

5. Fried Spring Rolls in Tet Tray

Vietnamese people's Tet feast cannot lack fried spring rolls, along with other traditional dishes such as banh chung, sausage, and frozen meat. Fried spring rolls not only bring richness to the feast but also symbolize prosperity and prosperity. During Tet, the whole family often gathers together to wrap and fry spring rolls, creating a cozy, happy and affectionate atmosphere.

In addition, fried spring rolls are also a special gift to entertain guests in the first days of the new year. Crispy, golden spring rolls are presented on a plate, next to fresh green vegetables and a bowl of fragrant dipping sauce, which will surely satisfy even the most demanding diners.

Fried spring rolls

Fried spring rolls It is not only a traditional dish but also a symbol of family cohesion during Tet. Each spring roll is a blend of ingredients and the cook's enthusiasm, expressing affection and thoughtfulness towards family and guests. Over the centuries, fried spring rolls have retained their cultural and culinary values, becoming an indispensable dish in every Vietnamese Tet feast.

With creativity in preparation and variation of ingredients, fried spring rolls are not only a delicious dish but also imbued with Tet flavors, helping to connect and strengthen relationships in the first days of the year.