Moon Cake

Spring Roll (Gỏi  quấn)春卷

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, golden syrup, lye water, and vegetable oil until a soft dough forms. Make sure there are no lumps.

Prepare the Dough

Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to shape later.

Rest the Dough

While the dough is resting, prepare the filling. If using red bean paste, ensure it is smooth and lump-free. Mix in the melon seeds for added texture.

Prepare the Filling

Divide the rested dough into equal portions (about the size of a golf ball). Flatten each piece and place about 1-2 tablespoons of the filling in the center. Carefully wrap the dough around the filling and seal it well.

Shape the Moon Cakes

Lightly dust a mooncake mold with flour. Place the filled dough ball into the mold and press down firmly to shape. Gently release the mooncake from the mold.

Mold the Moon Cakes

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the shaped mooncakes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Prepare for Baking

In a small bowl, beat the egg yolk with water. Brush the egg wash over the surface of each mooncake to give it a glossy finish.

Egg Wash

Bake the mooncakes in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking.

Bake the Moon Cakes

Once baked, remove the mooncakes from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. Serve them at room temperature, and enjoy!

Cool and Serve

All-purpose flour

Golden syrup

Lye water

Vegetable oil

Red bean paste

Melon seeds

Egg yolk (for egg wash)

Water

Start by prepping all the fresh ingredients for the spring rolls.

Prepare the Ingredients

Shred the carrot and julienne the cucumber and red bell pepper into thin strips. Set aside.

Shred and Julienne Vegetables

Chop the fresh mint and cilantro leaves. Set aside with the vegetables.

Chop Herbs

If not already cooked, prepare the rice vermicelli noodles according to package instructions and set aside.

Cook Rice Vermicelli Noodles

Fill a large shallow dish with warm water. Dip one rice paper wrapper into the warm water for about 10-15 seconds until it becomes soft and pliable.

Prepare Rice Paper Wrappers

Place the softened rice paper wrapper on a clean surface. In the center, layer a lettuce leaf, followed by a small amount of cooked shrimp, rice vermicelli noodles, shredded carrots, julienned cucumber, julienned red bell pepper, and chopped herbs.

Assemble the Spring Roll

Fold the sides of the rice paper wrapper over the filling, then roll from the bottom up tightly to form a spring roll. Repeat with remaining ingredients.

Moon Cake

Spring Roll (gỏi Quấn)春卷