Nem rán is the Hanoi version of Vietnamese fried spring rolls, featuring a crispy exterior and a flavorful filling. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also completely gluten-free.

In this post, I’m sharing the authentic recipe for Nem Rán along with its genuine Hanoi-styled dipping sauce. You’ll also find here all the tips to ensure that your spring rolls don’t burst or explode while frying but turn out super crispy.

A platter of Hanoi spring rolls, showcasing their crispy golden exterior and flavorful filling, served with a side of dipping sauce

Nem Rán: A Must-Try Street Food When Visiting Hanoi

Although I was born and raised in the South, Hanoi’s cuisine holds a special place in my heart. During my year living in Hanoi, I became captivated by the local food.

If you’re planning a trip to Hanoi, check out my guide on eating in Hanoi with recommendations from the locals.

Nem Rán is a type of spring roll popular in Hanoi. This dish is also a staple for Tết (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) celebrations in the North.

A mouthwatering plate of Nem Hanoi, a traditional Vietnamese dish. The photo showcases golden-brown, crispy spring rolls arranged neatly on a plate.

Nem Rán vs. Chả Giò: What Sets Them Apart?

I guess many people think Nem Rán and Chả Giò are just two names for Vietnamese fried spring rolls/egg rolls, but no, they are not the same (at least for those who were born and raised in Vietnam like me).

The flavors and textures are different, and certain dishes pair well with one but not the other. For example, Bún Đậu Mắm Tôm (rice noodles with Vietnamese shrimp paste and fried tofu) is typically enjoyed with Nem Rán, not Chả Giò.

Nem Rán is popular in the North and is typically wrapped in rice papers, with the best ones made from 100% rice (no tapioca starch). This makes them completely gluten-free.

A platter of Hanoi spring rolls, showcasing their crispy golden exterior and flavorful filling, served with a side of dipping sauce

The filling of Nem Rán achieves a harmonious balance with its meaty texture, combining proteins like ground pork and shrimp with crunchy vegetables such as mung bean sprouts, kohlrabi, or jicama. A hint of cilantro or Thai basil is also added to infuse a deeper flavor.

Chả Giò from the South is a bit different. Since the Southern cuisine is influenced by the Chinese/Cantonese immigrants, the spring rolls in the South also share some similar to Chinese Egg Rolls and Indonesian/Filipino Lumpia.

Cha Gio Sai Gon
Cha Gio Sai Gon

They can be wrapped in either rice papers or egg roll wrappers, so they can be referred to by both names, spring rolls or egg rolls. If they are made with egg roll wrappers, they would contain gluten.

The filling is also different. It includes ground pork, crunchy vegetables, and starchy ingredients such as taro roots, sweet potatoes, or mung beans.

Besides, in Vietnam, you’ll also find various other variations of fried spring rolls, such as:

  • Crab Spring Rolls (Nem Cua Bể from Hải Phòng province)
  • Seafood Spring Rolls (Chả Giò Hải Sản, featuring seafood and mayo)
  • Mini Spring Rolls (Chả Ram from central Vietnam)
  • Net Spring Rolls (Chả Giò Rế)
  • Shrimp Egg Rolls (Tôm Hỏa Tiễn)

Of course, don’t confuse these fried spring rolls with Vietnamese fresh spring rolls (gỏi cuốn).

All in all, Nem Rán and Chả Giò are kind of different spring rolls if you are really into Vietnamese cooking. Chả Giò tends to be more popular in North America, while Nem Rán enjoys greater popularity in Europe.

Ingredients

Three main parts when preparing Hanoi-styled spring rolls: the rice papers, the filling, and the dipping sauce.

While the long list of ingredients and multiple steps might seem daunting, it’s absolutely worth your time if you want to capture the authentic flavor of Nem Rán.

1

Rice papers

The best rice papers for Hanoi Spring Rolls are called Bánh Đa Nem, which are made from 100% rice. They will help your spring rolls turn out super crispy.

However, imported rice paper often contains a percentage of tapioca starch. This makes them much easier to handle and store for a longer time but results in less crispiness when frying.

Bánh đa nem - the rice papers for fried spring rolls
Bánh đa nem: Specialty rice papers for fried spring rolls.

