Description
Fresh Spring Rolls are a light and refreshing Vietnamese appetizer made with delicate rice paper wrappers filled with crisp vegetables, fresh herbs, rice vermicelli noodles, and your choice of cooked shrimp or tofu. These no-cook rolls are served chilled with a flavorful homemade peanut dipping sauce, making them a perfect healthy snack or starter.
Ingredients
Scale
Spring Rolls
- 12 rice paper wrappers
- 12 large cooked shrimp, halved lengthwise (or 1 cup sliced cooked tofu for vegetarian option)
- 2 ounces rice vermicelli noodles, cooked and cooled
- 6 large lettuce leaves, halved
- 1 cup red cabbage, shredded
- 2 carrots, julienned
- 1 cucumber, sliced into matchsticks
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
Peanut Dipping Sauce (optional)
- 1/3 cup peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- Warm water, as needed to thin sauce
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Have all your filling ingredients prepped and arranged near your workspace for easy assembly.
- Soften Rice Paper: Fill a large shallow dish with warm water. Dip one rice paper wrapper into the water for 5 to 7 seconds until just pliable but not fully soft.
- Assemble Roll: Lay the softened wrapper flat on a clean surface. Place a small portion of lettuce near the lower third, then add a handful of rice vermicelli noodles, shredded cabbage, carrots, cucumber matchsticks, fresh mint, cilantro, and basil.
- Add Protein: Place two shrimp halves or a few slices of tofu on top of the fillings.
- Roll Up: Fold the bottom of the wrapper over the filling, then fold in the sides tightly, and continue rolling to seal completely. Repeat this process with the remaining wrappers and fillings.
- Make Dipping Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, and grated ginger. Add warm water gradually until the sauce reaches a smooth, dippable consistency.
- Serve: Serve the fresh spring rolls immediately alongside the peanut dipping sauce. Optionally, use hoisin or sweet chili sauce as alternative dips.
Notes
- Add avocado slices for extra creaminess or mango for a sweet twist inside the rolls.
- Spring rolls are best enjoyed immediately but can be stored covered with damp paper towels in the refrigerator for a few hours.
- Alternatives to peanut dipping sauce include hoisin sauce or sweet chili sauce.
