Spring Rolls (Vietnam)

 

Spring Rolls, also known as Vietnamese Spring Rolls or Gỏi cuốn, are a popular Vietnamese appetizer or snack. They are refreshing, light, and packed with fresh vegetables and herbs wrapped in delicate rice paper. Spring Rolls are typically served with a dipping sauce and are enjoyed as a healthy and flavorful treat.

Here's a traditional recipe for Spring Rolls:

Ingredients:

For the filling:

- Rice paper wrappers (round sheets)

- Rice vermicelli noodles, cooked and cooled

- Lettuce leaves

- Bean sprouts

- Carrots, julienned

- Cucumber, julienned

- Fresh herbs (such as mint, Thai basil, and cilantro)

- Cooked shrimp, chicken, or tofu (optional)

For the dipping sauce:

- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce

- 1 tablespoon peanut butter

- 1 tablespoon soy sauce

- 1 tablespoon lime juice

- 1 tablespoon water

 - 1 teaspoon Sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional)

- Chopped peanuts (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the filling. Cook the rice vermicelli noodles according to package instructions, rinse with cold water, and set aside. Julienne the carrots and cucumber into thin strips. Wash and separate lettuce leaves. Prepare the fresh herbs by removing the leaves from the stems.

2. Fill a large shallow dish or pie plate with warm water. Dip one rice paper wrapper into the water and rotate it gently until it softens (about 15-20 seconds). Remove and place it on a clean, damp kitchen towel or a plate.

3. On the bottom third of the rice paper wrapper, place a lettuce leaf, followed by a small handful of rice vermicelli noodles.

4. Add a few strips of carrots and cucumber, a small handful of bean sprouts, and some fresh herbs on top of the noodles.

5. If desired, add a few pieces of cooked shrimp, chicken, or tofu on top of the vegetables and herbs.

6. Fold the sides of the rice paper wrapper inward over the filling. Then, starting from the bottom, tightly roll the wrapper upwards, making sure the filling is secure and tightly packed. Repeat the process with the remaining ingredients.

7. In a small bowl, whisk together the hoisin sauce, peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, water, and Sriracha or chili garlic sauce (if using) until well combined. Adjust the ingredients to achieve your desired taste.

8. Serve the Spring Rolls with the dipping sauce on the side, sprinkled with chopped peanuts for garnish.

Spring Rolls are best enjoyed immediately while the rice paper is still soft and the fillings are fresh. They can be served as an appetizer, a light lunch, or a snack. The combination of crisp vegetables, fragrant herbs, and the flavorful dipping sauce makes Spring Rolls a refreshing and delightful dish in Vietnamese cuisine.