Description
Vietnamese Shrimp Spring Rolls are a light, refreshing, and flavorful dish made with delicate shrimp, fresh vegetables, and herbs, all wrapped in soft rice paper. These rolls typically include ingredients like crisp lettuce, shredded carrots, cucumber, cilantro, and mint, creating a balance of textures and flavors. The shrimp adds a sweet, tender protein, while the rice paper provides a smooth, slightly chewy wrapper. Served with a tangy and slightly sweet peanut or hoisin dipping sauce, these spring rolls are perfect as a healthy appetizer or snack, offering a burst of freshness in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious Vietnamese Shrimp Spring Rolls:
For the Spring Rolls:
- 10–12 large shrimp, peeled, deveined, and cooked (Halal-certified shrimp, if needed)
- 8–10 rice paper wrappers (you can find these at most Asian markets or online)
- 1 cup rice vermicelli noodles (optional for extra texture)
- 1 medium cucumber, julienned
- 1 large carrot, julienned
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1 avocado, sliced (optional, for added creaminess)
- A handful of lettuce leaves (optional)
For the Dipping Sauce:
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter (or almond butter for a nut-free version)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (ensure it’s halal)
- 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce or sriracha (optional, for a spicy kick)
- 1 tablespoon water to thin the sauce (if needed)
Ingredient Highlights
- Shrimp: A great source of lean protein, shrimp adds a satisfying texture and flavor to the rolls.
- Rice Paper: These thin, translucent wrappers are what make the spring rolls unique, holding all the fresh ingredients together in a neat package.
- Fresh Vegetables: The cucumber and carrots add a refreshing crunch, while the herbs like cilantro, mint, and basil provide aromatic flavors.
- Rice Vermicelli Noodles: These thin noodles are commonly used in spring rolls for added texture and to make the rolls more filling.
- Avocado: Adding avocado brings a creamy texture that pairs wonderfully with the fresh ingredients in the rolls.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make the perfect Vietnamese Shrimp Spring Rolls:
Prepare the Ingredients:
- Cook the Shrimp: If not already cooked, cook the shrimp by boiling or sautéing them for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Slice them in half lengthwise to make them easier to wrap in the rice paper.
- Prepare the Vermicelli Noodles (Optional): If using rice vermicelli noodles, cook them according to package instructions. Drain and set them aside to cool.
- Julienne the Vegetables: Using a sharp knife, julienne the cucumber and carrot into thin strips. Set them aside.
- Prepare the Herbs: Wash and dry the fresh cilantro, mint, and basil leaves. Pick off the leaves and set aside.
Assemble the Spring Rolls:
- Soak the Rice Paper: Fill a shallow dish or large bowl with warm water. Dip a rice paper wrapper into the water for 5-10 seconds, or until it becomes pliable. Be careful not to soak it for too long, as it will become too soft and tear easily.
- Add the Fillings: Once the rice paper is soft, place it on a clean surface. Lay a few leaves of lettuce (if using) in the center of the wrapper, followed by a small handful of cooked rice noodles (if using), a few strips of cucumber and carrot, some avocado slices (optional), and a couple of shrimp halves. Top with a few fresh herbs.
- Roll the Spring Roll: Carefully fold the sides of the rice paper over the fillings and then roll from the bottom up, keeping the ingredients tightly packed as you go. The rice paper will seal itself as it sticks together.
- Repeat the Process: Continue making the spring rolls with the remaining ingredients, wetting each rice paper as needed.
Prepare the Dipping Sauce:
- Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the hoisin sauce, peanut butter, rice vinegar, soy sauce, chili garlic sauce (if using), and a little water to thin the sauce to your desired consistency. Adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more peanut butter for creaminess or more chili sauce for heat.
Serve:
- Serve the Spring Rolls: Arrange the Vietnamese Shrimp Spring Rolls on a platter and serve them with the dipping sauce on the side.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8-10
- Calories: 100-120 kcal
- Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 6g