Craft Irresistibly Crunchy Ear-Pleasing Spring Rolls in Just 20 Minutes

Sometimes, the desire for a change in family meals makes the thought of buying spring rolls from outside cross your mind. However, the uncertainty of quality often outweighs the convenience. Why not spend just 15 minutes at the market and make your own delicious, affordable, and surprisingly clean home-cooked spring rolls?

A Culinary Serendipity from a Vietnamese Specialty Restaurant

I'm Thuy Linh, currently residing in the Lò Đúc area. The cool autumn weather has brought a shift in my mood for dining, prompting me to invite the whole family to try out a buffet somewhere for a change. Taking advantage of the proximity, ongoing promotions, and the main purpose of introducing my sister-in-law's friend to Vietnamese culture, I decided to book a table at Buffet Viet. It's not only close to home and offering great deals but also an opportunity for my sister-in-law's friend to explore Vietnamese cuisine.

Buffet Viet boasts a traditionally Vietnamese-themed ambiance that leaves a lasting impression

Because it's nearby, our family decided to arrive a bit early to avoid the crowd. Upon arrival, the foreign friend immediately headed to the Vietnamese food section. The display was beautifully arranged with pho rolls, spring rolls, ear-pleasing spring rolls, vermicelli with grilled pork,... basically, a comprehensive spread.

Signature dishes from Hanoi are all on the menu

However, the absolute favorite of my brother-in-law and his friend was the crunchy ear-pleasing spring rolls with rice paper. They went back for multiple servings and even tried to convince me to learn how to make this dish at home.

The young duo at our place is most captivated by the ear-pleasing spring roll dish

At times, I find myself wanting to buy ear-pleasing spring rolls to switch up our family meals. However, the uncertainty of quality from outside often holds me back. Eventually, I end up waiting for the staff to replenish the food, lingering around to inquire more about this particular dish. Sharing the recipe here for anyone interested in trying it at home.

Learn how to make irresistibly crunchy pig ear salad

Ingredients:

+ Pork ears

+ Fresh herbs: water mimosa leaves, lettuce, peppermint, coriander

+ Seasonings: roasted rice powder, garlic, lime leaves, chili, salt, kumquat, pepper

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Roasted Rice Powder Soak about 1 bowl of good-quality rice in water for approximately 30 minutes. Then, drain the water and heat a pan. Toast the rice evenly over low heat until it turns a light golden brown. Note: Keep the heat low, or it will quickly burn.

How to Make Roasted Rice Powder

Let it cool, then grind the rice in a blender until it becomes a fine powder. Use a sieve to remove larger grains, then store it in a sealed jar in a dry place for later use.

Step 2: Clean and Boil the Pork Ears Purchase pig ears, shave off the hair, and wash them thoroughly before boiling until fully cooked. To eliminate the strong odor during boiling, rub salt and lime on the surface, rinse thoroughly, and then proceed with boiling. To prevent discoloration, ensure the water fully covers the ears, simmering for 10-15 minutes after boiling, then transfer them to a bowl of cool water. For a crunchier texture in the spring rolls, you can precook the ears in the morning or noon, refrigerate until firm, and mix them in the evening.

Clean the pig ears thoroughly and boil until fully cooked

Step 3: Prepare Fresh Vegetables Clean and drain the fresh vegetables, rinse the lime leaves to remove any dust, and peel the garlic.

Step 4: Mix the Spring Roll Filling Thinly slice the boiled pig ear. Finely chop the garlic, cut the lime leaves into thin strips, and finely chop the chili. Place the sliced pig ear in a large bowl, add a pinch of salt and pepper, then add the garlic and chili. Mix thoroughly using plastic gloves, let it marinate for a few minutes to absorb the flavors. Meanwhile, prepare the dipping sauce.

Mix this spring roll filling

Step 5: Prepare Spicy Dipping Sauce Mix 1 part fish sauce, 1 part sugar, 1 part lime juice (or vinegar), and 5 parts water. Add finely chopped garlic and chili.

Create a dipping sauce or pair with chili sauce—both tasty options

At this point, the pork has absorbed the flavors. Add lime leaves and roasted rice powder, mix again, and arrange on a plate. Garnish with fresh vegetables, dipping sauce, and optionally serve with rice paper if water mimosa leaves are unavailable.

These crispy, crunchy pig ear spring rolls are delicious when paired with fresh vegetables and rice paper or water mimosa leaves.

Wishing you all the best! This October, Buffet Viet is offering discounts on reservations. If you're planning for the October 20th celebration or a family gathering, act quickly and make your reservation now!

Address:

Buffet Viet – 1a Tang Bat Ho

>>> Check out the year-end discounts at Buffet Viet now