To incorporate more rice content to the rice papers, I made a mixture with rice powder and wine (or beer) . Both rice powder and alcohol will contribute to making your spring rolls crispy when frying.

2

Filling

The filling is the key factor that ensures your spring rolls won’t burst or explode. It’s also important to get the ingredient ratios right for the best flavor and texture.

Here are the traditional ingredients for Nem Rán Hà Nội:

ingredients for Hanoi Spring Rolls (Nem Ran), including ground pork, wood ear mushroom, fried shallots, bean thread noodles, carrots, eggs, cilantro, scallion, mung bean sprouts
  • Ground pork: Pork is a staple in Vietnamese cuisine. You can also substitute a portion of the pork with shrimp or crab to enhance the flavor.
  • Mung bean sprouts: Another traditional ingredient for Nem Rán. While you can use Kohlrabi or Jicama, mung bean sprouts save time as you don’t need to julienne the vegetables.
  • Carrot: It imparts a sweet flavor to the filling, but be cautious not to add too much carrot, as it can lead to the spring rolls burning easily.
  • Egg yolk: This ingredient helps bind and enrich the filling. (save the egg white to seal the spring rolls)
  • Bean thread noodles and wood ear mushrooms: These may be small in quantity but are crucial for enhancing the texture of the filling.
  • Crispy-fried shallots, green onions, and cilantro (optional): These additions contribute a deep and flavorful dimension to the spring rolls.
Ingredients for Vietnamese Pate
Crispy-fried shallots or onions
  • Seasonings: Including chicken powder, salt, sugar, black pepper powder, and cooking oil to complete the flavor profile.
3

Dipping Sauce for Nem Rán (Hanoi Spring Rolls)

The simplest dipping sauce for spring rolls is store-bought sweet chili sauce.

If you’re truly seeking an authentic Vietnamese taste, I recommend you to take a little extra time to prepare my Northern-style dipping fish sauce. This versatile dipping sauce pairs perfectly with several signature Hanoi dishes.

Close-up of a bowl filled with Hanoi-style dipping fish sauce, garnished with sliced carrots, kohlrab.
Northern / Hanoi Styled Dipping Fish Sauce

For this dipping sauce, you will need:

  • Fish Sauce: A fundamental component of many Vietnamese dishes.
  • Kohlrabi (or Green Papaya) & Carrot: These vegetables give a refreshing crunch to the sauce.
  • Salt: Salt helps season the vegetable in the sauce.
  • Vinegar
  • Sugar
  • Chili
  • Garlic
  • Black Pepper Powder

Instructions

1

Prepare the Filling

To prevent your spring rolls from bursting during frying: Ensure the filling is dry. A watery filling can cause your fried rolls to explode.

  • My tip: Mix the vegetable part and pork part separately before combining them later.
filling of nem ran (hanoi spring rolls)
The spring roll filling shouldn’t be watery.
  • Begin by soaking the wood ear mushrooms and bean thread noodles. Only soak the bean thread noodles for about 10 minutes.
  • Cut the mung bean sprouts into 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) pieces. If you’re using Kohlrabi or Jicama, julienne them instead.
  • Julienne the carrots.
  • Chop the cilantro, green onion, and wood ear mushrooms.
  • Cut the bean thread noodles into 1-inch (3 cm) pieces.
ingredients for Hanoi Spring Rolls (Nem Ran): chopped wood ear mushroom and bean thread noodles, cilantro, scalllion, carrots
  • In one bowl, combine these ingredients: mung bean sprouts, carrots, cilantro, green onion, wood ear mushrooms, bean thread noodles, and fried shallots. Gently mix them until just combined.
ingredients for Nem Ran in a mixing bowl
ingredients for Nem Ran in a mixing bowl
  • In another bowl, add the ground pork, egg yolk, and all the seasonings, mixing them thoroughly.
ground meat mixed with seasonings in a bowl
  • Now, add the meat mixture to the vegetable bowl and gently combine them together.
combine ground pork with vegetable part.
filling for nem ran in a bowl
2

Prepare the Rice Papers

This step is optional but it contributes exceptionally to crispy spring rolls. If you don’t make this mixture, dip your rice paper into room-temperature for 3-5 second to soften it before wrapping.

