Vietnamese Fresh Spring Rolls: A Light, Healthy, and Refreshing
Vietnamese Fresh Spring Rolls are fresh rice paper rolls filled with rice noodles, vegetables, herbs, and protein. They are light, nutritious, and packed with refreshing flavors. Often served with peanut dipping sauce, these rolls offer a delightful combination of crunchy, soft, savory, and aromatic elements. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or light meal, they are naturally customizable and suitable for various dietary preferences. Their vibrant presentation and healthy ingredients make them a favorite in Vietnamese cuisine and beyond.
Ingredients
For the Spring Rolls
- 8 rice paper wrappers
- 100 g rice vermicelli noodles
- 16 cooked shrimp, peeled and halved lengthwise
- 1 cup lettuce leaves, shredded
- 1 cup cucumber, julienned
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
- ½ cup fresh mint leaves
- ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves
For the Peanut Dipping Sauce
- ¼ cup peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2–3 tablespoons warm water
Instructions
- Cook the rice vermicelli noodles according to the package instructions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
- Prepare all vegetables and herbs by washing, drying, and cutting them into thin strips.
- Fill a large shallow dish with warm water. Dip one rice paper wrapper into the water for about 10–15 seconds until it becomes soft and pliable. Place it flat on a clean work surface.
- Arrange a small amount of lettuce, noodles, cucumber, carrots, mint, cilantro, and basil in the center of the wrapper.
- Place 2 shrimp halves on top of the vegetables with the pink side facing down for an attractive appearance.
- Fold the bottom edge of the rice paper over the filling, then fold in both sides.
- Roll tightly from the bottom upward until completely sealed.
- Repeat with the remaining wrappers and fillings.
- For the dipping sauce, whisk together peanut butter, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, warm water, and sesame oil until smooth.
- Serve the spring rolls immediately with the peanut dipping sauce.
Notes
- Do not soak rice paper for too long, as it will become difficult to handle.
- Keep fillings dry to prevent tearing.
- Use fresh herbs for authentic flavor.
- Work on a clean, slightly damp surface.
- Roll tightly but gently.
- Serve immediately for the best texture.
- Cover finished rolls with a damp towel to prevent drying.
- Prepare all ingredients before assembling.