Fresh Spring Rolls with Easy Peanut Dipping Sauce

Craving something fresh, vibrant, and incredibly satisfying? Dive into the world of homemade Spring Rolls! These delightful rolls offer a restaurant-quality experience right in your kitchen, but without any fuss. They are super simple to customize with your favorite fresh ingredients, making them perfect for any palate. And the star of the show? Our irresistible, creamy homemade peanut sauce that elevates every bite.

Why You’ll Love These Spring Rolls

• Fresh & Healthy: Packed with crisp vegetables and lean protein, these Spring Rolls are a nutritious and light meal option.
• Quick & Easy: Forget complicated cooking! This recipe comes together fast, ideal for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
• Highly Customizable: Easily adjust fillings to suit dietary needs or ingredient preferences, from vegan to protein-packed.
• Irresistible Peanut Sauce: The homemade dipping sauce is a game-changer, offering a savory, sweet, and slightly spicy kick.
• Versatile Serving: Perfect as an appetizer, a light lunch, a healthy dinner, or a colorful addition to any spread.

Fresh Spring Rolls with Easy Peanut Dipping Sauce

These fresh spring rolls are a vibrant and healthy appetizer or light meal, featuring crisp vegetables, succulent shrimp, and fragrant herbs, all wrapped in delicate rice paper. They are perfectly complemented by a rich and easy-to-make peanut dipping sauce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Side Dish

Cuisine Asian Fusion, Vietnamese

Servings 4 servings

Calories 300 kcal

Equipment

• Large pot
• Colander
• Large, deep dish or pie pan
• Food processor or blender
• Cutting board
• Knife

Ingredients

  

Spring Rolls

• 1 package spring roll rice wrappers
• 1 package vermicelli rice noodles
• 2 mangos peeled and sliced into thin strips
• 1 large carrot peeled and shredded or sliced into thin strips
• 1 large English cucumber peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 pound small, cooked shrimp deveined, tails removed, or substitute chicken
• 1 bunch fresh mint leaves
• 1 bunch fresh basil leaves
• 1 bunch fresh cilantro

Peanut Dipping Sauce

• 3/4 cup sweet chili sauce
• 1/3 cup peanut butter smooth or crunchy
• 1/2 teaspoon low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon hoisin sauce

Instructions

 

Fresh Spring Rolls

• Cook vermicelli noodles in boiling water according to package instructions for a few minutes, then drain and rinse with cold water.
• Prepare all topping ingredients, including chopping vegetables, herbs, and ensuring shrimp are ready.
• Fill a large, deep dish with about 1 inch of water, then soak one rice wrapper for 10-15 seconds until it’s still firm, and lay it flat.
• Layer 1-2 slices of each vegetable, a few shrimp, some fresh herbs, and a pinch of noodles onto the third of the wrapper closest to you.
• Fold the sides of the wrapper over the filling, then pull the bottom edge up and over the ingredients, rolling it tightly like a burrito.

Peanut Dipping Sauce

• Combine all sauce ingredients in a food processor or blender and pulse until completely smooth.

Notes

Ensure all your filling ingredients are prepped and ready before you start rolling to make the assembly process smoother. Be careful not to over-soak the rice wrappers; they should still feel a bit firm when you remove them from the water, as they will continue to soften. Feel free to customize the fillings with your favorite vegetables or proteins like chicken or tofu.

Keyword fresh spring rolls, healthy appetizer, peanut dipping sauce, rice paper rolls, shrimp spring rolls, spring rolls, Thai spring rolls, Vietnamese spring rolls

Ingredients

Gather your fresh ingredients for these vibrant Spring Rolls and our mouth-watering peanut dipping sauce. Quality ingredients make all the difference in flavor!

For the Fresh Spring Rolls:

• 1 package spring roll rice wrappers (typically 8.5-inch or 22cm diameter)
• 1 package vermicelli rice noodles (about 3.75 oz / 100g)
• 2 mangos, peeled and sliced into thin strips
• 1 large carrot, peeled and shredded or sliced into thin strips
• 1 large English cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 pound small, cooked shrimp, deveined, tails removed, or substitute cooked chicken or tofu
• 1 bunch fresh mint leaves
• 1 bunch fresh basil leaves
• 1 bunch fresh cilantro

For the Savory Peanut Dipping Sauce:

• 3/4 cup sweet chili sauce
• 1/3 cup peanut butter, smooth or crunchy
• 1/2 teaspoon low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon hoisin sauce

Notes & Substitutions

• Rice Wrappers: You’ll find these thin, round, translucent sheets in the international aisle of most grocery stores or Asian markets. Look for brands that are flexible but sturdy, usually made from tapioca starch or rice flour.
• Noodles: Vermicelli rice noodles are traditional and cook quickly. If unavailable, thin angel hair pasta, cooked and rinsed, can work in a pinch for a different texture.
• Proteins: Cooked shrimp is classic, but shredded cooked chicken, thinly sliced pan-fried tofu, or even crispy baked tempeh are excellent alternatives. Ensure proteins are cooled and sliced thinly.
• Vegetables: Feel free to get creative! Add thinly sliced red bell peppers, avocado, bean sprouts, red cabbage, jicama, or even blanched asparagus. Use what you love and what’s in season.
• Herbs: Fresh mint, basil, and cilantro add incredible fragrance and flavor. Don’t skip them! Dill or Thai basil can also provide a delightful aromatic twist.
• Peanut Sauce: Adjust the spice level by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or sriracha. For extra sweetness, a tiny bit of honey or maple syrup works well. Thin the sauce with a teaspoon of water at a time if it’s too thick.

