If you are searching for a light, refreshing, and vibrant dish to brighten up your table, this Fresh Spring Rolls Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining tender shrimp, crisp vegetables, and delicate rice noodles wrapped in translucent rice paper, these rolls explode with fresh flavors and enticing textures. Perfect for any occasion, they feel like a little culinary escape with every bite — bright, flavorful, and utterly satisfying without ever feeling heavy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these fresh spring rolls comes down to simple, wholesome ingredients that each play an essential role. From the tender shrimp to the crunchy julienned veggies, every component contributes a special note that makes this dish unforgettable.
- Large shrimp (1 lb): Peeled and deveined for tender, protein-packed bites.
- Vermicelli rice noodles (3 oz): Soft and slippery, they add a subtle background texture.
- Butter lettuce (1/2 head): Provides a fresh, crisp base that prevents sogginess.
- Carrots (2, julienned): Sweet crunch that brightens both flavor and color.
- English cucumber (1/2, julienned): Adds cooling freshness with a satisfying snap.
- Fresh cilantro sprigs (1 cup): Brings that unmistakable herbaceous brightness.
- Rice paper sheets (15): The delicate wrapper that holds it all together.
- Water (1/3 cup): To soften the rice paper with just the right amount of moisture.
- Fish sauce (1/4 cup): Essential for the authentic Vietnamese dipping sauce punch.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Balances the salty and sour for the perfect sauce harmony.
- Lime juice (2 tablespoons): Adds a tangy brightness that wakes up your taste buds.
- Rice wine vinegar (2 teaspoons): Delivers subtle acidity to the sauce.
- Chili garlic sauce (2 teaspoons): For a hint of spicy complexity.
- Garlic clove (1, minced): Fresh garlic flavor rounds out the dipping sauce beautifully.
- Sesame oil (2 teaspoons): Adds a smoky, nutty depth.
- Shredded carrot (1 tablespoon): A garnish that provides extra crunch and color.
- Sesame ginger dressing (1 cup): Used for the peanut dipping sauce base.
- Peanut butter (2 tablespoons): Creates a rich, creamy dip that complements the rolls perfectly.
How to Make Fresh Spring Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Cook and Prepare the Shrimp
Start by boiling the shrimp until they turn pink and are just cooked through — this usually takes just a few minutes. Immediately plunge them into ice water to stop the cooking and keep them tender. Once cooled, slice each shrimp in half lengthwise to make them easier to see and arrange inside your spring rolls.
Step 2: Prepare the Vermicelli Noodles
Next, cook the vermicelli rice noodles according to the package instructions until tender. Rinse them under cold water to cool and remove excess starch, then drain thoroughly, so they don’t make the rolls soggy. These noodles add a delicate silkiness that balances the crunchy vegetables perfectly.
Step 3: Prep the Vegetables and Herbs
Julienne the carrots and English cucumber into thin strips for the perfect balance of crunch. Gently separate and wash the butter lettuce leaves, and pick fresh cilantro sprigs to add that classic herbal brightness. The combination of textures and colors here makes the rolls so inviting before they even hit your mouth.
Step 4: Soften the Rice Paper Sheets
Take one rice paper sheet at a time and dip it into warm water for just a few seconds until soft but still slightly firm — this ensures it won’t tear when you roll. Lay the softened sheet flat on a clean surface ready for filling. This step is key to having spring rolls that hold together beautifully.
Step 5: Assemble the Rolls
Place a butter lettuce leaf onto one side of the softened rice paper, top with a small handful of vermicelli noodles, carrots, cucumber, and cilantro. On the opposite side, arrange the shrimp halves cut-side up so they show through the translucent paper — this gives your rolls an elegant look that’s just as delightful as the flavor!
Step 6: Roll Tightly
Fold in the sides of the rice paper towards the center, then roll the sheet up tightly from the shrimp side to encase all the fillings neatly. Tuck and roll slowly to avoid tearing, creating a compact, neat package that’s ready for dipping and devouring.
Step 7: Prepare the Vietnamese Dipping Sauce
Mix together the fish sauce, sugar, lime juice, rice wine vinegar, chili garlic sauce, minced garlic, and water in a bowl. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. This sauce is the perfect combination of sweet, salty, spicy, and sour that elevates the fresh rolls with every dip.
Step 8: Make the Peanut Dipping Sauce
Shake together the sesame ginger dressing and peanut butter in a jar or bowl until smooth and creamy. This rich, nutty sauce offers a lovely alternative that’s equally addictive alongside your fresh spring rolls.
