Fresh Spring Rolls With Peanut Sauce (Print Page)

Crisp vegetables and shrimp in delicate rice paper with creamy peanut sauce

# What You Need:

→ Spring Roll Components

01 - 8 rice paper wrappers (8.5-inch diameter)
02 - 16 medium cooked shrimp, peeled and halved lengthwise
03 - 2.8 ounces rice vermicelli noodles, cooked and cooled
04 - 1 medium carrot, julienned
05 - 1 small cucumber, julienned
06 - 8 large fresh butter or romaine lettuce leaves, torn to fit
07 - 0.7 ounces fresh mint leaves
08 - 0.7 ounces fresh cilantro leaves
09 - 0.7 ounces fresh Thai basil leaves (optional)

→ Peanut Sauce

10 - 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
11 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce
12 - 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
13 - 1-2 teaspoons sriracha to taste
14 - 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lime juice
15 - 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
16 - 1/4-1/3 cup warm water

# Directions:

01 - Cook rice vermicelli noodles according to package directions, rinse thoroughly with cold water, and drain well. Julienne the carrot and cucumber into thin strips. Wash, dry, and tear lettuce leaves into appropriate sizes. Pat all herbs dry.
02 - Fill a large shallow dish with warm water. Submerge one rice paper wrapper for 5-8 seconds until just pliable but not overly soft. Transfer to a clean, damp kitchen towel, spreading it flat.
03 - Position 2 shrimp halves cut-side up approximately 2 inches from the bottom edge. Layer a small portion of noodles, carrot strips, cucumber strips, lettuce, and mixed herbs atop the shrimp.
04 - Fold the bottom edge over the filling tightly. Fold both sides inward toward the center. Continue rolling forward to form a compact cylinder. Repeat process with remaining wrappers and ingredients.
05 - Whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sriracha, vinegar, and honey in a small bowl. Gradually incorporate warm water, whisking continuously until achieving smooth, dippable consistency.
06 - Arrange fresh spring rolls on a serving platter alongside the peanut dipping sauce. Serve immediately while rolls remain crisp and wrapper texture is optimal.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The contrast between crisp vegetables and tender shrimp creates the most satisfying texture in every bite.
  • That homemade peanut sauce tastes infinitely better than anything you could buy at the store.
  • These rolls make you feel like you are eating something fancy and restaurant quality without turning on your stove.
02 -
  • Rice paper continues to soften after you remove it from water, so err on the side of under soaking rather than over soaking.
  • Work on a damp towel, not a dry surface, or the wrappers will stick and tear when you try to lift your finished rolls.
  • The peanut sauce thickens as it sits, so make it slightly thinner than you think you need it.
03 -
  • Keep a small bowl of water nearby to wet your fingers if the rice paper starts sticking to your hands while you work.
  • If your wrappers are tearing, try working with slightly cooler water and shorter soaking times.

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