Introduction
Vietnamese Summer Rolls with Peanut Sauce are a light, fresh, and delicious dish perfect for any occasion. These rolls are filled with crisp vegetables, herbs, and protein of choice, all wrapped in delicate rice paper. Paired with a creamy peanut dipping sauce, they make for a refreshing appetizer, snack, or light meal.
Why You’ll Love This:
- Fresh & Healthy: Packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants.
- Easy to Customize: Use your favorite veggies and protein.
- Gluten Free & Vegan Friendly Options.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make ahead and store for later.
Equipment Needed:
Cutting board, Sharp knife, Large bowl, Damp kitchen towel, Small saucepan, Whisk, Serving plate
Ingredients:
For the Summer Rolls:
- 8 rice paper wrappers
- 1 cup cooked vermicelli rice noodles
- 1 cup julienned carrots
- 1 cup julienned cucumber
- 1 cup shredded lettuce or cabbage
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup fresh Thai basil
- 1/2 cup cooked shrimp, tofu, or grilled chicken (optional)
For the Peanut Sauce:
- 1/3 cup peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten free)
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2-3 tablespoons warm water (to thin the sauce)
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 250-300 kcal
Protein: 8-10 grams,
Carbohydrates: 35-40 grams,
Fat: 8-10 grams,
Fiber: 4-6 grams
Step by Step Instructions:
Time:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes,
Assembly Time: 15 minutes,
Total Time: 30 minutes
- Prepare the Ingredients: Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions. Slice the vegetables and protein into thin strips.
- Soften the Rice Paper: Fill a large bowl with warm water. Dip each rice paper wrapper in the water for about 10 seconds until it becomes soft and pliable. Lay it flat on a damp kitchen towel.
- Assemble the Rolls: Place a small handful of noodles, vegetables, herbs, and protein in the center of the rice paper. Fold the sides inward, then tightly roll from the bottom up. Repeat with remaining wrappers.
- Make the Peanut Sauce: In a small saucepan, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, red pepper flakes, and warm water until smooth.
- Serve & Enjoy: Arrange the summer rolls on a serving plate and serve with the peanut sauce. Enjoy immediately!
Tips for the Best Vietnamese Summer Rolls:
- Use fresh herbs for an authentic flavor.
- Don’t overfill the wrappers to prevent tearing.
- Keep assembled rolls covered with a damp towel to prevent drying out.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair with a side of pickled vegetables, miso soup, or a light Asian inspired salad.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q 1. Can I make summer rolls ahead of time?
Yes, store them in an airtight container with a damp towel for up to 24 hours.
Q 2. Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?
Absolutely! Almond or cashew butter works well as an alternative.
Q 3. Can I make these without rice paper?
Yes, you can use lettuce wraps as a low carb option.
Conclusion:
Vietnamese Summer Rolls with Peanut Sauce are a fresh, vibrant, and healthy dish that’s easy to make and customize. Perfect for gatherings, meal prep, or a light meal, these rolls bring a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Enjoy!