Crispy Rice Paper Rolls with Bacon
A Creative Use for Leftover Rice Paper: Perfect for Kids’ Snacks or Appetizers!
Here’s a delightful dish made with leftover rice paper from making Vietnamese spring rolls. It’s savory, delicious, and surprisingly easy to make. Enjoy this satisfying treat!
Main Ingredients
- 1/2 zucchini
- 1 carrot
- 4 eggs
- 8 strips of bacon
- Rice paper sheets, as needed
- Pinch of salt
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the zucchini thoroughly and julienne it using a mandoline slicer or knife. Lightly salt the julienned zucchini and let it sit for about 10 minutes to draw out moisture. Squeeze out the excess water firmly by hand. This step helps to remove any bitterness and improves the texture.
Step 2
Wash the carrot and julienne it finely, similar to the zucchini. The crispiness of the carrot will add a wonderful contrast to the dish.
Step 3
In a bowl, crack the 4 eggs and add a small pinch of salt. Whisk gently with a fork or whisk until well combined, creating a smooth egg mixture.
Step 4
Lightly oil a non-stick skillet over low heat. Pour a thin layer of the whisked egg mixture to create an egg crepe or ‘jidan’. Cook until the edges start to set, then carefully flip and cook the other side until golden. Be careful not to burn it.
Step 5
Once the egg crepes are cooked, let them cool slightly. Then, thinly slice them into strips, similar in width to noodles. This will add a delicate texture and color to the rolls.
Step 6
Cut the bacon strips into bite-sized pieces, about 1.5 to 2 inches long. In a pan over medium heat, cook the bacon until golden brown and crispy. Drain the excess fat on paper towels for a cleaner taste.
Step 7
Prepare a bowl of warm water. Briefly dip a rice paper sheet into the warm water for about 10 seconds, or until it becomes pliable, then immediately remove it. Do not soak for too long, as it can tear easily. Gently shake off excess water and lay the softened rice paper flat on a cutting board or plate. Arrange the julienned zucchini, carrot, egg strips, and cooked bacon in a neat line near one edge of the rice paper. Avoid overfilling, which can make rolling difficult.
Step 8
Fold the bottom edge of the rice paper over the filling. Then, fold in the sides, and tightly roll the entire wrapper towards the top edge, like you would a spring roll or burrito.
Step 9
Heat a tablespoon or two of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the rolled rice paper items seam-side down. Pan-fry them, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and slightly crispy on all sides. This step ensures the inside is heated through and the exterior is delightfully crisp.
Step 10
Transfer the golden-brown rice paper rolls to a serving plate. You can cut them in half with scissors for easier eating, if desired. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, such as a sweet chili sauce or a savory hoisin-based sauce, placed in the center for easy access.
Step 11
Dipping these crispy rolls into a spicy and sweet sauce is absolutely delicious! The combination of the crunchy rice paper, savory bacon, and fresh vegetables is truly delightful. It’s a simple yet impressive dish perfect for any occasion!
