Description
Fresh Spring Rolls are light, healthy Vietnamese-inspired appetizers featuring tender shrimp or tofu, crisp fresh vegetables, and fragrant herbs wrapped in delicate rice paper. Served with a flavorful peanut-hoisin dipping sauce, these no-cook rolls are perfect for a refreshing snack or elegant party starter.
Ingredients
Scale
Rolls
- 8 rice paper wrappers
- 4 ounces rice vermicelli noodles, cooked
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, halved lengthwise (or sliced cooked chicken or tofu)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce or cabbage
- 1 cup julienned carrots
- 1 cup cucumber, julienned
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
Dipping Sauce
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional)
- 2–3 tablespoons warm water
- 1 tablespoon crushed peanuts (for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Gather and prep all the filling ingredients, including cooking and cooling the rice vermicelli noodles, cooking and halving the shrimp (or slicing chicken/tofu), shredding lettuce or cabbage, julienning carrots, cucumber, and slicing bell pepper. Arrange fresh mint, cilantro, and basil leaves. Have everything within easy reach.
- Soften the Rice Paper: Fill a shallow dish or pie plate with warm water. Dip one rice paper wrapper into the water for 10–15 seconds until it becomes pliable but not too soft or tear-prone. Carefully lay the softened wrapper flat on a clean surface or damp towel.
- Assemble the Roll: Place a few shrimp halves (or chosen protein), a small handful of cooked noodles, shredded lettuce or cabbage, carrots, cucumber, bell pepper, and fresh herbs in the center of the rice paper, leaving space around the edges.
- Roll It Up: Fold the bottom edge of the rice paper over the filling, then fold in both sides tightly. Continue rolling firmly like a burrito until fully sealed. Repeat this process with the remaining wrappers and filling ingredients.
- Make the Dipping Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha (if using), and warm water until smooth and well combined. Top with crushed peanuts for added texture and flavor.
- Serve: Arrange the fresh spring rolls on a plate and serve immediately alongside the prepared dipping sauce. Enjoy fresh for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Best eaten the day they are made to maintain freshness and texture.
- For added variety, incorporate avocado slices or mango into the filling.
- Alternatively, serve with traditional Vietnamese nước chấm (fish sauce-based dipping sauce) for an authentic touch.
- Handle rice paper gently, as it becomes fragile when softened.
- To keep rolls from sticking, place them on a damp cloth or parchment paper.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll with sauce
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 3.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
