Can You Reheat Spring Rolls?
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Spring rolls are such a convenient food to serve at a variety of occasions or just eat on your own. Some versions are incredibly healthy, and others are deep-fried treats. But regardless of what kind they are, these handy creations take valuable time to make. Thus, nobody wants to toss out leftover spring rolls. Fortunately, there are ways to give them a second life.
You can reheat spring rolls, including the deep-fried variety and the Vietnamese transparent spring rolls (gói cuôn) wrapped in rice paper. The deep-fried reheat best in a non-stick pan on low heat. The Vietnamese reheat best in a steamer. However, there are other methods, such as air fryers.
Spring rolls are delicious dipped in fish, soy, peanut, or pad thai sauce. But if you are considering saving some to reheat, it is best to keep these sauces as dipping and not serve them smothered as you do with enchiladas. None of the reheated methods will work well if the spring rolls are stored with sauce on them.
- Can Spring Rolls Be Reheated?
- Best Way To Store Spring Rolls?
- So, Can You Reheat Spring Rolls?
Can Spring Rolls Be Reheated?
Yes, spring rolls can be reheated, regardless of whether they are the deep-fried variety or the rice paper wrapped Vietnamese variety. There are many reheating methods for both types of spring rolls, but some provide better results than others.
Reheating Deep-Fried Spring Rolls
Reheating spring rolls on the stove is the favorite method for many. The stove seems to preserve the texture the best, producing spring rolls that are not soggy or too chewy.
Using a non-stick pan on low heat is the best way to reheat deep-fried spring rolls on the stove.
- Turn stove on to low heat
- Arrange spring rolls evenly across the pan’s surface
- Warm for 3 minutes per side
If your spring rolls seem a bit soggy when you remove them from the fridge, give them a gentle squeeze to rid the excess water before placing them in the pan.
If your spring rolls do seem a bit dry or your pan is sticking, you can lightly baste them with vegetable oil.
The pan does not require oil. This is the most common mistake when reheating deep-fried spring rolls. There is plenty of oil in the properly prepared spring rolls already that will naturally coat the surface as they warm.
The second most common mistake when reheating spring rolls on the stove is using high heat. This can burn them or turn the texture into a hardened, crunchy, molar-breaking disaster. Use low heat for best results.
Reheating Vietnamese Spring Rolls
The easiest way to reheat Vietnamese spring rolls is to place them in a steamer on the stove.
- Set up a steamer and wait until it is producing steam
- Place spring rolls evenly in the steamer
- Warm them 1 minute on each side
You can also reheat Vietnamese spring rolls on a pan for 1-2 minutes per side on low heat. Like deep-fried spring rolls, they generally do not require oil. But if there is a problem, lightly baste them.
Reheating Spring Rolls In An Oven
Reheating deep-fried spring rolls in an oven is the other favorite method. The oven preserves the crispy texture. However, it can be tricker with the soft, rice paper spring rolls. The rice paper might tear, and the texture might be altered.
Both spring rolls are reheated in the same manner; you might just need to adjust the times.
- Preheat oven 250-350⁰F
- Spread the spring rolls evenly on a sprayed baking sheet
- Or line an oven-safe dish with foil or baking paper
- Bake for 3-6 minutes on each side
- If still not thoroughly heated, add a minute to each side
Reheating Spring Rolls In An Oven Toaster
You reheat spring rolls in a toaster oven the same way you would an oven. This is an excellent option for reheating a small number of spring rolls.
- Preheat toaster oven 250-350⁰F
- Place spring rolls on the tray
- Bake for 3-6 minutes on each side
- If still not thoroughly heated, add a minute to each side
Reheating Spring Rolls In An Air Fryer
Reheating spring rolls in an air fryer will produce better results than the microwave. It is also a much quicker option than using the oven.
Deep-Fried Spring Rolls
- Set the air fryer to 350⁰F
- Set spring rolls in the basket with plenty of room between them
- Warm for around 2-3 minutes on each side
- Check to see if more time is required
When reheating spring rolls in an air fryer, the most common mistake is crowding them in the basket. Lack of airflow will reduce the crispiness, and the texture will not be ideal.
Do not add extra oil to the air fryer as the spring rolls already have enough.
Vietnamese Spring Rolls
It can be a bit tricker heating soft Vietnamese spring rolls as it tends to change the texture to a more fried state. Some people enjoy the crunchy texture, and thus you might need to add cooking time. If you are trying to avoid it, stick to the limited cooking time.
- Set the air fryer to 350⁰F
- Arrange spring rolls in the basket with generous amounts of room in-between
- Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side
- Check to see if they require more time
Reheating Spring Rolls In A Microwave
Microwaves are an incredibly convenient appliance, but they often alter the texture of food, usually resulting in limp and soggy snacks. This is true for spring rolls, too. Even the Vietnamese spring rolls are impacted, with the vegetables wilting and the texture often becoming chewier and sometimes soggy.
Nonetheless, sometimes microwaving spring rolls is the only option available.
