Save The first time I tried rice paper in a hot pan instead of cold water, my kitchen assistant stared at me like I had lost my mind. But when that wrapper crisped up like a spring roll skin without any deep frying, we both started experimenting with everything we could fold inside.
My sister stumbled into my kitchen last month complaining about being too tired to cook real food but too hungry for yet another bowl of cereal. I made her these crispy folded pouches, and she texted me three days later asking for the recipe because she had already made them four times.
Ingredients
- 2 large rice paper wrappers: These transform from soft and pliable to irresistibly crispy when pan fried
- 2 large eggs: Room temperature eggs will blend more evenly with the seasonings
- 1/3 cup 30 g shredded cheese: Cheddar adds sharpness while mozzarella creates those beautiful cheese pulls when you bite in
- 2 scallions finely sliced: Both the white and green parts add mild onion flavor and bright color contrast
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: A neutral oil lets the other flavors shine while helping the rice paper achieve golden crispness
- Pinch of salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the eggs and cheese without overpowering
- Optional chili flakes or sriracha: Add heat if you like your breakfast with a little kick
Instructions
- Prepare the rice paper:
- Fill a shallow dish with warm water and dip one rice paper wrapper for just 10 to 15 seconds until it becomes pliable. Lay it carefully on a clean damp kitchen towel or cutting board.
- Beat the eggs:
- Crack one egg into a small bowl and whisk it together with a pinch of salt and pepper until evenly blended.
- Warm your skillet:
- Heat half the vegetable oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat until the surface shimmers slightly.
- Build your filling:
- Pour the beaten egg directly onto the center of your softened rice paper wrapper then scatter half the scallions and half the shredded cheese on top.
- Fold into a pouch:
- Fold each side of the rice paper toward the center like an envelope creating a neat square or rectangle pocket that holds everything securely inside.
- Crisp to golden perfection:
- Slide the pouch into your hot skillet seam side down and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the bottom turns golden brown and crisp. Flip carefully and cook another 2 minutes until both sides are beautifully crunchy.
- Repeat and serve:
- Make the second pouch exactly the same way then serve both immediately while the rice paper is still shatteringly crisp with your choice of sriracha or chili flakes on top.
Save During finals week my roommate and I made these every single morning for five days straight. We eventually started adding whatever leftover vegetables we had in the crisper drawer and turned the simple recipe into our own invention.
Choosing Your Rice Paper
Not all rice paper brands behave the same way when you fry them. Thinner wrappers from the Vietnamese section of Asian markets tend to crisp up more evenly than thicker spring roll wrappers. I always buy the round white ones labeled for spring rolls or summer rolls rather than the explicitly labeled frying varieties.
Cheese Variations That Work
While cheddar and mozzarella create classic flavors, try gruyère for a sophisticated twist or pepper jack for extra heat. Soft cheeses like goat cheese crumble beautifully over the egg and melt into creamy pockets throughout the pouch. Mix multiple cheeses together to discover your favorite combination.
Make It A Complete Meal
Add protein like diced ham, crumbled bacon, or shredded cooked chicken to turn this into a heartier breakfast. Diced mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers cook down nicely inside the pouch and add nutritional value.
- Try a Mediterranean version with feta, olives, and sun dried tomatoes
- Make it Mexican style with pepper jack cheese, corn, and cilantro
- Go Italian with mozzarella, basil, and tomato paste thinned with a little water
Save These folded pouches have become my answer to almost any meal or snack situation. Once you master the basic technique, you will find yourself folding rice paper around whatever needs using up from your refrigerator.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do you soften rice paper for folding?
Dip the rice paper in warm water for 10-15 seconds until pliable, then place it on a damp towel to prevent sticking.
- → What types of cheese work best in this dish?
Mild cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella melt well and complement the eggs without overpowering the flavors.
- → Can I add other ingredients to the filling?
Yes, variations like diced ham, mushrooms, or spinach can be added for extra texture and taste.
- → What cooking method ensures a crispy finish?
Cooking the folded rice paper pouch seam-side down in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat until golden creates a crispy texture.
- → Is this dish suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, it uses eggs, cheese, and scallions, all of which align with vegetarian dietary preferences.