Wrapped in delicate rice paper, each roll is packed with crisp vegetables, aromatic herbs, and your choice of protein, all paired with a spicy dipping sauce. Perfect as a light snack or a flavorful starter!
Spring is around the corner, and we’re stuck in quarantine, so what better time to create some healthy spring recipes?? Are you surviving quarantine? All of the Chicago restaurants have been shut down for the next two weeks, and we’ve been cooking with whatever is in our fridge and pantry. My friend Jenn from Jenn Can Cook came over with some gorgeous veggies, rice paper, and an addicting spicy peanut sauce, and I couldn’t have been more excited! These spring rolls were just the thing I needed to get out of this quarantine funk. A hot summer day always has me wanting meals that are light and full of fresh, seasonal veggies, and these spring rolls were just that! They were fresh, healthy, and so damn good!
What are spring rolls?
Spring rolls or summer rolls, are a type of fresh, cold wrap typically made with rice paper and filled with a variety of ingredients. Unlike egg rolls, their deep-fried counterparts, the spring rolls and summer rolls are not cooked after assembly, which makes them a refreshing and light option, especially in warm weather!
What is rice paper?
Spring rolls are wrapped in rice paper wrappers! Rice paper is a super-thin wrapper traditionally made from rice, tapioca powder, water and salt that can be filled with almost anything. The tapioca powder makes the rice paper glutinous and smooth. They are so thin that after the wrappers become wet, they are almost translucent so you can see whatever is inside. That means all those fresh and beautiful veggies can shine!
Where can I purchase rice paper?
- Asian Grocery Stores: This is probably the most reliable place to find rice paper. An Asian market will have various sizes and brands, too.
- Supermarkets: Many larger supermarkets carry rice paper, especially those with well-stocked international or Asian food sections.
- Online Retailers: Websites like Amazon, Walmart, or specialty Asian food suppliers offer rice paper and often provide a range of options in terms of brands and sizes.
- Health Food Stores: Some health food stores stock rice paper, particularly those that have a good selection of international or specialty diet items.
When shopping for rice paper, you may find it labeled as “spring roll wrappers” or “rice paper wrappers.” Make sure to check the ingredient list if you have specific dietary needs or preferences, as the composition can vary slightly between brands.
They come in different sizes, but I really love the 8 1/2 inch wrappers. They’re easier to work with because of their large size.
Click here to check out the short web story for this recipe!
What do you need to make fresh spring rolls?
The great thing about spring rolls is the filling ingredients are endless! Here’s what you need:
Rice wrapper or spring roll wrappers
Salmon: seared, cooled and flaked by hand
Shrimp: seared cooled and cut in half
Chicken breasts: cooked and shredded (This would also be a great dish for leftover rotisserie chicken)
Fresh veggies you can include:
Cucumber, sliced julienne
Shredded carrots
Red cabbage, shredded
Napa cabbage, shredded
Butter lettuce leaves
Shiitake mushrooms, cut julienne
Thin slices of Red Bell pepper
Bean sprouts
Fresh herbs you can include:
Fresh Basil
Thai Basil
Cilantro
Fresh Mint leaves
Green onions
You can use all kinds of different fillings! My favorite was shrimp halves, basil, a couple of pieces of cucumber, purple cabbage, and carrots. I love the burst that fresh vegetables give to these simple rolls! What’s your favorite combo?
How do I assemble the spring rolls?
Start by filling a large shallow dish with luke warm water large enough to submerge the rice papers. Dip one rice paper wrapper into the water at a time, completely submerging. Leave in for 5-10 seconds, until they’re pliable and translucent.
Remove the spring roll wrappers from the dish and let the excess water drip off.
Lay the wrapper flat on a clean, flat surface or large cutting board. Lay your protein down first.
Top with veggies, herbs, and other fresh ingredients of your choosing.
Carefully tuck and fold the bottom of the wrapper over the filling. Roll spring rolls upward, tightly but gently to avoid ripping the rice paper wrapper.
Set aside on a large plate while you make the peanut sauce.
How to make the homemade peanut sauce
To make the homemade peanut sauce, combine the following in a blender:
1 cup peanut butter ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
2 tablespoons Soy sauce⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
4 tablespoons Sambal chili garlic sauce⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
4 tablespoons rice vinegar⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
4 tablespoons brown sugar⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
6 clove garlic ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
4 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
1/2 c water
Blend until smooth and place in a small bowl to dip spring rolls to your heart’s content!
How to store fresh spring rolls
Store the finished spring rolls in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to three days. You can store the creamy peanut sauce in a separate
Additional Recipes to Try
I hope you loved this fresh spring roll recipe. I think you’ll love these recipes, too!
Spicy Asian Meatballs with Zucchini noodles
Broccoli Cashew Stir Fry – this is the easiest meal to make and packed with amazing flavor! You’ll love this easy and adaptable weeknight dinner idea!
15 minutes Spicy Peanut Noodles – this simple recipe will make you ditch the take-out menu!
Spring Rolls with Spicy Peanut Dipping Sauce
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
For the rolls:
1 Cucumber, cut julienne
2 medium Carrots, shredded
1 cup Red cabbage, shredded
1 head Boston lettuce
1/2 cup Basil, chopped
1 cup Shiitake mushrooms, cut julienne
1/2 cup Cilantro, chopped
1 4 oz piece Salmon; seared, cooled and flaked by hand
5 Shrimp; seared, cooled and cut in half
1 cooked chicken breast, cooled and pulled (you can also used shredded rotisserie chicken for this)
10 Rice wraps
For the sauce:
1 cup peanut butter ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
2 tablespoons Soy sauce⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
4 tablespoon Sambal garlic chili sauce⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
4 tablespoons rice wine vinegar⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
4 tablespoons brown sugar⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
6 cloves garlic, minced⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
4 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
1/2 cup water
Instructions
Fill a bowl large enough to submerge the rice sheets with warm water.
Dip one rice paper wrapper into the water at a time, completely submerging . Leave in for 5-10 seconds, until pliable and the sheets are clear.
Place on a wet surface (I used a wet cutting board), and top with a sprinkling of lettuce, mint, basil, cabbage, cilantro, carrot, and green onions.
Carefully roll everything upward, tightly but gently to avoid ripping the rice paper wrapper. The paper will stick to itself!
To make the sauce, combine all ingredients in a blender. Blend until smooth.
Dip spring rolls into sauce. Enjoy!
hoose a bowl that is large enough to soak the rice sheets. Fill with water and do one at a time (if soaked too long they will stick and disintegrate) Place one sheet in and rotate with fingers until clear. Place on a wet surface, add protein first then pile on the veg! Simply roll up and the the rice wrapper will stick to itself! Slice in half and display with the protein facing up! submerging . Leave in for 5-10 seconds, until pliable.
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