Dive into the vibrant world of Vietnamese cuisine with this recipe for Vietnamese Fresh Spring Rolls, a refreshing and healthy dish that embodies the essence of simplicity and flavor. Known as “Gỏi Cuốn” in Vietnamese, these spring rolls are a popular appetizer or light meal, consisting of crisp vegetables, fresh herbs, and your choice of protein, all wrapped in a delicate rice paper shell. This recipe includes a traditional shrimp and pork filling, but feel free to customize the ingredients to suit your preferences.
Ingredients:
For the Spring Rolls:
- 12 rice paper wrappers
- 24 medium shrimp, cooked and peeled
- 100g thinly sliced cooked pork belly (optional)
- 1 cup vermicelli noodles, cooked according to package instructions
- 1 cup lettuce, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1 cucumber, julienned
- 1 carrot, julienned
For the Peanut Dipping Sauce:
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons water, as needed to thin the sauce
- Crushed peanuts, for garnish
Instructions:
- Prep the Fillings:
- Make sure all your ingredients are prepared and laid out before you start assembling the spring rolls. Cut the cooked shrimp in half lengthwise and set aside. Have the pork belly (if using), cooked vermicelli noodles, lettuce, mint, cilantro, basil, cucumber, and carrot ready to go.
- Hydrate the Rice Paper:
- Fill a large, shallow dish with warm water. Dip a rice paper wrapper into the water for a few seconds to soften it. Don’t soak it too long or it will tear easily. Lay the wrapper flat on a clean, damp cloth.
- Assemble the Spring Rolls:
- On the lower third of the rice paper, arrange a few pieces of lettuce, mint, cilantro, and basil. Add a small amount of vermicelli noodles, a couple of pieces of cucumber and carrot, two halves of shrimp with the cut side up, and a slice of pork belly.
- Carefully fold the sides of the rice paper inwards, then tightly roll it up from the bottom, enclosing the filling. The key is to keep everything tight and compact. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
- Prepare the Peanut Dipping Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix together the hoisin sauce, peanut butter, minced garlic, and sugar. Gradually add water until you reach a desired consistency. The sauce should be creamy and easily dip-able. Garnish with crushed peanuts.
- Serve:
- Arrange the spring rolls on a platter with the peanut dipping sauce on the side. These are best enjoyed immediately, while the rice paper is still soft and the fillings are fresh.
Vietnamese Fresh Spring Rolls are not only a feast for the eyes but also a testament to the fresh and balanced flavors of Vietnamese cuisine. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, an appetizer, or a healthy snack, these spring rolls are sure to delight with their crisp textures and herbal freshness. Enjoy the process of making and eating them, as they’re a wonderful way to bring people together.
