Cha Gio (Vietnamese Fried Spring Rolls) — Ad-Free Recipe, Ingredients First

Use rice paper, not wheat wrappers, and brush each sheet with a little sugar water before rolling. That is what gives cha gio its blistered, glassy shell instead of a bready crust — and why you fry them twice, low then hot.

The Ingredients — and where to get them

Cook for 20 rolls

Ground pork

Not too lean; a little fat keeps the filling juicy.

1 lb

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Rice paper wrappers

The round banh trang, not wheat egg-roll skins — they blister crisp.

20 sheets

Local / market

Glass noodles

Mung bean vermicelli, soaked and cut short so the filling binds.

2 oz

Local / market

Wood ear mushrooms

Dried, rehydrated and minced; they give the classic crunch.

1/2 cup

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Carrot

Grated fine for sweetness and to lighten the filling.

1 carrot

Local / market

Shallots

Minced; the aromatic base of the filling.

3 shallots

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Fish sauce

Seasons the filling and the nuoc cham for dipping.

2 tbsp

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Egg

One egg binds the filling so the rolls hold together.

1 egg

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The Rundown

Greedometer ●●●●● A fair little treat

A reasonable little indulgence.

EffortSome doing

Cook it with

Air fryer

The Method

Make the fillingMix pork, drained noodles, wood ear, carrot, shallots, egg, fish sauce, sugar and pepper until combined.
Soften the wrappersBrush each rice paper with warm sugar water until pliable but not soggy.
Roll tightPlace a spoon of filling near one edge, fold sides in, roll firmly into a tight cigar.
Fry twiceFry at 300F until pale and set, rest, then fry again at 350F until deep golden and blistered.
ServeDrain on a rack; serve with lettuce, herbs and nuoc cham for wrapping.

The Toolkit

Wok · Spider strainer · Thermometer

Straight Answers

Can you make Cha Gio (Vietnamese Fried Spring Rolls) in an air fryer? — Yes

Yes — this is exactly what an air fryer does well. Work in a single layer so the air can move, and shake or flip halfway for even crisping. It runs a touch faster than the oven, so check early.

Can you freeze Cha Gio (Vietnamese Fried Spring Rolls)? — Yes

Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Can you make Cha Gio (Vietnamese Fried Spring Rolls) ahead of time? — Prep ahead

Best fried to order — the crunch fades if it sits. Do the breading or shaping ahead and cook it fresh when you serve.

Is Cha Gio (Vietnamese Fried Spring Rolls) gluten-free? — Yes

Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.

Is Cha Gio (Vietnamese Fried Spring Rolls) vegan? — No

No — it contains meat, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.

Community Notes

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© 2026 5best2buy · Worth The Hunt · Recipe No.996

Cha Gio (Vietnamese Fried Spring Rolls), and where to source it