Deep-Fried Spring Rolls
Reheating deep-fried spring rolls in the microwave can cause a big mess. This is because the oil in the spring rolls splatters all over the inside of the machine. Try to cover them with a paper towel, bowl, or any other microwave-safe lid.
You also want to use as little time as possible, as the longer they are in there, the soggier they will become. So, check on them frequently, starting with 30 seconds, then flipping and doing them for no more than 20 seconds after that.
To recap:
- Place spring rolls in a microwave dish
- Cover spring rolls with a paper towel, bowl, or another lid
- Microwave for 30 seconds
- Check. If it needs more time, flip and heat in additional 20-second intervals
Vietnamese Spring Rolls
Reheating Vietnamese spring rolls is less likely to cause a mess. However, like anything microwaved, there is a risk of the spring roll building up internal heat and steam and bursting, causing the whole thing to explore or at least create tears in the rice wrapper.
The microwave can dry out the rice wrapper, despite its ability to also make it soggy. Thus, it is often best to give them a quick dip in water before microwaving them using a damp paper towel as the cover. Also, keep the intervals short, such as 20 seconds at a time.
- Quickly dip spring rolls in clean, cold water and whisk off excess
- Place spring roll on a microwave dish
- Cover spring roll with a damp paper towel
- Microwaves for 20 seconds
- Check. If it needs more time, flip and heat in 20-second increments
Can Your Refry Fried Spring Rolls?
It is not advised to reheat deep-fried spring rolls by frying them again. Firstly, it’s unhealthy. Secondly, they’ve already got so much oil in them, and it creates this tough and oily mess. Lastly, they easily burn. However, despite its drawbacks, some people love this method while their arteries quake in fear.
- Heat oil in a pot to 350⁰F
- Place 1-2 spring rolls into a wire basket or carefully drop them in
- Remove the basket or fetch with a slotted spoon after 30-45 seconds
- Set the spring rolls on a paper towel to drain and gently pat
- Plate after 60 seconds of “resting” on the paper towel
Best Way To Store Spring Rolls?
Spring rolls can be stored both in the fridge or the freezer. This will prevent spoilage until you reheat them.
To store them, they first need to be cooled to room temperature. Once they’ve cooled, they can be placed in an airtight container that has been lined with a paper towel.
The spring rolls should not touch each other on the sides or on the top and bottom. If you want to layer the spring rolls in the container, add a paper towel between each layer.
The paper towels help absorb excess moisture from both the wrapper and the filling. This will help keep your spring rolls from “sitting” in the damp and developing soggy spots.
If you like, you can replace the paper towel(s) after a day to keep the spring rolls as dry as possible. However, do remember to keep your hands clean and try to avoid touching the spring rolls directly.
How Do I Freeze Spring Rolls?
You store both cooked and uncooked spring rolls in the freezer. They will do best if not cooked and give you near identical “freshly made” results when cooked post-freezing. Your cooked spring rolls will not be quite as nice when reheated after the freezer. Nevertheless, they are still tasty.
- First, make sure the spring rolls are at room temperature
- Once at room temperature, place spring rolls on baking paper, well-spaced apart
- Gently set the spring rolls into the freezer
- Once the spring rolls are frozen solid, they can be placed in a freezer bag
- Expel as much air from the freezer bag and date them
Freezing spring rolls that are still warm will produce ice crystals that can damage the spring rolls. Freezing them individually before putting them in the freezer bag will help prevent them from sticking together. Removing the air from the freezer bag will prevent freezer burn. If you have a vacuum sealer, this is even better.
How Long Can Spring Rolls Last In The Fridge?
Spring rolls will last in the fridge for 3-4 days. To ensure they keep as best, they can, minimize touching them as this can transfer bacteria and molds onto them.
How Long Can Spring Rolls Last In The Freezer?
Frozen spring rolls are best if they are consumed within 3 months of freezing. However, they will keep longer in the freezer, but their texture upon reheating or cooking will not be as ideal. Nevertheless, they will still be safe to eat.
Do I Defrost Frozen Spring Rolls Before Cooking?
Do not defrost frozen spring rolls before cooking or reheating. This will result in a soggy and disappointing mess.
How To Reheat Or Cook Spring Rolls From The Freezer?
You reheat or cook spring rolls directly from frozen. The frozen spring rolls will do best in an oven or air fryer. If they are uncooked, you can deep-fry the spring rolls directly from frozen. You may need to add a little extra time, but not by much.
You can also steam the rice paper wrapped spring rolls from frozen. Just take care to check their middles before taking a bite.
A pan can be used with frozen spring rolls, but due to the frozen nature, it could be a bit awkward trying to get even heat on both sides. You could try putting a lid over the pan. This might help seal the heat and allow the center to become fully cooked.
You will achieve abysmal results if you try to reheat or cook frozen spring rolls with a microwave.
So, Can You Reheat Spring Rolls?
Thankfully, you can reheat spring rolls. However, it is best to avoid the microwave if possible. When using methods such as the stove or oven, resist the temptation of adding oil. A non-stick pan with no added oil or baking in the oven will produce the closest reproduction of the original spring roll. Enjoy.