Equipment

You don’t need fancy tools for these delightful rolls.

• A large shallow dish or pie pan is essential for softening the rice wrappers.
• A sharp knife and a sturdy cutting board will help you prep your fillings efficiently.
• For the peanut sauce, a food processor or blender makes quick work of combining everything into a smooth, creamy dip.

Instructions

Making homemade Spring Rolls is easier than you think! Follow these simple steps for perfect results every time.

1. Prepare Noodles: Cook vermicelli noodles in boiling water according to package instructions, typically just a few minutes until tender. Drain the noodles and rinse them thoroughly with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking. Set aside.
2. Prepare Fillings: Wash, peel, and thinly slice all your chosen vegetables and herbs. If using shrimp or chicken, ensure it’s cooked, cooled, and sliced or shredded thinly. Arrange all your prepared fillings on a large platter or cutting board for easy access during assembly.
3. Assemble Rolls:
   • Fill a large, shallow dish or pie pan with about 1 inch of warm water.
   • Submerge one rice wrapper into the warm water for just 10-15 seconds. It should still feel slightly firm but pliable when you remove it. Over-soaking will make it too sticky and prone to tearing.
   • Carefully lay the softened wrapper flat on a clean, damp surface or cutting board.
   • Layer your chosen fillings on the bottom third of the wrapper, closest to you. Start with a few slices of each veggie, a few shrimp, some fresh herbs, and a pinch of noodles. Don’t overfill!
   • Fold the sides of the wrapper inward over the ingredients.
   • Then, pull the edge closest to you up and tightly over the filling, rolling it away from you like a burrito. Roll tightly to create a neat, sealed Spring Roll.
   • Repeat this process for the remaining wrappers and fillings.
4. Make Peanut Sauce: Combine the sweet chili sauce, peanut butter, low-sodium soy sauce, and hoisin sauce in a food processor or blender. Pulse until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

• Wrapper Softening: The biggest mistake is over-soaking. Your wrapper should still feel firm when you take it out; it will continue to soften as you add fillings. If it tears, try soaking for a shorter time.
• Rolling Technique: Practice makes perfect! Aim for tight, even rolls. If your rolls are too loose, they might fall apart. Don’t be afraid to pull the wrapper snugly as you roll.
• Prevent Sticking: As you finish rolling, place your Spring Rolls on a platter lined with parchment paper, leaving a small space between each to prevent them from sticking together. You can also lightly moisten the surface with a damp towel.
• Prep Ahead: Prepare all your fillings (chopping veggies, cooking noodles) up to a day in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This makes assembly even quicker.
• Peanut Sauce Adjustments: If your sauce is too thick, add a teaspoon of warm water at a time until you reach your desired consistency. For more spice, add a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes.

Serving, Storage & Variations

These versatile Spring Rolls are a fantastic addition to any meal, offering flexibility in how you enjoy and store them.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your freshly made Spring Rolls immediately with the incredible homemade peanut dipping sauce on the side. They are perfect as a light lunch, a vibrant appetizer for a party, or a healthy dinner option. Consider pairing them with other Asian-inspired dishes like a simple miso soup or a refreshing cucumber salad for a complete meal.

Storage Instructions

For best results, consume your Spring Rolls within 2-3 days. To store, individually wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out and sticking together. Place the wrapped rolls in an airtight container and refrigerate. They can become a bit firmer and less pliable over time, but the flavors remain delicious.

Flavor Variations

• Protein Swaps: Experiment with shredded roasted duck, thinly sliced grilled pork, or even crab meat for a richer flavor. For a plant-based twist, try crispy baked tofu or tempeh strips.
• Vegetable Additions: Broaden your veggie palette with thinly sliced jicama for crunch, edamame for protein, or different colored bell peppers for visual appeal and sweetness.
• Dipping Sauce Alternatives: While our peanut sauce is amazing, try a classic Vietnamese nuoc cham (fish sauce dipping sauce) or a sweet chili sauce for different flavor profiles.

Nutrition

These fresh and vibrant rolls offer a healthy and balanced meal option. Made with lean protein and plenty of fresh vegetables, they are naturally light and nutritious.

According to Loma Linda University Health, Spring Rolls are beneficial for health due to ingredients like vitamin E, which supports heart and blood vessel health.

(Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

FAQ

Conclusion

Homemade Spring Rolls are a delightful way to enjoy fresh, vibrant flavors with surprisingly little effort. With this simple guide, you can confidently create restaurant-quality rolls and an irresistible peanut dipping sauce right in your own kitchen. This recipe embodies simplicity and deliciousness, making healthy eating accessible for everyone. Give it a try, and share your creations with us! We can’t wait to see your flavorful results.