Fresh Spring Rolls Recipe
If you are looking for a vibrant, healthy, and utterly delicious dish, this Fresh Spring Rolls Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with fresh herbs, crunchy vegetables, tender shrimp or tofu, and wrapped in delicate rice paper, these spring rolls are a celebration of textures and flavors that feel as light as a gentle breeze on a warm day. Perfect as an appetizer or a light meal, they bring the bright, fresh taste of Vietnamese cuisine to your table effortlessly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but absolutely essential, each playing a vital role in creating the perfect harmony of fresh, crisp, and aromatic flavors. From the crunchy vegetables to the fragrant herbs, every element adds not just texture but a pop of color and freshness.
- Rice paper wrappers: The delicate, translucent casing that holds all the fresh ingredients together perfectly.
- Cooked shrimp (or tofu for vegetarian): Providing a satisfying protein element and a touch of sweetness or creaminess.
- Rice vermicelli noodles: Light and tender, adding a subtle chewiness without overpowering the roll.
- Lettuce leaves: Crisp and refreshing, they form the first layer and keep everything together.
- Red cabbage: Shredded for crunch and vibrant color.
- Carrots: Julienned for sweetness and crunch.
- Cucumber: Thin matchsticks bring a cool, watery crunch to balance the textures.
- Fresh mint: Leaves of bright, cooling flavor that lift the entire roll.
- Fresh cilantro: This herb adds a citrusy, slightly peppery note that complements the other flavors.
- Fresh basil: Just a few leaves give a subtle sweetness and herbal depth.
- Optional peanut dipping sauce ingredients: Peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, grated ginger, and warm water combine to make a creamy, tangy dipping sauce that perfectly enhances every bite.
How to Make Fresh Spring Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Before you get rolling, take a little time to cook, slice, and arrange your ingredients so everything is within arm’s reach. Cook the vermicelli noodles according to package instructions and cool them. Halve the shrimp lengthwise or slice tofu if using. Julienne the carrots, slice the cucumber into matchsticks, shred the cabbage, and pick your fresh herbs.
Step 2: Soften the Rice Paper Wrappers
Fill a large shallow dish with warm water. One at a time, dip each rice paper wrapper into the water for about 5 to 7 seconds. You want it just pliable and still a bit firm so it doesn’t tear when rolling.
Step 3: Layer the Filling
Lay the softened wrapper flat on a clean surface. Place a lettuce leaf near the lower third, then layer on a small handful of noodles, cabbage, carrots, cucumber, mint, cilantro, and basil. Finally, add two shrimp halves or tofu slices on top.
Step 4: Roll It Up
Fold the bottom of the wrapper over the filling tightly, tuck in the sides, and roll up to seal. Repeat this process until all your ingredients are used, creating a beautiful stack of fresh, colorful rolls.
Step 5: Make the Peanut Dipping Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, and grated ginger. Add warm water a little at a time until the sauce is smooth and creamy. This sauce is the perfect partner to your spring rolls, adding a delightful balance of savory, sweet, and tangy notes.
How to Serve Fresh Spring Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh spring rolls shine even brighter when garnished thoughtfully. Sprinkle some chopped peanuts or sesame seeds on top of the rolls for added crunch and a nutty aroma. A few extra fresh herb leaves on the serving plate enhance both the look and flavor experience.
Side Dishes
Pair your fresh spring rolls with light and refreshing sides such as a crisp green papaya salad or simple pickled vegetables. For dipping sauce alternatives, hoisin sauce or sweet chili sauce work wonderfully if you’d like to mix it up.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving your spring rolls on a large wooden board with small bowls of various dipping sauces makes for a fun, interactive dining experience. Try stacking the rolls vertically like sushi for an elegant touch or wrapping them individually in parchment for a portable snack at picnics or gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re not serving the spring rolls immediately, cover them tightly with damp paper towels and plastic wrap, then refrigerate. They will keep fresh for a few hours, but are best enjoyed the same day to maintain that perfect fresh crunch.
Freezing
Freezing fresh spring rolls is not recommended because the rice paper absorbs moisture and becomes tough and chewy when thawed. For the freshest taste and texture, enjoy them fresh whenever possible.
