Vietnamese Fresh Spring Rolls (Gỏi Cuốn) – Light, Healthy, Colorful & Packed with Fresh Flavor
Vietnamese Fresh Spring Rolls are a healthy, refreshing dish filled with shrimp, rice noodles, crisp vegetables, and fragrant herbs wrapped in soft rice paper. They require no frying, making them naturally light and nutritious. Every bite offers a delightful mix of crunchy vegetables, tender protein, and fresh herbs. Served with creamy peanut sauce or Vietnamese dipping sauce, they make an impressive appetizer or light meal. Easy to customize, they're perfect for meal prep, family dinners, and entertaining guests.
Ingredients
For the Spring Rolls
- 8 rice paper wrappers
- 8 large cooked shrimp, halved lengthwise (or grilled chicken strips)
- 1 cup lettuce leaves
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup cucumber, julienned
- 1 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh mint leaves
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro
- ¼ cup Thai basil leaves (optional)
Peanut Dipping Sauce
- ¼ cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 2–3 tablespoons warm water
- Crushed peanuts for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the rice vermicelli noodles according to the package instructions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
- Prepare all vegetables, herbs, and shrimp before assembling the rolls.
- Fill a shallow bowl with warm water. Dip one rice paper wrapper into the water for about 10–15 seconds until soft but not overly delicate.
- Lay the softened wrapper on a clean cutting board or damp towel.
- Place lettuce, noodles, carrots, cucumber, bell pepper, bean sprouts, herbs, and shrimp near the bottom third of the wrapper.
- Fold the bottom edge over the filling, fold in both sides, and roll tightly into a neat cylinder.
- Repeat with the remaining wrappers and fillings.
- Whisk together all peanut sauce ingredients until smooth. Adjust with warm water until the desired consistency is reached. Sprinkle with crushed peanuts and serve alongside the spring rolls.
Notes
- Keep rice paper wrappers covered with a damp towel while assembling.
- Do not over-soak the wrappers, as they become fragile.
- Fresh herbs are essential for authentic Vietnamese flavor.
- Cooked shrimp, grilled chicken, or tofu all work well.
- Assemble the rolls just before serving for the best texture.
- Use fresh, crisp vegetables for maximum crunch.
- Store with damp paper towels to prevent drying.
- Peanut sauce can be made a day ahead.