Recipe(tried): Chinese Spring Rolls ( Shanghai) Dim Sum

CHINESE SPRING ROLLS (SHANGHAI) Dim Sum

Spring roll skins are also known as Shanghai-type spring roll skins and are available in some Asian markets. Lumpia skins, available in Philippine markets, may be substituted. Egg roll skins may also be substituted, but they are much thicker and not as nice as homemade spring roll skins.

SPRING ROLL SKINS:

1 cup unbleached flour
1/2 tsp salt
2 eggs, beaten
2 cups water, approximately
vegetable oil

SPRING ROLL FILLING:

1 Tbsp peanut oil
2 celery ribs, sliced thinly on diagonal
1 pound mung bean sprouts
3/4 cup matchstick-cut bamboo shoots
1/4 cup matchstick-cut water chestnuts
2 teaspoons light soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/2 pound flaked crab meat
1/2 teaspoon Oriental sesame oil
2 Tbsp minced green onion
2 Tbsp cornstarch
egg slivers made with 2 eggs (recipe below)
1 RECIPE SKIN ROLL SKINS, or 1 (1-pound package spring-roll skins)
PEANUT OIL for deep frying
Chinese mustard
Chili oil
Soy sauce

EGG SLIVERS:

4 eggs, beaten
2 Tbsp water
1/4 tsp salt
1 Tbsp peanut oil

FOR THE FILLING: Heat peanut oil in wok or skillet and stir-fry celery, bean sprouts, bamboo shoots, water chestnuts, soy and sugar 2 minutes. Stir in crab and remove from heat. Pour off any juices and add sesame oil, green onion, cornstarch and egg slivers. Cool and place 3 tablespoons of mixture on edge of spring roll skin. Place a coriander sprig on top and fold skin over twice. Then fold in sides and roll like jelly roll. Deep-fry, seam side down, in hot oil until crisp and golden. Drain, cut into 1-inch slices and serve immediately with mustard, chili oil and soy. Yield: approximately 18 spring rolls.

EGG SLIVERS: Combine eggs, water and salt. Heat a 12-inch skillet over medium heat, add half the peanut oil and pour in half the egg mixture, tilting pan to coat surface. Cook until eggs are just set, moist but not runny. Bottom should be slightly golden. Turn out onto board and repeat with remaining oil and egg mixture. Let cool, roll and slice into slivers.

SPRING ROLL SKINS: Sift flour and salt into mixing bowl. Add eggs and enough water to make a smooth, thin batter similar to crepe batter. Always beat batter in ONE DIRECTION to gain elasticity. Let stand 20 minutes. Lightly oil a 6-inch skillet or crepe pan and heat over low heat. Beat batter in same direction and pour 2 tablespoons into pan, tilting pan to cover entire surface with batter. Cook until set. Pancake should be sheer and pliable. When it shrinks away slightly from the edges, turn over and cook other side just to set. Remove to flat dish, cover with slightly dampened tea towel and repeat with remaining batter, oiling pan as necessary and being sure to stir in one direction each time. Yield: approximately 18 spring roll skins.

Regional Cooking Of China