Reheating
Since these rolls are typically enjoyed fresh and never cooked after assembly, reheating isn’t necessary. If you want to gently warm the dipping sauce, that’s perfectly fine, but save the rolls themselves for fresh enjoyment.
FAQs
Can I make these spring rolls vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply swap out shrimp for firm tofu slices or omit the protein entirely for a light vegetable roll. The fresh herbs and crisp vegetables ensure this Fresh Spring Rolls Recipe is delicious and satisfying.
What type of rice paper should I buy?
Look for Vietnamese rice paper wrappers labeled for fresh rolls or spring rolls, typically round and thin. Avoid those meant for frying, which are thicker and less pliable when wet.
How long do fresh spring rolls last once made?
They’re best eaten immediately for maximum freshness, but if necessary, store wrapped tightly and refrigerated for up to 4 hours. After that, the rice paper may start to harden or become overly sticky.
Can I prepare the fillings ahead of time?
Yes! It’s actually a great idea to prep all your veggies, herbs, noodles, and protein in advance to make rolling quick and fun when you’re ready to assemble your Fresh Spring Rolls Recipe.
What are some fun dipping sauce alternatives?
Beyond peanut sauce, try hoisin sauce mixed with a bit of lime juice and crushed peanuts, or sweet chili sauce for a little kick. Each offers a unique flavor that pairs beautifully with these rolls.
Final Thoughts
This Fresh Spring Rolls Recipe is a fantastic way to bring fresh, vibrant Vietnamese flavors into your kitchen with minimal fuss. The combination of crunchy vegetables, aromatic herbs, and tender shrimp or tofu wrapped delicately in rice paper feels like a celebration of clean eating and joyful cooking. I can’t wait for you to grab your ingredients, roll up a batch, and share this delightful dish with friends and family!
Print
Fresh Spring Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 spring rolls 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Fresh Spring Rolls are a light, healthy Vietnamese appetizer featuring rice paper wrappers filled with fresh vegetables, herbs, rice vermicelli noodles, and your choice of shrimp or tofu. They are served fresh with a flavorful peanut dipping sauce, perfect for a refreshing and nutritious meal or snack.
Ingredients
Spring Rolls
- 12 rice paper wrappers
- 12 large cooked shrimp, halved lengthwise (or 1 cup cooked tofu slices for vegetarian option)
- 2 ounces rice vermicelli noodles, cooked and cooled
- 6 large lettuce leaves, halved
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 2 carrots, julienned
- 1 cucumber, sliced into matchsticks
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
Peanut Dipping Sauce (optional)
- 1/3 cup peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- Warm water, as needed for thinning
Instructions
- Prepare Fillings: Gather and prepare all filling ingredients: halving shrimp or slicing tofu, cooking and cooling rice vermicelli noodles, shredding cabbage, julienning carrots, slicing cucumber, and washing fresh herbs for easy assembly.
- Soften Rice Paper Wrappers: Fill a large shallow dish with warm water. Dip one rice paper wrapper into the water for 5 to 7 seconds until it becomes pliable but not fully soft. Lay it flat on a clean surface.
- Assemble Rolls: On the lower third of the softened wrapper, place a large lettuce leaf, then add a handful of rice vermicelli noodles followed by shredded cabbage, carrots, cucumber, mint, cilantro, and basil leaves. Top with two shrimp halves or tofu slices.
- Roll the Spring Rolls: Fold the bottom edge of the wrapper over the filling, fold in the sides, and then roll tightly to enclose the ingredients completely. Repeat the process with remaining wrappers and fillings.
- Make the Dipping Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, and grated ginger. Add warm water gradually to achieve a smooth, drizzle-able consistency.
- Serve: Serve the fresh spring rolls immediately alongside the peanut dipping sauce. Optionally, offer hoisin or sweet chili sauce as alternatives.
Notes
- Add avocado slices for extra creaminess or mango for a sweet twist inside the rolls.
- Spring rolls are best enjoyed immediately but can be stored covered with damp paper towels in the refrigerator for a few hours without losing freshness.
- Serve with hoisin sauce or sweet chili sauce as alternative dipping options.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
