Vietnamese Spring Rolls (Printable)
Crisp vegetables and herbs wrapped in delicate rice paper with savory peanut sauce
# What You'll Need:
→ For the Spring Rolls
01 - 8 rice paper wrappers (8.5 inch diameter)
02 - 3.5 oz rice vermicelli noodles
03 - 7 oz cooked shrimp, peeled, deveined, and halved lengthwise (or substitute with cooked chicken or tofu)
04 - 1 medium carrot, julienned
05 - 1 small cucumber, julienned, seeds removed
06 - 8 leaves butter lettuce or romaine, torn to fit
07 - 1 handful fresh mint leaves
08 - 1 handful fresh cilantro
09 - 1 handful fresh Thai basil (optional)
→ For the Peanut Dipping Sauce
10 - 3 tbsp peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
11 - 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
12 - 1 tbsp soy sauce (use gluten-free if needed)
13 - 1 tbsp lime juice
14 - 1 tsp sriracha or chili sauce (optional)
15 - 3-4 tbsp warm water (to thin)
# Directions:
01 - Soak the rice vermicelli noodles in hot water for 5-7 minutes until soft. Drain and rinse with cold water; set aside.
02 - Prepare all vegetables and herbs. Arrange shrimp (or chosen protein), lettuce, herbs, carrots, cucumber, and noodles on a work surface.
03 - Fill a large shallow bowl with warm water. Dip one rice paper wrapper into the water for 5-8 seconds, just until slightly soft but still pliable. Lay it flat on a damp kitchen towel or clean cutting board.
04 - Place a small amount of lettuce, noodles, carrot, cucumber, and herbs on the lower third of the wrapper. Top with 2-3 shrimp halves (cut side up for presentation). Fold the bottom of the wrapper over the filling, then fold in both sides, and roll tightly but gently to seal.
05 - Repeat with the remaining ingredients to make 8 rolls.
06 - In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, sriracha (if using), and warm water until smooth and creamy. Adjust consistency as needed.
07 - Serve the spring rolls fresh with peanut dipping sauce on the side.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The contrast between crisp vegetables and tender rice paper creates this satisfying texture that keeps everyone coming back for seconds
- You can customize the filling based on whatever looks fresh at the market or what you already have in your crisper drawer
02 -
- Over-soaking the rice paper makes them tear easily and becomes frustrating to work with
- Keep rolled spring rolls covered with a damp cloth so they dont dry out and become tough
03 -
- Use a clean damp kitchen towel as your rolling surface to prevent sticking
- Cut the rolls in half diagonally right before serving to show off the beautiful layers inside