If you’ve ever craved a snack that is as vibrant in color as it is fresh in flavor, let me introduce you to the Fresh Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce Recipe. This delightfully refreshing Vietnamese dish is a feast for the eyes and palate alike, combining crisp vegetables, fragrant herbs, and soft rice noodles, all wrapped delicately in rice paper. Whether you choose to include succulent shrimp or keep it entirely vegetarian, these rolls bring together a marvelous harmony of textures and tastes that feels light yet satisfying. Finished with a lush, nutty peanut sauce, this recipe is a celebration of fresh, wholesome ingredients and simple, joyful cooking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient here plays a starring role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. With just a handful of fresh veggies, herbs, and noodles, you’re on your way to assembling these beautiful rolls that burst with natural goodness.
- Rice paper wrappers: These delicate wrappers are the essential canvas for your fresh ingredients and soften easily in warm water for perfect pliability.
- Cooked rice vermicelli noodles: They add a lovely lightness and subtle texture contrast within every bite.
- Shredded carrots: Their sweet crunch introduces a splash of vibrant orange and crispness.
- Shredded red cabbage: Deep purple hues and a mild, peppery bite make this a color and taste enhancer.
- Julienned cucumber: This adds a cool, refreshing crunch that balances out other flavors beautifully.
- Avocado slices: Creamy and rich, avocado gives softness and a hint of buttery luxury.
- Fresh mint leaves: Bright and aromatic, mint infuses a cooling lift to each bite.
- Fresh basil leaves: Bringing subtle peppery notes, basil introduces another herbal dimension.
- Fresh cilantro leaves: Earthy and citrusy, cilantro completes the herbal trio inviting your taste buds to dance.
- Medium cooked shrimp (optional): For those who enjoy seafood, shrimp adds protein and a satisfying savory touch.
- Warm water: The secret to making rice paper wrappers soft and easy to roll without tearing.
How to Make Fresh Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients for Easy Assembly
Start by washing and shredding all your veggies, slicing avocado, and herbs, and if you’re including shrimp, ensure they’re peeled, cooked, and sliced lengthwise. Setting everything out nicely on your counter means rolling will be a breeze, and you’ll be able to layer the perfect combination every time without frantic chopping or searching.
Step 2: Soften the Rice Paper Wrappers
Fill a large shallow bowl with warm water. Dip one rice paper wrapper into the water for about 10 seconds until it becomes soft but still slightly firm to the touch—this prevents tearing during rolling. Lay the softened wrapper flat on a clean, damp surface to keep it pliable.
Step 3: Layer Your Fresh Ingredients
In the center of the wrapper, start by placing a small handful of rice vermicelli noodles. Add small amounts of shredded carrot, red cabbage, and cucumber for crunch and color. Next, add a few herb leaves for that bright, aromatic punch and top with avocado slices for creaminess. If you’re using shrimp, place a couple of halves on top. The layering ensures you get a stunning, tasty bite in every roll.
Step 4: Fold and Roll Tightly
Gently fold the sides of the rice paper wrapper over your fillings. Then, starting from the bottom, roll tightly upwards like you’re creating a neat burrito, securing all your fresh ingredients inside. Repeat until you’ve used all the wrappers and fillings, creating a platter of irresistible fresh spring rolls ready to be enjoyed.
How to Serve Fresh Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to elevate the presentation and taste, sprinkle chopped peanuts on your peanut sauce or garnish the rolls with extra fresh herbs like mint and cilantro. A wedge of lime on the side adds a zesty brightness when squeezed over the top, waking up every flavor beautifully.
