Vietnamese Fresh Spring Rolls Recipe
Introduction
Vietnamese Fresh Spring Rolls are a light and refreshing appetizer perfect for warm weather. Filled with shrimp, rice noodles, and fresh herbs, these rolls offer a delicious balance of textures and flavors wrapped in delicate rice paper.
Ingredients
- Rice paper
- Shrimp, cooked and peeled
- Rice noodles, cooked
- Fresh herbs (such as mint, cilantro, and basil)
Instructions
- Step 1: Soften one sheet of rice paper by briefly dipping it in warm water until pliable, then lay it flat on a clean surface.
- Step 2: Place a small amount of shrimp, rice noodles, and fresh herbs near the bottom edge of the rice paper. Fold the sides over the filling, then roll tightly from the bottom to enclose the ingredients completely.
Tips & Variations
- For added crunch, include sliced cucumber or shredded carrots inside the rolls.
- Try substituting shrimp with cooked chicken, tofu, or thinly sliced pork for variety.
- Serve with a dipping sauce like hoisin peanut sauce or nuoc cham for extra flavor.
Storage
Fresh spring rolls are best enjoyed immediately but can be stored in an airtight container lined with damp paper towels to keep the rice paper from drying out. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours. To serve after storing, allow them to come to room temperature before eating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare the ingredients in advance?
Yes, you can cook the shrimp and rice noodles and prepare the herbs ahead of time. However, it’s best to assemble the rolls just before serving to prevent the rice paper from becoming soggy.
What if I don’t have rice paper?
Rice paper is essential for authentic fresh spring rolls due to its delicate texture and subtle flavor. If unavailable, consider using large lettuce leaves as a fresh alternative wrap.
PrintVietnamese Fresh Spring Rolls Recipe
Vietnamese Fresh Spring Rolls are light, healthy, and refreshing appetizers made with soft rice paper filled with shrimp, rice noodles, and fresh herbs. These no-cook rolls are perfect as a snack or starter and offer a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (for boiling shrimp and noodles)
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings (8 spring rolls) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 sheets rice paper
- 16 medium shrimp, cooked, peeled and deveined
- 100g rice vermicelli noodles, cooked according to package instructions
- Fresh herbs: 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, 1/2 cup fresh Thai basil
- Optional: Lettuce leaves for added crunch
Dipping Sauce
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- Crushed peanuts and chili flakes to garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Rice Paper: Fill a large shallow dish with warm water. Dip one rice paper sheet into the water and let it soften for about 10-15 seconds until pliable but not too soft. Lay it flat on a clean surface.
- Arrange the Filling: Place a few shrimp halves in a line across the center of the rice paper. Add a small handful of cooked rice noodles on top of the shrimp, then layer fresh herbs and optionally a piece of lettuce for extra crunch.
- Roll the Spring Roll: Fold the sides of the rice paper over the filling, then carefully roll it up from the bottom to the top, keeping the filling tight and secure. Repeat with remaining rice papers and fillings.
- Prepare Dipping Sauce: In a small bowl, combine hoisin sauce, peanut butter, water, and lime juice. Stir until smooth. Garnish with crushed peanuts and chili flakes as desired.
- Serve: Arrange the fresh spring rolls on a platter and serve immediately with the prepared dipping sauce.
Notes
- Use warm water to soften rice paper for easier rolling.
- Don’t soak rice paper too long or it will become too soft and tear.
- Customize the filling with other proteins like tofu or cooked pork.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh crispness; they can dry out if left too long.
- Vegetarian option: omit shrimp and add extra tofu and vegetables.
Keywords: Vietnamese spring rolls, fresh spring rolls, shrimp spring rolls, healthy appetizer, no-cook recipe
