Introduction
Vietnamese rice paper rolls, also known as spring rolls, are a delightful and fresh dish that combines a variety of textures and flavors. These rolls are often filled with vibrant ingredients such as prawns, vermicelli noodles, crisp lettuce, and fragrant herbs, all wrapped in soft rice paper. The accompanying peanut dipping sauce adds a creamy, nutty twist that elevates this dish to a whole new level. Perfect as an appetizer or a light meal, they are easy to prepare and perfect for gatherings.
Ingredients
– 7–14 sheets of 22 cm (8.5″) round rice paper
– 11 small cooked prawns/shrimp (approximately 12 cm/5″ in length, unpeeled including the head)
– 50 g (1.5 oz) dried vermicelli noodles
– 7 lettuce leaves (preferably with soft leaves like Oak or Butter Lettuce)
– 14 mint leaves
– 1 cup bean sprouts
Vietnamese Peanut Dipping Sauce
– 1 tbsp peanut butter (preferably smooth; crunchy is acceptable)
– 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
– 1½ tbsp white vinegar (or lime juice)
– ⅓ cup milk (any fat percentage) or water
– 1 garlic clove, minced
– ½ tsp crushed chili (sambal oelek or other chili paste), adjust to taste (optional)
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
5 minutes
Total Time
20 minutes
Yield
Approximately 7-14 rolls, depending on the number of sheets used
Directions
1. Prepare the Peanut Dipping Sauce:
Combine all the dipping sauce ingredients in a bowl. Mix briefly; the mixture may not fully combine at this stage. Microwave for 30 seconds. Stir again until smooth. Set aside to cool. Adjust the sourness with additional vinegar, saltiness with salt, and spiciness to taste. If the sauce thickens upon cooling, adjust the consistency with a bit more milk or water.
2. Prepare the Vermicelli Noodles:
Place the dried vermicelli noodles in a heatproof bowl. Cover with boiling water and let them soak for 3 minutes or until tender. Drain the noodles and set aside.
3. Prepare the Prawns:
Peel the cooked prawns and slice them in half lengthwise.
4. Assemble the Rolls:
Fill a large bowl with warm water. Dip one rice paper sheet into the water for about 3 seconds to soften. Lay the softened rice paper on a clean, damp tea towel or a smooth surface. Place a lettuce leaf on the lower third of the rice paper. Add a small handful of vermicelli noodles on top of the lettuce. Place two mint leaves on the noodles. Add a few bean sprouts. Position two prawn halves, cut side up, above the lettuce and noodle pile. Fold the bottom of the rice paper over the filling. Fold in the sides of the rice paper. Roll the rice paper tightly from the bottom to the top to enclose the filling completely.
5. Repeat:
Continue the process with the remaining ingredients to make additional rolls.
6. Serve:
Serve the rice paper rolls with the prepared peanut dipping sauce.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Peanut Dipping Sauce
– Combine all the dipping sauce ingredients in a bowl.
– Mix briefly; the mixture may not fully combine at this stage.
– Microwave for 30 seconds.
– Stir again until smooth.
– Set aside to cool.
– Adjust the sourness with additional vinegar, saltiness with salt, and spiciness to taste.
– If the sauce thickens upon cooling, adjust the consistency with a bit more milk or water.
Prepare the Vermicelli Noodles
– Place the dried vermicelli noodles in a heatproof bowl.
– Cover with boiling water and let them soak for 3 minutes or until tender.
– Drain the noodles and set aside.
Prepare the Prawns
– Peel the cooked prawns and slice them in half lengthwise.
Assemble the Rolls
– Fill a large bowl with warm water.
– Dip one rice paper sheet into the water for about 3 seconds to soften.
– Lay the softened rice paper on a clean, damp tea towel or a smooth surface.
– Place a lettuce leaf on the lower third of the rice paper.
– Add a small handful of vermicelli noodles on top of the lettuce.
– Place two mint leaves on the noodles.
– Add a few bean sprouts.
– Position two prawn halves, cut side up, above the lettuce and noodle pile.
– Fold the bottom of the rice paper over the filling.
– Fold in the sides of the rice paper.
– Roll the rice paper tightly from the bottom to the top to enclose the filling completely.
Repeat
– Continue the process with the remaining ingredients to make additional rolls.
Serve
– Serve the rice paper rolls with the prepared peanut dipping sauce.
Notes
Rice Paper Handling
– It is important not to soak the rice paper too long, as it may become too fragile to handle.
Variations
– Feel free to add other ingredients like shredded carrots, cucumbers, or different herbs for variation.
Storage
– The assembled rice paper rolls are best eaten fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a short time.
Serving Suggestions
– These rolls make a great appetizer or light meal and pair well with other Vietnamese dishes.
Cook techniques
Preparing the Peanut Dipping Sauce
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix briefly. Microwave for a short time to help the ingredients blend smoothly. Adjust the taste and consistency as needed to achieve the desired flavor.
Soaking Vermicelli Noodles
Use boiling water to soak the dried vermicelli noodles in a heatproof bowl. Allow them to sit for a few minutes until tender, then drain to prepare for assembly.
Preparing Prawns
Peel the cooked prawns carefully and slice them in half lengthwise to prepare them for the rolls, ensuring the cut side is visible when assembling.
Assembling the Rolls
Soften rice paper sheets in warm water, then layer the ingredients judiciously. Start with lettuce, followed by vermicelli noodles, mint leaves, bean sprouts, and sliced prawns. Fold and roll tightly to enclose all ingredients properly.
Repeat and Serve
Continue the assembly process with the remaining ingredients, and once done, serve the finished rice paper rolls alongside the prepared peanut dipping sauce.
FAQ
Can I use other types of protein instead of prawns?
Yes, you can substitute prawns with other proteins like chicken, tofu, or vegetables according to your preference.
How long do the rice paper rolls last?
Rice paper rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for a few hours. Make sure to keep them covered to prevent them from drying out.
What can I substitute for bean sprouts?
If you don’t have bean sprouts, you can use shredded carrots, cucumber, or any crunchy vegetable you prefer.
Can I make the peanut dipping sauce in advance?
Yes, the peanut dipping sauce can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Just stir it well before serving.
What if my rice paper tears while rolling?
If the rice paper tears, you can simply use another sheet or repair the tear by patching it with another small piece of rice paper.
Conclusion
The fresh and vibrant flavors of these rice paper rolls make them a delightful addition to any meal or gathering. With the combination of crunchy vegetables, succulent prawns, and a rich peanut dipping sauce, they are not only a feast for the eyes but also for the palate. Easy to prepare and customizable, they offer a wonderful opportunity to explore different ingredient combinations and flavors.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Vegetable Spring Rolls
Substitute prawns with a mix of julienned vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, and cucumbers. Add fresh herbs like cilantro and basil for extra flavor.
Chicken Rice Paper Rolls
Use shredded cooked chicken instead of prawns. Add sliced avocado and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added texture and richness.
Tofu and Avocado Rolls
For a vegetarian option, include marinated tofu slices and creamy avocado. Pair with a hoisin-peanut sauce for a delicious dip.
Spicy Tuna Rolls
Incorporate canned tuna mixed with sriracha and mayo. Offer a side of soy sauce for dipping and some pickled ginger for a flavor boost.
Fruit Spring Rolls
Try a sweet version using tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, and strawberries. Serve with a coconut or yogurt-based dip for a refreshing treat.