  • Combine water, rice powder, salt, and wine (I used red wine, but you can also use rice wine or even beer) in a mixing bowl.
  • Use a brush to apply this mixture to one side of the rice paper.
  • Continue with all lelftover rice papers.
apply the mixture to the rice paper
3

Assemble the Spring Rolls

You could check my post about how to wrap both fried and fresh spring rolls.

  • Place a rice paper on a large plate, ensuring the side brushed with the liquid mixture faces down onto the plate.
  • On the lower third of the rice paper, place about 2.5 tablespoons of filling for an 8.5-inch (22 cm) diameter rice paper.
wrapping nem ran (hanoi spring rolls)
  • Roll the rice paper up to envelop the filling. After completing one rotation, fold the sides inwards towards the center. Continue rolling until the filling is entirely enclosed.
wrapping nem ran (hanoi spring rolls)
  • Utilize any remaining egg white as adhesive to seal the edge of the roll.
wrapping nem ran (hanoi spring rolls)
  • Repeat this process until you have wrapped all the filling.
wrapping nem ran (hanoi spring rolls)
4

Fry the Spring Rolls

My secret for achieving exceptionally crispy spring rolls is the double-frying technique.

  • Heat a generous amount of oil in a pan. You’ll need enough oil to submerge the spring rolls at least halfway, or even better, if you can deep-fry the rolls.
frying nem ran (hanoi spring rolls)
  • Fry the spring rolls over medium-low heat until the rice paper turns a light golden color. Remove them from the oil and allow them to cool before the second frying.
Nem ran (hanoi spring rolls) after the 1st round of frying
  • For the second frying, you have the option to either deep-fry or air-fry your spring rolls. (I prefer air frying because it helps drain excess oil from the spring rolls, making them less greasy and healthier.)
    • You can deep-fry the spring rolls over high heat until they become crispy.
    • Or you can air-fry them at 390°F (200°C) for approximately 10 minutes or until they achieve a crispy texture.
5

Prepare Hanoi-styled Dipping Fish Sauce

Ingredients for Hanoi-styed dipping fishsauce: carrots, kohlrabi, garlic, chili
  • Peel and thinly slice the carrot and kohlrabi.
  • Mix the carrot and kohlrabi with salt and sugar. Let them sit for 15 minutes.
thinly sliced kohlrabi
kohlrabi and carrot mixed with sugar and salt
  • In a separate bowl, combine fish sauce, sugar, vinegar, chili, garlic, and black pepper.
  • Add carrot and kohlrabi (without brine) to the bowl of fish sauce.
  • Now you could enjoy this dipping sauce with spring rolls.
A platter of Hanoi spring rolls, showcasing their crispy golden exterior and flavorful filling, served with a side of dipping sauce

How to Enjoy Nem Rán

APPETIZER

WITH STEAMED RICE

Storing

The best way to store spring rolls is keeping them in the freezer after the initial frying. Before eating, simply reheat them in an air fryer or deep-fry them again (no need to thaw).

This method allows you to prepare spring rolls in a large batch and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Substitutions

  • Wheat flour could be substituted for rice flour when making the mixture for applying to the rice papers.
  • Enhance flavor by adding some crab meat or chopped shrimp to the filling.
  • For a pork-free alternative, use ground chicken.
  • You can substitute rice vinegar with lime juice, lemon juice, or apple cider vinegar.
  • The dipping sauce is optional; store-bought sweet chili sauce works or skip it altogether.

FAQs

More authentic Vietnamese recipes

Thanks a bunch for giving my recipe a shot! If you enjoyed it, I’d truly appreciate a 5-star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating or a comment to let me know your thoughts.

And don’t forget to stay in touch with me on InstagramFacebookPinterest, and YouTube 🥰.

A platter of Hanoi spring rolls, showcasing their crispy golden exterior and flavorful filling, served with a side of dipping sauce

Vietnamese Fried Spring Rolls (Nem Rán, Hanoi-style)

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Nem rán (the Hanoi-styled fried spring rolls) boast a delightful combination of a crispy coal and a flavorful juicy filling. They are not only delicious but also entirely gluten-free. Discover tips for crispy spring rolls without bursting or exploding.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 30 minutes
Course Appetizer, Main Course, Snack
Cuisine Vietnamese
Servings 4 people

