Vietnamese Spring Rolls Recipe

I absolutely adore this recipe because it’s like rolling up a vibrant, fresh garden in a neat package, and each bite bursts with a mix of savory shrimp, tender pork, and fragrant herbs. Plus, it’s so fun and satisfying to dip these rolls into the tangy, nutty sauce that packs a delightful punch!

Vietnamese Spring Rolls are a favorite of mine because of their fresh, vibrant flavors. When I’m in the mood to make them, my ritual includes filling rice paper wrappers with thin rice vermicelli noodles, succulent shrimp, and a medley of colorful, julienned carrots and cucumber.

Fresh herbs like mint and cilantro are essential to these rolls, as well as the next few, because their addition has such an effect on the flavor profile. Speaking of flavors, if you’re wondering what sauce you’ll be dipping these light and refreshing rolls in, it should be one made with fish sauce and lime juice.

Ingredients

• Rice Paper Wrappers: Provide a gluten-free outer layer, holding ingredients together.
• Rice Vermicelli Noodles: Light in texture, they offer complex carbohydrates for energy.
• Cooked Shrimp: High in protein and low in fat, these are lean and nutritious.
• Cooked Pork Loin: Adds richness and protein, balancing flavors with shrimp.
• Carrot: Offers crunch and sweetness, rich in vitamins and fiber.
• Cucumber: Refreshing and hydrating, provides a crisp texture and cool flavor.
• Mint Leaves: Add a cool, refreshing aroma, aiding digestion.
• Cilantro Leaves: Unique flavor enhances complexity; rich in antioxidants.
• Thai Basil Leaves: Distinctive anise-like flavor, bolsters the aromatic profile.

Ingredient Quantities

• 8 rice paper wrappers
• 50g thin rice vermicelli noodles
• 100g cooked shrimp, halved lengthwise
• 100g cooked pork loin, thinly sliced
• 1 medium carrot, julienned
• 1 small cucumber, sliced into thin strips
• 2 cups fresh lettuce leaves, torn into pieces
• 1 cup fresh mint leaves
• 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon crushed peanuts
• 1 hot chili, sliced (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the rice vermicelli noodles as per the instructions on the package, then drain and put aside.

2. In a tiny bowl, combine the fish sauce, lime juice, minced garlic, sugar, and water to make a dipping sauce. If needed, season to taste.

3. Take a big bowl and fill it with water that is nicely warmed. Take one of the rice paper wrappers and dip it into the water for about 5 seconds. It should be softened enough to remove it from the water now. Lay it flat in a nice, clean space.

4. At the end closest to you, put down a thin layer of lettuce. Place 2 shrimp slices directly on top. Pile on a few pieces of pork, some carrot, and cucumber slices. Top with a bit of vermicelli.

5. Place several fresh mint, cilantro, and Thai basil leaves atop the filling.

6. Bring the left and right sides of the wrapper in over the filling, then roll the wrapper away from you, encasing the filling completely. Take your time; it’s not a race! Repeat with the rest of the ingredients.

7. For the dipping sauce, combine hoisin sauce with a few tablespoons of the prepared fish sauce mixture to taste.

8. Add crushed peanuts to the dipping sauce for a texture boost.

9. If you want, you can also include hot chili slices in the sauce to make it even spicier.

10. The dipping sauce should be served on the side when serving the fresh spring rolls. They need to be served immediately in order to taste their freshness.

Equipment Needed

1. Pot
2. Strainer
3. Small bowl
4. Large bowl
5. Cutting board
6. Knife
7. Measuring spoons
8. Clean, flat work surface

FAQ

• Q: How do I soften the rice paper wrappers?
  
  A: Dip each rice paper wrapper in warm water for a few seconds until soft and pliable, then place it on a damp towel or cutting board.
• Q: Can I substitute the shrimp or pork with other proteins?
  
  A: Yes, you can substitute with chicken, tofu, or eliminate meat for a vegetarian version.
• Q: What can I use instead of fish sauce for a vegetarian option?
  
  A: You can use soy sauce or tamari as a vegetarian alternative to fish sauce.
• Q: How do I prevent the spring rolls from sticking together?
  
  A: Place a damp cloth or parchment paper between each roll to prevent sticking.
• Q: Can I make these spring rolls ahead of time?
  
  A: Yes, you can make them a few hours in advance. Cover them with a damp cloth and refrigerate to keep them fresh.
• Q: What dipping sauce goes well with these spring rolls?
  
  A: A mixture of hoisin sauce, crushed peanuts, and chili makes a delicious dipping sauce.

Substitutions and Variations

– Rice paper wrappers: These can be replaced by collard green leaves or lettuce leaves if you’re looking for a gluten-free and low-carb option.
– Shrimp that has been cooked: Can be swapped out for either chicken that has been cooked or firm tofu if a vegetarian option is desired.
– Pork loin, cooked: Substitute with roasted duck or omit for a vegetarian version.
– Fresh Thai basil leaves: If Thai basil is not available, it can be swapped with regular basil leaves.
– Fish sauce: Use soy sauce or tamari as a substitute for a vegetarian alternative.

Pro Tips

1. Prepare Ingredients Ahead of Time Ensure all your ingredients are prepped and ready to go before you start assembling the rolls. This means cooking and cooling the noodles, slicing the shrimp and pork, and julienning the vegetables. Having a clean and organized workspace will make the rolling process much smoother.

2. Use Damp Towels Keep a damp kitchen towel nearby to cover the rice paper wrappers as you work. This prevents them from drying out and becoming brittle, ensuring your rolls are pliable and easy to work with.

3. Don’t Overfill Be mindful not to overfill the rice paper wrappers. A modest amount of filling will make rolling easier and prevent tearing. If you have trouble rolling, try reducing the amount of filling slightly.

4. Layer Wisely When assembling the rolls, place visually appealing ingredients such as shrimp or fresh herbs closest to the edges of the wrapper. This way, when you roll them up, these ingredients will show through, making your spring rolls look more attractive.

5. Chill Before Serving For firmer, easier-to-handle rolls, consider chilling them in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes before serving. This helps the rolls hold their shape and melds the flavors together nicely.