All summer rolls are spring rolls, but not all spring rolls are summer rolls.
Could you decipher the difference?
Masaharu Morimoto, Iron Chef
Summer Roll vs. Spring Roll vs.
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Egg Roll
Many Asian countries have their own take on roll recipes.
Indonesia and the Philippines have lumpia, Cambodia is home to Nime Chow, and Vietnam has summer rolls.
Its more than semantics, Morimoto confirms: It’s important to note the cultural differences for each.
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Summer rolls originate from Vietnamese culture using fresh herbs and vegetables.
As for egg rolls, those are an American invention.
What Is a Summer Roll?
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Tucked inside a thin, translucent rice paper wrapper, youll find a colorful blend of fillings.
Tom Penpark / Getty Images
What Is a Spring Roll?
Spring rollsare believed to have roots in China, but are now common across Southeast Asiaas well as abroad.
Credit: Brie Passano
While theyre still filled with strong flavors, they are made smaller and lighter, Morimoto says.
What Is an Egg Roll?
Think of egg rolls as Americas heartier twist on spring rolls.
you’re able to often spot spring rolls vs. egg rolls by using your eyes.
Egg rolls are usually bumpy, blistered, and bubbly, while spring rolls have a smoother fried exterior.
An egg roll is larger than a spring roll and is made with a thicker dough.
The filling also plays a big role in how they are different from each other, Morimoto says.
The Bottom Line
Vietnamese summer rolls are served chilled.
Spring rolls are fried and served hot, and are typically heartier than summer rolls.
