Vietnamese spring rolls, also known as Gỏi cuốn or fresh spring rolls, are a popular dish that is healthy, light, and refreshing. They are filled with fresh vegetables, herbs, and often include shrimp or pork, and are wrapped in rice paper. These rolls are perfect as an appetizer or as a light meal, and they are also great for summer days when you want something light and refreshing. In this article, we will explore the recipe for Vietnamese spring rolls, so let’s get started.
Ingredients:
- 12 sheets of rice paper
- 1/2 lb. cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 lb. pork, cooked and thinly sliced
- 1 cucumber, julienned
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1/2 cup of fresh mint leaves
- 1/2 cup of fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/2 cup of fresh Thai basil leaves
- 1/2 cup of bean sprouts
- 1/4 cup of chopped roasted peanuts
- 1/4 cup of hoisin sauce
- 1/4 cup of peanut sauce
Instructions:
- Prepare the ingredients: Start by cooking the shrimp and pork until they are fully cooked. You can boil, grill or bake them according to your preference. Once cooked, let them cool and then slice them thinly. Julienne the cucumber and carrot, and rinse the bean sprouts. Wash and pat dry the mint, cilantro, and Thai basil leaves.
- Soak the rice paper: Fill a shallow dish with warm water and soak one rice paper sheet at a time for about 10 seconds or until it becomes soft and pliable. Lay the rice paper sheet on a clean, flat surface like a cutting board or plate.
- Fill the rice paper: On the bottom third of the rice paper, layer the cooked shrimp or pork, cucumber, carrot, bean sprouts, and a small handful of mint, cilantro, and Thai basil leaves. Fold the bottom edge of the rice paper over the filling, then fold in the sides to enclose the filling, and then roll tightly to seal the spring roll. Repeat with the remaining ingredients and rice paper sheets.
- Serve the spring rolls: Serve the spring rolls with hoisin sauce and peanut sauce on the side. You can also sprinkle some chopped peanuts on top for added crunch.
Tips:
- Don’t soak the rice paper sheets for too long, or they will become too soft and tear easily.
- Arrange the filling ingredients neatly and tightly in the center of the rice paper to make it easier to roll.
- You can also use other ingredients like tofu, shredded lettuce, or vermicelli noodles to fill the spring rolls.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the shrimp and pork, and add more vegetables or tofu.
Conclusion:
Vietnamese spring rolls are a healthy and refreshing dish that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of patience, you can create these delicious and beautiful spring rolls in no time. So give this recipe a try, and enjoy the delicious taste of Vietnamese cuisine!
