Vietnamese Spring Rolls are a fresh, vibrant dish that's perfect for those warm weather days when you're craving something light yet satisfying. These rolls are packed with crisp veggies, fragrant herbs, and tender shrimp, all wrapped in delicate rice paper. Perfect as an appetizer or a light meal, they're a hands-on dish that everyone can enjoy making and eating.
The base here is the rice paper wrappers, which hold everything together. They're delicate yet sturdy enough to keep all those tasty fillings intact. Next, shredded carrots add a sweet crunch, while thinly sliced cucumbers provide a refreshing crispness. The thinly sliced bell peppers bring a pop of color and subtle sweetness. Fresh herbs like mint leaves and cilantro offer aromatic notes that elevate every bite. The cooked shrimp, sliced in half, adds a protein punch and a touch of sweetness. Topping it all off are crushed peanuts, which introduce a lovely nutty crunch. For the dipping sauce, you'll need hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, soy sauce, lime juice, and a hint of sugar to balance everything out.
Start by prepping all your veggies and shrimp. Make sure everything is sliced thinly, which makes for easier rolling and a better bite. Gather all your ingredients around you for easy access. Fill a large bowl with warm water — not too hot, just enough to soften the rice paper without making it sticky. Submerge a rice paper wrapper in the water until it becomes pliable, about 10-20 seconds should do it.
Lay the softened wrapper flat on a clean surface like a cutting board or a damp towel. Now, it's time to layer your fillings. Start with a small handful of shredded carrots, then add a few slices of cucumber and bell pepper. Add some mint leaves and cilantro for that fragrant kick, and top with a couple of shrimp halves. Don't overfill, or rolling will be tricky.
To roll, fold the sides of the wrapper in towards the center, then start rolling from the bottom, keeping it tight but gentle to avoid tearing. Repeat this process with your remaining wrappers and fillings. You might need a few tries to get it just right, but that's part of the fun!
For the dipping sauce, mix hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, soy sauce, lime juice, and sugar in a small bowl. Stir until the sugar dissolves, and adjust to taste if necessary. Serve your spring rolls with the sauce on the side and enjoy the medley of flavors and textures.
These spring rolls pair beautifully with a light, crisp white wine or a refreshing iced tea. For a fuller meal, consider serving them alongside a simple noodle salad or a tangy green papaya salad. They also work great as part of an appetizer spread with other light bites like edamame or cucumber salad.
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