Vietnamese Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce: A Fresh and Flavorful Delight

This appetizer or snack offers a refreshing and flavorful experience, combining fresh vegetables, herbs, and sometimes shrimp or tofu, all wrapped in delicate rice paper.

Known as Gỏi cuốn in Vietnam, these rolls are light, healthy, and packed with vibrant ingredients. The accompanying savory and slightly sweet peanut sauce adds a creamy contrast to the crisp vegetables and soft rice paper, enhancing the overall taste.

Whether served as a starter or a light meal, Vietnamese Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce provide a delicious way to savor the vibrant essence of Vietnamese cuisine.

This Dish can become your Favorite

What makes this dish so special is its versatility and simplicity. The rolls themselves are filled with a variety of fresh ingredients like lettuce, cucumber, carrots, herbs, and often rice noodles.

Protein options can range from shrimp, tofu, or even pork, making them adaptable to dietary preferences. The peanut sauce, made with a combination of peanut butter, soy sauce, and hoisin, ties the dish together with its rich, nutty flavor.

These rolls are not only delicious but also incredibly healthy. With their combination of raw vegetables, lean proteins, and herbs like mint and cilantro, they provide a well-rounded snack or meal that is low in calories and packed with nutrients.

Plus, they’re fun to make and even more enjoyable to eat, especially when paired with a bowl of creamy peanut sauce for dipping.

Ingredients 

Making it at home requires simple and fresh ingredients. While they may look fancy, the preparation is easy once you get the hang of rolling the rice paper. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

For the Spring Rolls:

• Rice paper wrappers (available in most Asian grocery stores)
• 200g cooked shrimp, sliced in half lengthwise, or tofu for a vegetarian option
• 100g rice vermicelli noodles, cooked according to package instructions
• Lettuce leaves (butter lettuce or romaine work well)
• 1 cucumber, julienned
• 1 carrot, julienned
• Fresh herbs: mint, cilantro, and Thai basil
• Optional: bean sprouts, avocado slices, or bell peppers

For the Peanut Sauce:

• 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 tablespoon water (to thin the sauce as needed)
• Optional: crushed peanuts for garnish

Step by Step

While making Vietnamese Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce may seem intimidating at first, the process is quite simple. The key is to have all of your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start assembling the rolls. Follow these easy steps for fresh and delicious spring rolls every time.

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Begin by preparing all the filling ingredients. Cook the rice vermicelli noodles according to the package instructions, then drain and set them aside. If you’re using shrimp, cook or steam the shrimp until they are opaque, then slice each one in half lengthwise. If you prefer a vegetarian option, fry or bake tofu slices until crispy. Julienne the cucumber and carrot, and wash and dry the lettuce leaves and fresh herbs.

Step 2: Make the Peanut Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, lime juice, and water. Adjust the consistency by adding more water if needed until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If you prefer a sweeter or spicier sauce, you can also add a dash of sugar or chili flakes. Set the sauce aside, and garnish with crushed peanuts if desired.

Step 3: Soften the Rice Paper

Fill a large shallow bowl or dish with warm water. Take one rice paper wrapper and gently dip it into the water for about 5-10 seconds, just until it softens. Be careful not to leave it in the water too long, as it will become too sticky and hard to work with. Lay the softened rice paper flat on a clean surface, such as a cutting board or a damp kitchen towel.

Step 4: Assemble the Spring Rolls

In the center of the rice paper, layer a few lettuce leaves, a small handful of rice noodles, and the julienned vegetables. Add a few pieces of shrimp or tofu, and top with fresh herbs. Be mindful not to overstuff the rolls, as this will make them harder to wrap.

To roll, fold the bottom of the rice paper up over the filling, then fold in the sides like an envelope. Continue rolling the rice paper tightly until it forms a neat, sealed roll. Repeat this process with the remaining ingredients until you’ve made all of your spring rolls.

Step 5: Serve with Peanut Sauce

Serve the Vietnamese Spring Rolls fresh, alongside a small bowl of peanut sauce for dipping. The rolls can be enjoyed immediately or refrigerated for up to a few hours. They’re best served at room temperature, so if you refrigerate them, let them sit out for a few minutes before serving.

Vegan Vietnamese Spring Rolls

To make the rolls completely vegan, simply use tofu or tempeh as the protein instead of shrimp. You can also add more vegetables like avocado, bell peppers, or mango for a fresh, tropical twist.

Gluten-Free Option

Since the rice paper and rice noodles are naturally gluten-free, these rolls are a great option for those with gluten sensitivities. Just be sure to use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce in the peanut sauce to keep the entire dish gluten-free.

Vietnamese Spring Rolls with Grilled Meat

For a heartier option, you can add grilled pork, chicken, or beef to the rolls. Simply marinate and grill your choice of meat, then slice it into thin strips before adding it to the roll. The smoky, savory flavor of grilled meat pairs perfectly with the fresh vegetables and peanut sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Vietnamese Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with other Vietnamese-inspired dishes. Here are a few serving ideas to try:

• As an appetizer: Serve the spring rolls as an appetizer alongside other small bites like fried tofu or papaya salad.
• As a light lunch: Pair the rolls with a bowl of pho or a miso soup for a light and refreshing lunch.
• As a party snack: Vietnamese spring rolls make a great addition to a party spread. You can set up a DIY spring roll station where guests can fill and roll their own creations.

A Fresh and Versatile Dish

Whether you’re looking for a light snack, a healthy appetizer, or a creative way to enjoy fresh vegetables, Vietnamese Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce are the perfect choice.

Their combination of crisp vegetables, fresh herbs, and flavorful shrimp or tofu, wrapped in soft rice paper, creates a delightful contrast of textures.

And the rich, nutty peanut sauce takes these rolls to the next level, offering a creamy, indulgent dipping experience.

With their adaptability and refreshing flavors, Vietnamese Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce are sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation.

Enjoy this Easy video tutorial 

Source: Eats With Gasia

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