Fresh Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce (Print Version)
Crisp vegetable-filled rolls with rice noodles and fresh herbs, served alongside a smooth peanut dipping sauce for a refreshing appetizer.
# What You Need:
→ For the Spring Rolls
01 - 8 rice paper wrappers (8.5 inch diameter)
02 - 3.5 oz rice vermicelli noodles
03 - 1 medium carrot, julienned
04 - 1 small cucumber, julienned
05 - 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
06 - 1.75 oz red cabbage, finely shredded
07 - 1 small avocado, sliced
08 - 8 large fresh lettuce leaves
09 - 24 fresh mint leaves
10 - 24 fresh cilantro sprigs
11 - 16 fresh basil leaves
→ For the Peanut Dipping Sauce
12 - 3 tbsp creamy peanut butter
13 - 1 tbsp soy sauce (use gluten-free if needed)
14 - 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
15 - 1 tbsp lime juice
16 - 1 tsp sesame oil
17 - 1-2 tbsp warm water (to thin, as needed)
18 - 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
19 - 1 small garlic clove, finely grated
20 - 1 tsp sriracha or chili sauce (optional)
# How-To:
01 - Cook rice vermicelli according to package instructions. Rinse under cold water until cool and drain thoroughly.
02 - Arrange all prepared vegetables, herbs, and drained noodles in separate bowls within easy reach for assembly.
03 - Fill a large shallow dish with warm water. Submerge one rice paper wrapper for 10-15 seconds until pliable. Transfer to a clean, damp towel.
04 - Place one lettuce leaf in the lower third of the wrapper. Add a small handful of noodles, then layer with carrot, cucumber, bell pepper, cabbage, avocado, and a mix of fresh herbs.
05 - Fold both sides of the wrapper inward toward the center. Starting from the bottom, roll up tightly to enclose all fillings. Repeat with remaining wrappers and ingredients.
06 - Whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, lime juice, sesame oil, honey, garlic, and sriracha in a bowl. Gradually add warm water while whisking until smooth and dip-able consistency is achieved.
07 - Arrange spring rolls on a serving platter and serve immediately with peanut dipping sauce on the side.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- These rolls are impossibly refreshing, the kind of food that makes you feel good just eating them
- The peanut sauce is actually better than restaurant versions and takes two minutes to whisk together
- Perfect for making ahead and they somehow make vegetables feel exciting
02 -
- Rice paper continues to soften as it sits, so do not oversoak it or you will end up with tearing
- Keep your hands damp while working to prevent the wrappers from sticking to your fingers
- Roll these gently but firmly, like you are tucking someone into bed
03 -
- Work with one wrapper at a time until you get comfortable with the technique
- Keep a small bowl of water nearby to moisten your fingers as needed