Shanghai Spring Rolls


1 16-oz. package spring roll wrappers* (20 to 22 wrappers)
1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon dark Oriental sesame oil* poured into a small glass and a pastry brush
1/3 cup warm water mixed with 1 teaspoon cornstarch
cooking spray
Filling:
1 cup (1/4 lb.) mung bean sprouts
2 cups shredded Chinese cabbage
3 celery stocks, thinly sliced on the diagonal
1 8-oz. can water chestnuts, chopped
1 cups shredded carrot
1 cup chopped mushrooms
3 tablespoons light soy sauce
1/4 teaspoon salt – optional
1 large clove garlic, pressed
1 teaspoon garlic powder
6 oz. boneless skinless chicken breast, shrimp, or crab, minced
1 bunch green onions, thinly sliced on the diagonal
1 tablespoon cornstarch


1. Thoroughly combine filling ingredients together and let stand 15 minutes to allow flavors to blend.

2. To prepare spring rolls: Line a baking sheet with wax paper lightly dusted with cornstarch. With edge of spring roll wrapper facing you, place 2 tablespoons of filling in the center. Fold wrapper over top of filling, then fold in sides and roll up jelly roll fashion. Seal by running a finger moistened with cornstarch/water mixture lightly along edge. Lightly brush spring roll on all sides with sesame oil and set aside on wax paper. Repeat process with remaining filling and wrappers. At this point, spring rolls can be refrigerated uncovered for up to 6 hours prior to cooking.

3. Lightly spray bottom of bamboo steamer trays, steamer basket or plate with cooking spray.
Arrange 5 to 6 rolls in a single layer over bottom of basket or plate, spacing them so that they don’t touch. Steam above boiling water for 5 minutes then transfer rolls back to baking sheet. Repeat process until all have been steamed.

4. Preheat oven to 400º F. Place spring rolls on a baking sheet lightly sprayed with cooking spray and bake until lightly browned, 15 to 20 minutes. Spring rolls should be turned several times during baking to brown evenly. Serve immediately Serve immediately with Dim Sum Dipping Sauce, cocktail sauce mixed with Oriental hot mustard or a commercially prepared plum sauce mixed with Oriental hot mustard and light soy sauce to taste.
Dim Sum Dipping Sauce
1/3 cup light soy sauce
1/3 cup rice vinegar
1 tablespoon fresh ginger root, minced
2 to 3 garlic cloves, minced or pressed
1 teaspoon dark Oriental sesame oil*
1/2 teaspoon Chinese chili sauce* – optional
2 teaspoons sugar


1. Combine all ingredients together and let stand 30 minutes to allow flavors to blend before serving or cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

Yield: 3/4 cup or 12 1-tablespoon servings at approximately 12 calories; 0 protein; 1.5 grams carbohydrate; 0.3 gram fat; 0 cholesterol; 265 milligrams sodium.

*These items can be found at your local Oriental market and are available in the specialty food sections of most larger supermarkets.

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