Vietnamese Spring Rolls (with peanut sauce) are absolutely delicious!
They are packed with fresh and vibrant ingredients like crisp vegetables, aromatic herbs, and optional protein, all wrapped in soft and translucent rice paper.
The combination of flavors and textures, along with the delightful peanut dipping sauce, creates a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. It is the perfect complement to Vietnamese Spring Rolls, adding a creamy and savory element that enhances the flavors of the fresh ingredients.
Made with creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey (or maple syrup), sesame oil, and minced garlic, this sauce strikes a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors. Its velvety texture and aromatic aroma make it irresistible for dipping spring rolls, creating a harmonious blend of flavors with every bite.
Whether drizzled over the rolls or served on the side, the peanut dipping sauce elevates the dining experience, adding an extra layer of indulgence to an already delicious dish.
What sets these spring rolls with peanut sauce apart is not just their wholesome ingredients but also their versatility; whether enjoyed as a light appetizer, a refreshing snack, or a satisfying meal, Vietnamese Spring Rolls are sure to satisfy your taste buds with their refreshing and wholesome goodness.
Here are some cooking tips to help you make perfect Vietnamese Spring Rolls:
Soak Rice Paper Properly: When soaking the rice paper wrappers in warm water, be sure not to over-soak them. They should be pliable but still slightly firm when removed from the water, as they will continue to soften as you assemble the rolls.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Choose the freshest vegetables and herbs available to maximize flavor and texture. Crisp lettuce, crunchy carrots, and vibrant herbs like mint and cilantro add freshness and depth to the rolls.
Arrange Ingredients Neatly: As you assemble the spring rolls, arrange the filling ingredients neatly and compactly in the center of the wrapper. This will make rolling easier and help prevent the filling from spilling out.
Don’t Overfill: Avoid overfilling the spring rolls, as this can make them difficult to roll and may cause them to tear. Start with a small amount of filling and gradually add more as needed.
Roll Tightly: Roll the spring rolls tightly to ensure they hold together and maintain their shape. Tuck in the sides of the wrapper as you roll to enclose the filling snugly.
Keep Ingredients Dry: Make sure the filling ingredients are dry before assembling the spring rolls. Excess moisture can make the wrappers soggy and cause them to tear.
Serve Immediately: Vietnamese Spring Rolls are best enjoyed fresh, so serve them immediately after assembling. If you need to store them for later, cover them with a damp paper towel and plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out.
Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to get creative and experiment with different fillings to suit your taste preferences. Add cooked shrimp, tofu, or shredded chicken for protein, or swap out vegetables and herbs to use whatever you have on hand.
By following these cooking tips, you’ll be able to make delicious and perfectly rolled Vietnamese Spring Rolls every time.
Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
For the Spring Rolls:
- 8 rice paper wrappers
- 8 large lettuce leaves such as butter lettuce or romaine, torn into smaller pieces
- 1 large carrot julienned or thinly sliced
- 1 cucumber julienned or thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper thinly sliced
- ½ cup bean sprouts
- ¼ cup fresh mint leaves
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves
- Cooked vermicelli noodles optional
- Cooked shrimp sliced tofu, or shredded chicken (optional, for added protein)
For the Peanut Dipping Sauce:
- ¼ cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 2-4 tablespoons warm water as needed to thin the sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients:Prepare all the vegetables and herbs by washing and cutting them into thin strips or small pieces. If using vermicelli noodles, cook them according to package instructions and let them cool.
- Prepare the Peanut Dipping Sauce:In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey or maple syrup, sesame oil, and minced garlic until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add warm water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Set aside.
- Assemble the Spring Rolls:Fill a shallow dish or large bowl with warm water. Dip one rice paper wrapper into the water for about 10-15 seconds, or until it becomes soft and pliable.Place the softened wrapper on a clean, damp kitchen towel or a plate. Arrange a few pieces of torn lettuce on the bottom third of the wrapper, leaving space on the sides.Add a small handful of julienned carrots, cucumber slices, bell pepper slices, bean sprouts, and a few leaves each of mint, cilantro, and basil on top of the lettuce. Add a small amount of cooked vermicelli noodles (if using) and protein of choice (if using).Fold the bottom of the wrapper over the filling, then fold in the sides, and roll tightly to enclose the filling. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
- Serve the Spring Rolls:Serve the Vietnamese Spring Rolls immediately with the peanut dipping sauce on the side. Alternatively, you can cover them with a damp paper towel and plastic wrap to keep them moist until ready to serve.Enjoy the fresh and flavorful Spring Rolls as a light and healthy appetizer or snack!