How to Serve Fresh Spring Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle finely shredded carrot or toasted sesame seeds on or around the rolls for a pop of color and extra crunch. Fresh mint leaves alongside cilantro also add lovely fragrance and enhance the visual appeal, making your plate as inviting as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Fresh spring rolls pair beautifully with light Asian-inspired sides like pickled vegetables, steamed edamame, or even a simple cucumber salad. These options complement the rolls’ fresh elements without overwhelming their delicate flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the rolls on a large wooden board arranged neatly with dipping sauces in pretty bowls. Garnish the platter with lime wedges, extra herbs, and edible flowers for an eye-catching centerpiece that will impress your guests and make the meal feel extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover spring rolls, wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container lined with a damp paper towel. Store in the refrigerator and consume within 24 hours for the freshest taste and texture.
Freezing
Because rice paper can become chewy after freezing, it is not recommended to freeze fresh spring rolls. For best results, prepare only as many as you plan to eat fresh, and store extras refrigerated.
Reheating
These spring rolls are best enjoyed fresh or cold, so reheating is not advised. The freshness of the veggies and the softness of the rice paper are the stars here and can be compromised by heat.
FAQs
Can I make these spring rolls vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the shrimp with marinated tofu or extra crunchy vegetables like bell peppers or avocado. The Fresh Spring Rolls Recipe is very versatile and easy to adapt to your preferences.
What can I use instead of vermicelli noodles?
If you don’t have vermicelli noodles, you can try thin rice sticks or omit the noodles altogether for a lower-carb option. The key is adding a soft texture that contrasts with the crunch of vegetables.
How long do fresh spring rolls last in the fridge?
Store them tightly wrapped and refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Beyond that, the rice paper can become tough and the fillings may lose their crispness.
Can I prepare the dipping sauces in advance?
Yes! Both the Vietnamese and peanut dipping sauces can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Just give them a good stir or shake before serving.
What is the best way to roll the spring rolls without tearing the rice paper?
Briefly soak the rice paper just until it softens but remains slightly firm. Don’t over-soak it. Roll tightly but gently, folding in the sides first to avoid tearing the wrapper.
Final Thoughts
This Fresh Spring Rolls Recipe brings together the perfect harmony of textures and flavors that will instantly brighten up mealtime. Whether you’re serving them as a light lunch, appetizer, or party treat, their fresh, vibrant appeal is sure to win over family and friends alike. I encourage you to try making these at home — the simple joy of rolling and dipping them is as satisfying as eating every last bite!
Print
Fresh Spring Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 15 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Fresh Spring Rolls are a vibrant and healthy Vietnamese appetizer featuring tender shrimp, crisp vegetables, fresh herbs, and vermicelli noodles wrapped in delicate rice paper. Served with flavorful Vietnamese and peanut dipping sauces, these spring rolls are perfect for a light appetizer or refreshing snack.
Ingredients
Spring Rolls
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 oz vermicelli rice noodles
- 1/2 butter lettuce
- 2 carrots, julienned
- 1/2 English cucumber, julienned
- 1 cup fresh cilantro sprigs
- 15 rice paper sheets
- 1/3 cup water
Vietnamese Dipping Sauce
- 1/4 cup fish sauce
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 teaspoons rice wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon shredded carrot
Peanut Dipping Sauce
- 1 cup sesame ginger dressing
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
Instructions
- Cook the Shrimp: Boil shrimp until just cooked through, about 2-3 minutes, then immediately cool them in ice water to stop cooking. Once cooled, slice each shrimp in half lengthwise to prepare for rolling.
- Prepare Noodles: Cook vermicelli rice noodles according to package instructions until tender. Rinse noodles under cold water to cool and prevent sticking, then drain thoroughly.
- Prep Vegetables and Herbs: Julienne the carrots and English cucumber, wash and separate butter lettuce leaves, and pick fresh cilantro sprigs for assembly.
- Soften Rice Paper: Dip one rice paper sheet at a time in warm water for about 10-15 seconds to soften. Lay it flat on a clean surface ready for filling.
- Assemble Rolls: On one side of the softened wrapper, layer a piece of butter lettuce, a small amount of cooked noodles, julienned carrots, cucumber, and cilantro sprigs.
- Add Shrimp: Place the shrimp halves cut-side up on the opposite edge of the rice paper.
- Roll Tightly: Fold the sides of the rice paper inward over the filling, then roll the paper tightly from the shrimp end to encase all ingredients securely.
- Make Vietnamese Dipping Sauce: In a bowl, mix fish sauce, sugar, lime juice, rice wine vinegar, chili garlic sauce, minced garlic, sesame oil, and shredded carrot until well combined.
- Prepare Peanut Dipping Sauce: Combine sesame ginger dressing and peanut butter in a small jar or bowl and shake or whisk until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Notes
- Soften rice paper sheets one at a time to prevent them from sticking together or tearing.
- Use ice water to cool the shrimp quickly and retain a firm texture.
- For easier rolling, don’t overfill the rice papers; keep fillings moderate.
- Customize dipping sauces by adjusting the chili garlic sauce for desired spice level.
- Serve spring rolls immediately or cover with a damp towel to keep rice paper soft until serving.
