Lightened Imperial Rolls

Name: Lightened Imperial Rolls
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 rolls
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Ingredients: 250 g ground chicken; 1 cup cabbage (finely shredded); 1 cup carrot (grated); 1/2 cup green onions (sliced); 1 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium); 1 tsp ginger (freshly grated); 1 tsp garlic (minced); 12 sheets rice paper; 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for brushing); 1/4 cup fish sauce; 2 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed); 1 tbsp sugar; 1 tsp chili garlic sauce

40 min 12 rolls Medium

All Recipes

Crispy and delicious, these lightened imperial rolls are perfect as an appetizer or snack, featuring chicken and vegetables wrapped in rice paper.

Prep

25 min

Cook

15 min

Total

40 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

Imperial rolls, or 'rouleaux impériaux,' are a popular appetizer that combines the crispiness of a deep-fried exterior with a savoury filling. This version lightens things up by focusing on lean proteins and fresh vegetables. Traditionally served with a tangy dipping sauce, these rolls are a staple in Vietnamese cuisine, often enjoyed as an appetizer or a delightful snack. By choosing to bake these rolls, we maintain the classic flavours while reducing the oil content, making them a healthier option while still satisfying those crunchy cravings.

Instructions

Prepare the filling

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground chicken until browned, about 5 minutes. Add cabbage, carrot, and green onions; cook for another 3 minutes. Stir in soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, cooking until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the meat.

Pro tip: Ensure the filling is cooled completely to prevent the rice paper from becoming soggy.

Soften rice paper

Fill a shallow dish with warm water. Quickly dip each rice paper sheet into the water to soften for about 5 seconds, then lay it on a clean damp kitchen towel.

Pro tip: Do not over-soak the rice paper as it will become too fragile to handle.

Assemble the rolls

Place about 2 tablespoons of filling in the centre of a softened rice paper sheet. Fold the sides over the filling and roll tightly from the bottom to form a cylinder. Repeat with remaining ingredients.

Pro tip: Keep the assembled rolls covered with a damp towel to prevent them from drying out.

Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Bake the rolls

Place the rolls on the prepared baking sheet. Brush lightly with vegetable oil. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, turning halfway through.

Pro tip: For extra crispiness, use a convection setting if available.

Prepare the dipping sauce

In a small bowl, mix together fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and chili garlic sauce until sugar is dissolved.

Pro tip: Adjust the sweetness and heat of the dipping sauce to taste.

💡

Tips & Tricks

Soak rice paper briefly to prevent tearing.
Ensure the filling is cool before wrapping to avoid soggy rolls.
Use a non-stick pan for even frying.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is rouleau imperial?

Rouleau imperial refers to the Vietnamese imperial rolls, a type of spring roll that is typically deep-fried and filled with a savoury mixture.

How do you make rouleaux impériaux?

Rouleaux impériaux can be made by filling rice paper with a mixture of ground meat and vegetables, then baking or frying until crispy.

What sauce goes with rouleaux impériaux?

A tangy dipping sauce made with fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and chili garlic sauce pairs perfectly with rouleaux impériaux.

Can you bake rouleaux impériaux?

Yes, you can bake rouleaux impériaux at 200°C (400°F) for a healthier option while still achieving a crispy texture.

What is the recipe for rouleaux impériaux with chicken?

Use ground chicken, cabbage, carrots, and green onions as filling, wrapped in rice paper, and bake until crispy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these lightened imperial rolls with a side of sweet and spicy dipping sauce for an extra kick. They can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. If you have leftovers, reheat them in the oven to retain their crispiness, rather than using a microwave, which can make them soggy.

Nutrition per serving

Calories

Protein

Crispy and flavourful, these authentic Chinese egg rolls bring the taste of China to your table.

Medium50 min

See the recipe

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