Spring rolls, a staple in Vietnamese cuisine, are light, fresh, and bursting with flavors. These delightful rolls are perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even a light meal. Filled with a variety of fresh vegetables, herbs, and optional proteins, and served with a savory dipping sauce, spring rolls are not only delicious but also healthy. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through a simple yet authentic spring rolls recipe that you can easily make at home.

Ingredients

For the spring rolls:

• 12 rice paper wrappers
• 1 cup cooked shrimp, sliced in half lengthwise (or substitute with cooked chicken or tofu)
• 1 cup vermicelli noodles, cooked
• 1 cup shredded lettuce or cabbage
• 1/2 cup julienned carrots
• 1/2 cup julienned cucumbers
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• 1/4 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
• 1/4 cup bean sprouts

For the dipping sauce:

• 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1-2 tablespoons water (to thin the sauce)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Crushed peanuts and red pepper flakes for garnish

Instructions

Preparing the Ingredients

1. Cook the Vermicelli Noodles: Cook the vermicelli noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Vegetables and Herbs: Wash and julienne the carrots and cucumbers. Wash and dry the lettuce or cabbage, mint, cilantro, and Thai basil.

3. Cook the Protein: If using shrimp, cook and slice them in half lengthwise. If using chicken or tofu, cook and slice into thin strips.

Making the Dipping Sauce

4. Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine hoisin sauce, peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and water. Mix until smooth. Adjust the thickness by adding more water if needed. Garnish with crushed peanuts and red pepper flakes.

Assembling the Spring Rolls

5. Soften the Rice Paper: Fill a large bowl with warm water. Dip one rice paper wrapper into the water for about 5 seconds to soften. Lay the softened wrapper flat on a clean, damp kitchen towel or cutting board.

6. Add the Fillings: In the center of the wrapper, place a small handful of vermicelli noodles, followed by a few pieces of shrimp (or chicken/tofu), and a mix of lettuce, carrots, cucumbers, bean sprouts, and herbs.

7. Roll the Wrapper: Fold the sides of the wrapper over the filling, then roll from the bottom up, tightly but gently, to form a neat roll. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and fillings.

Serving

8. Serve Immediately: Spring rolls are best enjoyed fresh. Serve them with the peanut dipping sauce on the side.

Tips for Perfect Spring Rolls

• Prepare All Ingredients First: Have all your ingredients ready and within reach before you start assembling the rolls.
• Don’t Overfill: Avoid overfilling the wrappers to ensure they roll up neatly without tearing.
• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs add a burst of flavor and make the rolls taste authentic.

Conclusion

Fresh spring rolls are a delightful and healthy option that you can easily customize to suit your taste. With this simple recipe, you can bring the fresh flavors of Vietnamese cuisine into your home. Enjoy making and eating these delicious rolls with your family and friends. Happy rolling!

Feel free to adjust the recipe and tips to better suit your preferences or to highlight specific aspects of spring rolls that you find most intriguing.

If you enjoyed this Asian recipe, you can click HERE to find more recipes that will help you cook your dishes in a simple and fun way.