How to Make Popiah? | A Simple Popiah Recipe

Learn how to make fresh popiah from scratch.

Popiah, a delightful Asian spring roll, is a dish that encapsulates tradition, flavor, and culture. There are many different versions of it, but this particular recipe is simple. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to create this classic masterpiece in your own kitchen:

 Ingredients:

• Popiah skins (spring roll wrappers)
• 200g jicama (yambean), julienned
• 100g carrots, julienned
• 100g cucumber, shredded
• 2 eggs, stir-fried and chopped
• Coriander Leaves
• Sambal Chili sauce
• Sweet Sauce
• Crispy Tempura Bits
• Grated peanuts
• 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Oyster Sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooking oil

Preparation of Filling:

• Heat a pan with a bit of oil over medium heat.
• Add minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant and golden.
• In the same pan, add a bit more oil and stir-fry the jicama and carrots until they soften. Season with Oyster Sauce, salt, and pepper. Remove and set aside.

Assembling the Popiah:

• Place a popiah skin on a clean, dry surface.
• Spread a thin layer of sweet sauce and sambal chili sauce over the bottom half of the skin.
• Sprinkle Grated Peanuts, Crispy Tempura Bits & Eggs as the base layer.

Layering the Fillings:

• Start with a layer of shredded cucumber followed by the jicama and carrots, then finally garnish with coriander. Be sure not to overstuff.
• Option: Add Tiger Prawns or Crab Meat for more depth in flavor!

Folding the Popiah:

• Carefully fold in the sides of the popiah skin over the filling.
• Begin rolling up the popiah from the bottom, tucking the filling tightly as you go.
• Continue rolling until you have a neat, compact spring roll.

Final Touches

• Carefully slice the popiah into 6 bite-size portions.

Savoring the Creation:

• Take a bite and savor the explosion of flavors and textures in every mouthful. The combination of fresh vegetables and various sauces is a true delight.

Useful Tips:

• If your jicama filling is moist, employ a large colander to eliminate excess liquid. Excess moisture in the filling can make your wrappers prone to tearing.
• The quantity of filling you use hinges on the dimensions of your wrapper. As a general guideline, aim for about ⅓ of your wrapper's space to be filled.
• To safeguard unused wrappers from drying out and becoming brittle, cover them with a damp teacloth.
• Employ a sharp knife when slicing your popiah to prevent them from disintegrating.
• It's best to serve popiah promptly after preparation, as they tend to become soggy with time.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is Popiah Suitable for Vegans?

Popiah, in most cases, is not suitable for vegans, as it often contains animal-derived ingredients like dried shrimp and shredded omelette. Additionally, the jicama may be cooked in shrimp broth for added flavor. Nevertheless, there are instances where popiah can accidentally be vegan or can be specially prepared as such. It's advisable to inquire with the person handling the preparation to ensure it meets your dietary preferences.

Is Popiah Skin Free of Gluten?

Regrettably, popiah skin is not gluten-free, as it is typically crafted from all-purpose wheat flour. If you're seeking a gluten-free alternative, Vietnamese rice paper serves as a suitable option.

Can you keep Popiah overnight?

Popiah is at its best when enjoyed fresh, and it is not recommended to store it for extended periods, whether it's a day or several days. However, the individual components of popiah can be prepared in advance. This way, when you're ready to savor them, you can simply assemble and wrap them for immediate consumption.

The classic way to make popiah is a labor of love, combining carefully chosen ingredients and a meticulous assembly process. This culinary journey not only results in a delectable dish but also carries forward the tradition of crafting food with care and sharing it with loved ones. So, gather your family and friends, roll up your sleeves, and embark on the adventure of making your very own classic popiah.

What are the ingredients in Popiah?

Ingredients for Popiah typically include fresh Popiah skin, minced garlic, Sambal Chilli, sweet sauce, grated peanuts, crispy tempura bits, eggs, cucumber, stir-fried jicama and carrots, and coriander.

What is the best sweet sauce for Popiah? 

You might want to explore Fortune Food's signature Sweet Sauce – its flavor profile is truly exceptional!

Where can I place an order for Popiah delivery?

You can conveniently order Fortune Food's Popiah Set Delivery, which includes all the Popiah ingredients, making it a hassle-free choice.