Side Dishes
These fresh rolls pair wonderfully with a crisp Asian slaw or a light cucumber salad, complementing the rolls without overwhelming their delicate flavors. If you’re going all out, a bowl of hot miso soup or steamed edamame provides a lovely balance between warm and cold dishes on your table.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the classic plate and try arranging your Fresh Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce Recipe on a large wooden board surrounded by small bowls of dipping sauces, fresh herb sprigs, and bite-sized side bites. For parties, you can skewer small rolls with decorative picks or serve the rolls sliced diagonally for colorful, bite-sized appetizers everyone will swoon over.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Since rice paper can dry out quickly, store any leftover fresh spring rolls in an airtight container with a damp paper towel to keep them moist. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours for best flavor and texture. It’s a good idea to separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Freezing
Freezing fresh spring rolls is not recommended because the rice paper becomes tough and chewy after thawing, and the fresh vegetables lose their crispness. It’s best to enjoy these rolls freshly made whenever possible.
Reheating
Because these rolls are best served fresh and cold, reheating isn’t necessary or advised. However, if you really want to enjoy a warm component, try warming your peanut sauce slightly before dipping for that comforting contrast to the chilly roll.
FAQs
Can I make Fresh Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce Recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Just omit the shrimp and ensure that your peanut sauce contains no animal products. You can also add tofu or extra veggies for protein and heartiness.
How long can I prepare spring rolls in advance?
These rolls are best eaten the same day they’re made. If you need to prepare them ahead, store them tightly wrapped with a damp paper towel in the fridge and consume within 24 hours for the freshest taste.
What can I use instead of rice vermicelli noodles?
If you don’t have rice vermicelli, thin glass noodles or even shredded lettuce can work well to add texture without overpowering the other fresh ingredients.
How do I prevent the rice paper from sticking when rolling?
Make sure to soften the rice paper just enough in warm water—it should be pliable but still slightly firm. Also, lightly moisten your rolling surface to stop sticking as you work.
What kind of peanut sauce pairs best with these spring rolls?
A classic peanut sauce made with creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, a touch of sweetness, and garlic or ginger is perfect. Adjust the flavors to your liking, whether you want it richer, tangier, or spicier.
Final Thoughts
There’s something wonderfully satisfying about making and sharing Fresh Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce Recipe with your friends and family. The vibrant colors, fresh flavors, and the simple yet thoughtful assembly turn this dish into a true crowd-pleaser that feels wholesome and lively. If you’re looking for a light but impressive appetizer or snack, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and roll up some joy!
Print
Fresh Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (2 rolls per serving)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Fresh Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce are a light and healthy Vietnamese appetizer made with rice paper wrappers filled with vermicelli noodles, fresh vegetables, herbs, and optionally shrimp. These no-cook rolls are refreshing, easy to prepare, and served with a savory peanut sauce for dipping.
Ingredients
Spring Rolls
- 8 rice paper wrappers
- 1 cup cooked rice vermicelli noodles
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1 cup julienned cucumber
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 12 medium cooked shrimp, sliced in half lengthwise (optional)
- warm water for softening wrappers
Peanut Sauce (suggested)
- Ingredients for peanut sauce are not provided in the original recipe but typically include peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, garlic, and chili for flavor.
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Wash, shred, slice, and julienne all vegetables and herbs. If using shrimp, ensure they are cooked and sliced in half lengthwise.
- Soften Rice Paper Wrappers: Fill a large shallow bowl or pan with warm water. Dip one rice paper wrapper into the water for about 10 seconds until softened but still slightly firm. Lay the wrapper flat on a clean surface.
- Assemble Rolls: Place a small handful of cooked vermicelli noodles in the center of the wrapper. Add a few pieces of shredded carrots, red cabbage, julienned cucumber, sliced avocado, and a handful of mint, basil, and cilantro leaves. Add shrimp halves if using.
- Roll Up: Fold the sides of the wrapper over the filling to enclose it. Then roll tightly from the bottom up like a burrito to form a sealed spring roll.
- Repeat and Serve: Repeat the process with the remaining wrappers and filling ingredients. Serve the spring rolls immediately with peanut sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- To make these vegetarian or vegan, omit the shrimp totally.
- For extra crunch, add sliced bell peppers or chopped peanuts inside the rolls.
- These rolls are best when eaten fresh but can be stored in a sealed container with a damp paper towel for up to 1 day to prevent drying out.
