Why Make This Recipe
Vietnamese Rice Paper Spring Rolls are fresh, healthy, and bursting with flavor. These rolls are perfect as a light snack or a fun appetizer for gatherings. They are quick to make, customizable with various fillings, and offer a delightful combination of textures and tastes. The best part? They are fun to assemble, making them a great dish to enjoy with family and friends!
How to Make Vietnamese Rice Paper Spring Rolls
Ingredients:
- 11 small cooked prawns (about 12 cm or 5 inches in length, unpeeled including the head)
- 7 lettuce leaves (soft leaves like Oak or Butter Lettuce)
- 14 mint leaves
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 1/2 tsp crushed chili (sambal oelek or other chili paste, adjust to taste, optional)
- 7-14 sheets of 22 cm (8.5 inch) round rice paper
- 50 g (1.5 oz) dried vermicelli noodles
- 1/3 cup milk (any fat or water)
- 1 tbsp peanut butter (preferably smooth, crunchy is ok too)
- 2 tbsp Hoisin Sauce
- 1 1/2 tbsp white vinegar or lime juice
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
Directions:
- Prepare the vermicelli noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Fill a shallow dish with warm water and soak one rice paper sheet until pliable.
- Lay the soaked rice paper on a clean surface.
- In the center of the rice paper, place a few mint leaves, a lettuce leaf, some bean sprouts, a small amount of vermicelli noodles, and a cooked prawn.
- Drizzle a little peanut butter, Hoisin sauce, vinegar or lime juice, and a sprinkle of minced garlic on top.
- Fold the sides of the rice paper over the fillings and roll it tightly from the bottom to the top to form a roll.
- Repeat the process with the remaining ingredients.
- Serve rolls with additional Hoisin sauce for dipping.
How to Serve Vietnamese Rice Paper Spring Rolls
Serve the spring rolls fresh, alongside a small bowl of Hoisin sauce for dipping. You can also add a side of chili sauce if you prefer more heat. These rolls are best enjoyed immediately after making them to keep them fresh and crispy.
How to Store Vietnamese Rice Paper Spring Rolls
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day. Place a damp paper towel between layers of rolls to keep them moist. Avoid storing them for too long, as the rice paper can become dry and less enjoyable.
Tips to Make Vietnamese Rice Paper Spring Rolls
- Make sure to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before starting to roll. This makes the process smoother and quicker.
- When soaking the rice paper, don’t leave it in the water for too long—just until it’s pliable. It will continue to soften as you work with it.
- Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite vegetables or proteins, such as sliced bell peppers, avocado, or tofu.
Variation
You can switch up the ingredients based on your preferences. For a vegetarian version, remove the prawns and add more vegetables or grilled tofu. You can also spice it up with sliced jalapeños or switch the Hoisin sauce for a different dipping sauce.
FAQs
1. Can I make spring rolls ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the ingredients in advance and assemble the rolls right before serving for the best texture.
2. Can I freeze spring rolls?
It is not recommended to freeze them once they are rolled, as the rice paper will not have the same texture when thawed. However, you can freeze the ingredients separately.
3. What can I serve with spring rolls?
In addition to Hoisin sauce, you can serve them with peanut sauce, sweet chili sauce, or even a simple soy sauce for dipping.