Spring rolls are a delicious and versatile appetizer or snack that can be filled with a variety of ingredients, including vegetables, proteins, and herbs. They are typically wrapped in rice paper and served with dipping sauce. Here’s a basic recipe for making fresh spring rolls:
Ingredients:
For the Spring Rolls:
- Rice paper wrappers (available at Asian grocery stores)
- Shredded lettuce or cabbage
- Thin rice vermicelli noodles, cooked and cooled
- Sliced cucumbers
- Sliced carrots
- Fresh herbs like mint, cilantro, and Thai basil leaves
- Cooked and sliced protein (optional), such as shrimp, chicken, or tofu
- Water for soaking the rice paper
For the Dipping Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce or tamari (for a gluten-free option)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1-2 tablespoons honey or sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (optional)
- Crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce for a spicy kick (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
- Cook the rice vermicelli noodles according to the package instructions, rinse them under cold water, and set them aside to cool.
- Slice all the vegetables and herbs into thin, julienne-style strips. If using protein, cook it and slice it into thin strips as well.
2. Make the Dipping Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce or tamari, rice vinegar, honey or sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger (if using). Adjust the sweetness and spiciness to your taste by adding more honey/sugar or red pepper flakes/sriracha.
3. Prepare a Work Station:
- Fill a large, shallow dish with warm water. You’ll use this to soften the rice paper wrappers.
- Lay out all your prepared ingredients within easy reach.
4. Assemble the Spring Rolls:
- Dip one rice paper wrapper into the warm water for about 5-10 seconds until it becomes pliable but not too soft.
- Lay the softened rice paper flat on a clean surface, like a plate or a damp kitchen towel.
- Start by placing a few strips of lettuce or cabbage on the bottom third of the rice paper.
- Add a small amount of cooked and cooled vermicelli noodles on top of the lettuce.
- Layer on the sliced vegetables, herbs, and protein (if using).
- Fold the sides of the rice paper over the filling, then roll it up tightly, similar to rolling a burrito.
5. Serve:
- Repeat the process until you’ve used up all your ingredients.
- Serve the spring rolls with the dipping sauce on the side.
Spring rolls are best when they are freshly made, as the rice paper can become sticky if left out for too long. They are a great appetizer, snack, or light meal, especially in warm weather. Enjoy experimenting with different fillings to create your favorite combination!
