Shrimp rice paper rolls are fresh and fun snacks packed with tasty shrimp, crunchy veggies, and soft rice paper. They’re light, healthy, and perfect for dipping in a flavorful sauce!
Making these rolls is like a mini art project! I love using whatever veggies are around, and they always taste great. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up for snacking or sharing! 🌟
Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Medium shrimp work well in these rolls. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try using shredded cooked chicken or tofu for a vegetarian version. Both provide great texture!
Rice Paper Wrappers: The classic choice is 8-inch round wrappers, but you can also use larger ones for bigger rolls. If you’re gluten-free, there are rice paper options made from tapioca that are great substitutes.
Vegetables: Purple cabbage adds a nice crunch and color. If you can’t find it, green cabbage works too. Zucchini can replace cucumber for a different flavor. Feel free to mix and match based on what veggies you love.
Herbs: Fresh cilantro is key for flavor. If you dislike it, parsley is a good alternative. The mint and basil are optional but really brighten up the rolls. If you want a different flavor, try adding some dill or chives.
Vermicelli Rice Noodles: These noodles add heartiness. If you don’t have them, cooked rice or quinoa can be used instead, but they won’t have the same texture. They cook quickly, so check your package carefully!
How Do I Properly Soften Rice Paper?
Softening rice paper wrappers can be tricky if you’re unfamiliar. The key is to soak them just enough, not too long, so they don’t tear.
- Start with warm water in a large shallow dish, about a few inches deep.
- Dip one rice paper wrapper into the water for 10-15 seconds until it feels soft but not mushy.
- Carefully place it on a clean surface to prepare for filling.
Remember, the wrapper will continue to soften after you take it out, so don’t soak it too long! If it’s overly soft, it can tear while rolling.
How to Make Shrimp Rice Paper Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Rolls:
- 12-16 medium shrimp, cooked, peeled, and halved lengthwise
- 8-10 rice paper wrappers (8-inch round)
- 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
- 1 large carrot, julienned
- 1 cucumber, julienned (seeds removed)
- 1 cup vermicelli rice noodles, cooked and drained
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves (optional)
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves (optional)
- Lettuce leaves (butter or romaine), torn into pieces (optional)
For the Peanut Dipping Sauce:
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1-2 tablespoons water (to thin sauce)
- Crushed peanuts for garnish
For the Hoisin Dipping Sauce:
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce (optional)
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- Crushed peanuts for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing dish will take about 20 minutes of prep time. After that, you’ll want to let the rolls chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes if you prefer them cold. In total, you’re looking at approximately 50 minutes before these delicious treats are ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp:
If your shrimp isn’t pre-cooked, start by boiling them for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Drain them and let them cool down. Once cool, peel the shrimp and slice each one in half lengthwise.
2. Prepare Vegetables and Noodles:
Next, julienne the cucumber and carrot with a sharp knife. Shred the purple cabbage into thin strips, and then rinse and drain the cooked vermicelli rice noodles. Everything should be ready to assemble!
3. Make the Dipping Sauces:
For the peanut dipping sauce, whisk together the creamy peanut butter, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, and sesame oil in a bowl. Gradually add water until the sauce is smooth and reaches your desired consistency. Garnish with crushed peanuts.
For the hoisin sauce, simply mix together the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili garlic sauce (if using), and minced garlic. You can also garnish this sauce with crushed peanuts.
4. Soften the Rice Paper:
In a large, shallow dish, fill it with warm water. Take one rice paper wrapper and dip it into the water for about 10-15 seconds. You want it to be soft and pliable, but not too mushy. Once softened, lay it flat on a clean working surface.
5. Assemble the Rolls:
At the bottom third of the rice paper, arrange 3-4 shrimp halves facing down so that they show through the wrapper after rolling. Top these with a small handful of vermicelli noodles, some julienned carrots and cucumbers, shredded cabbage, and a few cilantro leaves. Feel free to add mint, basil, or lettuce if you’re using them.
6. Roll Tightly:
Now for the fun part! Fold the sides of the rice paper over the filling, then roll it up tightly from the bottom to encase all the delicious ingredients inside. Repeat this process with the remaining wrappers and filling.
7. Serve:
Finally, arrange your beautiful shrimp rice paper rolls on a platter and serve them alongside the dipping sauces. Consider garnishing with extra cilantro and crushed peanuts for an added touch! Enjoy these fresh and healthy rolls as a delightful appetizer or snack!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to fully thaw them before cooking. To thaw quickly, submerge the shrimp in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Drain and pat dry before using.
What If I Can’t Find Rice Paper Wrappers?
No problem! If rice paper wrappers aren’t available, you can use lettuce leaves, such as romaine or butter lettuce, for a fresh, low-carb alternative. Just adjust the filling amount accordingly to fit the leaves.
Can I Prepare These Rolls a Day Ahead?
While it’s best to serve the rolls fresh, you can prepare them a few hours in advance. Just be sure to cover them with a damp paper towel and plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out. Store in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
How Do I Store Leftover Rolls?
If you have leftover rolls, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. To keep them fresh, place a damp paper towel in the container with the rolls. Enjoy them cold or at room temperature!
