These fresh spring rolls are like little bundles of joy wrapped in rice paper! Packed with crisp veggies and a hint of herbs, they are light, crunchy, and oh-so-colorful.
Dip them in the delicious peanut sauce, and it’s a match made in heaven! I love making these for a snack; they are fun to roll and disappear way too quickly! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice Paper Wrappers: These are essential for making fresh spring rolls. If you’re having trouble finding them, try using lettuce leaves as a low-carb alternative, though the texture will change.
Shrimp: You can substitute shrimp with cooked chicken, tofu, or even grilled vegetables for a vegetarian option. I love using shrimp for its great flavor and color, but the choice is yours!
Vermicelli Rice Noodles: If you can’t find rice vermicelli, any thin noodles like rice glass noodles, bean thread noodles, or even soba noodles can work. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Vegetables: Mix and match! If you don’t have red or yellow bell peppers, use green ones or add some sliced radishes instead. Fresh herbs like basil, mint, or cilantro really brighten up the rolls, so use whatever you have on hand.
Peanut Butter: A great alternative is almond butter or sunflower seed butter if you’re allergic to peanuts. I prefer creamy peanut butter for a smooth sauce, but crunchy adds texture!
What’s the Best Way to Roll Fresh Spring Rolls?
Rolling fresh spring rolls can be tricky at first, but with a little practice, you’ll get the hang of it! The key is to keep your ingredients organized and your rice paper wrappers moist without tearing them.
- Soak one rice paper wrapper in warm water for about 10-15 seconds until soft, then gently lay it on a clean surface.
- Layer your fillings near the bottom third of the wrapper. Start with shrimp, then add noodles, veggies, and herbs.
- Carefully fold up the bottom edge over the filling, then fold in the sides, tucking them in as you roll tightly away from you.
- Practice makes perfect! If you don’t get it right the first time, don’t worry. It’ll still taste delicious!
Fresh Spring Rolls With Peanut Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Fresh Spring Rolls:
- 12 rice paper wrappers
- 12 cooked shrimp, halved lengthwise
- 1 cup cooked vermicelli rice noodles
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup thinly sliced cucumber
- 1 cup thinly sliced red bell pepper
- 1 cup thinly sliced yellow bell pepper
- 1 cup fresh lettuce leaves or mixed greens
- Fresh basil leaves (optional)
- Fresh mint leaves (optional)
- Fresh cilantro leaves (optional)
For The Peanut Sauce:
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1-2 teaspoons sriracha or chili sauce (optional, to taste)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup warm water (adjust for consistency)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
- Crushed peanuts for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of preparation time and is perfect for a light meal or appetizer! You’ll be rolling and dipping in no time. Just gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a fresh and delicious treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Vermicelli Noodles:
First, cook the vermicelli noodles following the instructions on the package. Once they are cooked, drain them and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Let them sit aside to cool while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. Preparing the Vegetables:
Wash and thinly slice the carrots, cucumber, red bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper. Make sure to wash and dry your lettuce and any herbs you decide to use. You want everything ready for easy assembly!
3. Soaking the Rice Paper:
Fill a wide, shallow dish with warm water. Take one rice paper wrapper and dip it into the water for about 10-15 seconds until it softens. Once it’s nice and pliable, lay it flat on a clean surface, such as a cutting board or a plate.
4. Assembling the Spring Roll:
Now, let’s put everything together! Place 2 shrimp halves about one-third of the way from the edge that’s closest to you. On top of the shrimp, add a small handful of the cooled vermicelli noodles, then layer on the shredded carrots, cucumber, bell peppers, and a few lettuce leaves and herbs as desired.
5. Rolling the Spring Roll:
To roll it up, start by folding the edge closest to you over the filling. Then, fold in the sides securely and continue to roll it tightly away from you until it’s completely sealed. Repeat this with the remaining wrappers and filling until everything is rolled up!
6. Making the Peanut Sauce:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, lime juice, and brown sugar or honey. If you want a little kick, add sriracha to taste! Gradually mix in warm water until the sauce is smooth and reaches your desired dipping consistency.
7. Serving Your Fresh Spring Rolls:
Serve your fresh spring rolls sliced in half or whole on a serving plate next to a bowl of the delicious peanut sauce. Don’t forget to garnish the sauce with some crushed peanuts for a crunchy touch!
8. Enjoy!
Now it’s time to dig in! Dip your fresh spring rolls into the rich and flavorful peanut sauce. Enjoy the wonderful freshness and flavors with every bite!
Can I Use Other Proteins Instead of Shrimp?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for an alternative, you can use cooked chicken, tofu, or even grilled vegetables to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Just make sure whatever protein you choose is already cooked before adding it to the rolls!
How Do I Store Leftover Spring Rolls?
Store leftover spring rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the rice paper from getting soggy, you can layer them with parchment paper or wax paper to separate each roll. However, the spring wraps are best enjoyed fresh on the same day!
Can I Make the Peanut Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the peanut sauce in advance! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Just add a splash of warm water and stir before serving to get the desired consistency back.
What Should I Serve With Spring Rolls?
Fresh spring rolls pair perfectly with the peanut sauce, but you could also serve them with sweet chili sauce or hoisin sauce for variety. For a full meal, consider serving them alongside a light Asian salad or some homemade fried rice!