Equipment

  • 2 Mixing bowls
  • 1 silicone brush
  • 1 Large plate
  • 1 non-stick pan

Ingredients
  

For the rice papers (optinal but this step helps your spring rolls turn out super-crispy)

  • Rice Papers (I used 8.5 inches / 22 cm diameter rice papers)
  • 3 tbsp rice flour
  • 3 tbsp water
  • 1 tbsp wine or beer
  • ¼ tsp salt

For the filling

  • 1.1 pound ground pork (500g)
  • 1 tbsp cooking oil
  • 2 egg yolks (use egg white to seal the spring rolls)
  • ½ tbsp chicken powder
  • ½ tbsp salt
  • ½ tbsp black pepper powder
  • ¼ tbsp sugar
  • 1 pound mung bean sprouts (400g)
  • medium-sized carrot (25g)
  • 5 wood ear mushroom (5g)
  • 1 handful cilantro (optional)
  • 1 sprig green onion (optional)
  • 1 oz bean thread noodles (30g)
  • 2 tbsp fried shallots (optional)

Hanoi-styled dipping sauce (optional)

  • ½ bulb kohlrabi (3.5oz or 100g) (green papaya, cucumber)
  • medium-sized carrot (1.7oz or 50g)
  • ½ tsp salt (for the pickle)
  • 1 tbsp sugar (for the pickle)
  • 1 tbsp vinegar (for the pickle)
  • 1 tbsp fish sauce
  • 5 tbsp water
  • ¾ tbsp vinegar
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • minced garlic (to your taste)
  • minced chili (to your taste)
  • black pepper powder (to your taste)

Instructions
 

Make the filling

  • To start, soak the wood ear mushrooms and bean thread noodles, but only soak the bean thread noodles for approximately 10 minutes.
  • Next, cut the mung bean sprouts into 0.6-inch (1.5 cm) pieces. If you're using kohlrabi or jicama, julienne them instead.
  • Julienne the carrots, chop the cilantro, green onion, and wood ear mushrooms, and cut the bean thread noodles into 1-inch (3 cm) pieces.
  • In one bowl, combine these ingredients: mung bean sprouts, carrots, cilantro, green onion, wood ear mushrooms, bean thread noodles, and fried shallots. Gently mix them until just incorporated.
  • In another bowl, add the ground pork, egg yolk, and all the seasonings, thoroughly mixing them together.
  • Finally, combine the meat mixture with the vegetable bowl and gently mix them together.

Prepare the rice paper (optional)

  • Mix water, wine (or beer), rice powder and salt together.
  • Use a brush to apply this mixture to one side of all your rice papers.
  • If you skip this step, dip your rice paper into room-temperature water for 3-5 seconds to soften it before wrapping.

Wrap the spring rolls

  • Place a single rice paper on a spacious plate, making sure the side coated with the liquid mixture faces downward.
  • Put 2.5 tablespoons of filling, suitable for an 8.5-inch (22 cm) diameter rice paper, on the lower third of the rice paper.
  • Roll the rice paper around the filling, starting with one rotation, and then fold the sides inwards towards the center. Continue rolling until the filling is completely enclosed.
  • Use any remaining egg white as adhesive to seal the roll's edge.
  • Repeat this procedure until you have wrapped all the filling.

Fry the spring rolls

  • Heat a generous quantity of oil in a pan, ensuring there's enough to submerge the spring rolls at least halfway. Ideally, if you can deep-fry the rolls, that's even better.
  • Fry the spring rolls over medium-low heat until the rice paper takes on a light golden hue. Remove them from the oil and let them cool before the second round of frying.
  • For the second frying, you can choose to either deep-fry or air-fry your spring rolls. (I personally favor air frying as it helps remove excess oil from the spring rolls, resulting in a less greasy and healthier outcome.)
    You can deep-fry the spring rolls on high heat until crispy or air-fry them at 390°F (200°C) for about 10 minutes.

Make the dipping sauce (optional)

  • Peel and thinly slice the carrot and kohlrabi.
  • Toss the carrot and kohlrabi with salt and sugar, then let them sit for 15 minutes.
  • In a separate bowl, combine together fish sauce, sugar, vinegar, chili, garlic, and black pepper.
  • Introduce the carrot and kohlrabi (without the brine) into the fish sauce bowl.
  • Now you can savor this dipping sauce with your spring rolls.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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