Vegetarian Spring Rolls

🕒 Prep: 20 min
🔥 Cook:
🍽 Serves: 8

If you’re looking for a fresh, vibrant appetizer or light meal, these Vegetarian Spring Rolls are a must-try. Packed with colorful veggies and herbs, they’re perfect for a quick bite or a party platter.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, ready in under 30 minutes.
  • Great for using up leftover veggies in your fridge.
  • Refreshing and light, perfect for warmer days.
  • Customizable to suit your taste and dietary needs.

Ingredients

8 rice paper wrappers
1 cup shredded carrots
1 cup thinly sliced red bell pepper
1 cup thinly sliced cucumber
1 cup shredded purple cabbage
1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup bean sprouts
1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1/2 tsp sesame oil
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

Ingredients Explained

Rice paper wrappers are the base of our spring rolls, providing a chewy texture that wraps everything together. Shredded carrots offer a touch of sweetness and a satisfying crunch. Red bell pepper slices add a pop of color and subtle sweetness. For a refreshing taste, cucumber is perfect, lending moisture and a crisp bite. Purple cabbage not only adds a beautiful hue but also has a slightly peppery flavor. The trio of herbs—cilantro, mint, and basil—bring aromatic depth and freshness. Bean sprouts give a delightful crunch, while green onions introduce a mild sharpness. To season, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil enhance the flavors with a savory, tangy, and nutty profile, finished with a touch of salt and black pepper.

Tips & Tricks

  • Keep a damp towel handy to cover prepared rolls, preventing them from drying out.
  • If your wrappers tear, double them up for extra strength.
  • Use a sharp knife for slicing veggies thinly; it makes a big difference in texture and appearance.

Detailed Instructions

Start by washing and slicing all your vegetables. This prep work sets you up for smooth rolling later on. Once your veggies are ready, fill a shallow dish with warm water. The key is to soften the rice paper wrappers just enough—a quick 10-second dip should do it. Lay the softened wrapper on a clean, damp kitchen towel to prevent sticking.

Now, it’s time to fill. Pile a little bit of each veggie and herb in the center of your wrapper. Don’t overstuff, or rolling will become tricky. Drizzle your filling with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil, and sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper for flavor.

Fold the sides over your filling, then roll tightly from the bottom. It’s similar to wrapping a burrito but with a touch more finesse. Repeat this process with your remaining wrappers and veggies.

Serve your spring rolls immediately—freshness is key here. Pair them with a dipping sauce of your choice for an added flavor punch.

Simplified Instructions

1. Prepare all vegetables by washing and slicing them thinly.
2. Fill a shallow dish with warm water and dip each rice paper wrapper in the water to soften, about 10 seconds each.
3. Place the softened wrapper on a clean, damp kitchen towel.
4. Arrange a small portion of each vegetable, herbs, and sprouts in the center of the wrapper.
5. Drizzle with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
6. Fold the sides over the filling and then roll tightly from the bottom.
7. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling ingredients.
8. Serve immediately with a tangy dipping sauce of your choice.

Serving Suggestions

These spring rolls are delightful on their own but shine even more with a side of spicy peanut sauce or hoisin sauce for dipping. Pair them with a light Vietnamese noodle salad for a complete meal. They also make a charming addition to a party platter alongside other Asian appetizers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare these in advance?
Yes, but it's best to serve them fresh. If needed, store them in a single layer covered with a damp cloth in the fridge for a few hours.
Can I add protein to these rolls?
Absolutely! Tofu or cooked shrimp make great additions for extra protein.
Are these rolls gluten-free?
Yes, provided you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.

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