How to Store Spring Rolls

“How do you store fresh summer rolls, though?” This is the question I most often get when I profess my love of these rice paper-rolled treats to anyone who will listen. It’s a genuinely great question, as spring rolls or summer rolls are often best just after rolling, but the answer depends on how long your summer rolls need storing.

Whether you’re making them ahead for a party or stashing leftovers in the fridge, here are two smart ways to store spring rolls. You can either cover them with a clean, wet dish towel or store individually wrapped in the fridge for two days.

Arrange the fresh summer rolls in a single layer on a serving tray. Soak a clean dish towel in cool water and cover the rolls. Do your best to keep the tray away from warm oven drafts or sunshine-filled windows to keep the fillings out of the danger zone. Refresh the cloth with cool water every hour as needed.

This method works best for rolls you plan to serve within a few hours, so you can make summer rolls before a party and still have time to get ready yourself before guests arrive.

Refrigeration is notorious for drying out rice paper wrappers and making spring rolls rubbery, so fair warning that these won’t be quite as supple as their freshly rolled friends (but still delicious nonetheless). Wrap individual summer rolls tightly in plastic wrap and store the rolls in an airtight container.

These summer rolls can be stored like this for up to two days for best results. Be sure to bring the rolls to room temperature for about 30 minutes before eating, and don’t forget a good creamy peanut dipping sauce!

Our cooking lesson will walk you through making your best summer rolls yet. From preparing the filling to prepping the rice paper wrap, here’s how to master this summer favorite.