Learn the differences between spring roll vs summer roll in this comprehensive guide. From calorie counts to wrapping papers, dipping sauces, and more, we explore every aspect of these beloved Asian appetizers. Whether you’re a fan of fried and crispy or light and fresh, find out which roll suits your taste and dietary preferences.
Spring Roll Vs Summer Roll
Spring rolls and summer rolls are two delectable Asian appetizers enjoyed worldwide, often confusing due to similar appearances and confusing terminology. While both rolls offer delightful textures and flavors, they have distinct characteristics that set them apart. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the differences between spring rolls and summer rolls, including their calorie content, wrapping papers, dipping sauces, and more.
Spring rolls can be fried, baked, or fresh. Fried or baked spring rolls will have a crispy wrapper. This wrapper can be either wheat or rice based. On the other hand, fresh spring rolls will have a translucent rice paper wrapper with a chewy texture.
Summer rolls are the same as fresh spring rolls. They have a translucent rice paper wrapper.
In this post, spring rolls will refer to crispy spring rolls with a fried or baked crunchy wrapper.
Spring Roll Calories
One of the primary differences between crispy spring rolls and summer rolls lies in their calorie content. Spring rolls may be fried to achieve a crisp, golden-brown exterior. This frying process imparts a delightful crunch to the rolls but also increases their calorie count.
On average, a single fried spring roll, weighing about 64 grams, contains approximately 148 calories. However, calorie counts may vary based on the specific ingredients and size of the roll. While spring rolls are delicious, they are a bit higher in calories due to their frying method.
Summer Roll Calories
In contrast, summer rolls, aka fresh spring rolls, are known for their fresh and light composition. These rolls are not fried; instead, they are typically served fresh, making them an excellent choice for those looking for a healthier option.
A serving of a summer roll, weighing around 72 grams, contains approximately 85 calories on average. Summer rolls are a healthier alternative to spring rolls because they are not subjected to deep-frying, allowing the vibrant flavors of the fillings to shine through without the added calories from frying.
Spring Roll Paper
The type of wrapping paper used is another key difference between crispy spring rolls and summer rolls. Spring rolls are typically encased in a thin, crispy wrapper made of wheat or rice paper. This delicate wrapper crumbles easily and shatters into flakes when bitten into, providing that signature crunch associated with spring rolls.
These thin wrappers are perfect for holding the savory fillings of spring rolls while adding a delightful textural contrast. Whether fried or not, the thin spring roll paper is an essential element of this beloved appetizer.
Average Calories | Cooking Method | Wrapper | |
Crispy Spring Rolls | 145 | Fried or Baked | Wheat or rice, thin and crispy |
Summer Rolls (fresh spring rolls) | 85 | Fresh | Translucent rice paper, chewy |
Summer Roll Paper
In contrast, summer rolls are wrapped in a different type of paper—translucent rice paper. This rice paper is known for its light, chewy texture and is perfect for creating fresh and healthy rolls. It allows the vibrant colors of the fillings to show through, giving summer rolls their distinct appearance.
Rice paper is pliable and soft when soaked in warm water, making it easy to work with while preparing summer rolls. Unlike the crispy spring roll paper, rice paper remains tender, providing a delightful contrast to the crisp, fresh fillings inside.
Spring Roll Dipping Sauce
Dipping sauces play a crucial role in enhancing the flavor of both spring rolls and summer rolls. Spring rolls are typically served with rich, savory, and sometimes umami dipping sauces. These sauces engage various taste buds and complement the crispy exterior and savory fillings of spring rolls.
Common spring roll dipping sauces include sweet and sour, vinegar-based sauces, and sweet plum sauce. These sauces add depth and complexity to the overall flavor profile of spring rolls, making them an irresistible appetizer.
Summer Roll Dipping Sauce
Summer rolls, on the other hand, pair exceptionally well with different types of dipping sauces. While sweet chili sauce and sriracha sauce are common choices, hoisin is probably the most popular.
The dipping sauces for summer rolls are often on the sweeter and spicier side, enhancing the fresh and light flavors of the rolls. These sauces complement the cool and crisp fillings, creating a harmonious balance of sweet, sour, and spicy notes.
Summer Roll vs Spring Roll: Which is better?
The choice between summer rolls and spring rolls ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a light and fresh appetizer with fewer calories, summer rolls (fresh spring rolls) are an excellent choice. Their use of rice paper and fresh ingredients provides a refreshing experience, especially on hot days.
On the other hand, if you crave a crispy and savory appetizer with a satisfying crunch, spring rolls may be your top pick. These fried delights offer a more indulgent experience and pair wonderfully with rich dipping sauces.
In the end, both rolls have their unique charm, and the best one for you depends on your taste and dietary preferences. Some enjoy the contrast of both rolls, savoring the fresh simplicity of summer rolls and the satisfying crunch of spring rolls on different occasions.
Egg Roll Vs Spring Roll
While discussing spring rolls and summer rolls, it’s worth mentioning another Asian delight—the egg roll. Egg rolls share similarities with spring rolls, but they have distinct characteristics that set them apart.
One significant difference is the thickness of the wrapping paper. While both egg roll wrappers and spring roll wrappers may be made of wheat flour, egg roll wrappers include eggs in the batter. This addition of eggs results in a thicker and doughier wrapper compared to the delicate spring roll paper.
Egg rolls typically have a higher quantity of filling than spring rolls, and their fillings often include both cooked vegetables and meat. Ground pork, beef, or a combination of meats are common choices for egg roll fillings. Vegetarian options with ingredients like cabbage, carrots, and scallions are also popular.
The regional variations of egg rolls are diverse. In the southern United States, egg rolls may include black beans, corn, rice, and other ingredients, offering a unique twist on the classic recipe.
When it comes to serving, egg rolls are often accompanied by hoisin sauce, sriracha sauce, or spicy chili sauce. These sauces add complexity to the palate, making egg rolls a flavorful and satisfying appetizer.
Egg roll vs Spring roll vs Summer Roll
In the realm of Asian cuisine, the diversity of rolls is truly captivating. Egg rolls, spring rolls, and summer rolls each offer a distinct culinary experience.
Egg rolls are known for their hearty and filling nature, with a thicker wrapper and a generous filling of vegetables and meat.
Crispy spring rolls, with their thin, crunchy wrappers, provide a delightful crunch that complements the balance of flavors within.
Summer rolls, or salad rolls, stand out for their fresh and light composition, often served cold to beat the heat.
Whether you’re savoring the comforting warmth of an egg roll, enjoying the crispy elegance of a spring roll, or relishing the refreshing simplicity of a summer roll, each roll type has its unique appeal.
Spring Roll Recipes
If you’re inspired to try your hand at making at these Asian rolls, here are some basic recipes to get you started:
In Conclusion
Spring rolls, summer rolls, and egg rolls offer an array of tastes and textures, allowing you to explore the diverse world of Asian cuisine. Whether you’re looking for a light and healthy option or a crispy, savory indulgence, there’s a roll to satisfy your cravings.
Next time you visit your favorite Asian restaurant or decide to try your hand at making these delectable rolls at home, you’ll have a deeper appreciation for the unique qualities of spring rolls, summer rolls, and egg rolls.
