Vietnamese Rice Paper Rolls whisk you away to sun-drenched markets along the Mekong, where crisp lettuce, crunchy carrots, delicate rice noodles, fragrant basil, and plump shrimp—or silky tofu for a vegetarian twist—are lovingly wrapped in translucent rice paper. With a zingy peanut dipping sauce made creamy by coconut milk and sweetened with honey, each bite bursts with color and flavor. These light, no-cook rolls are perfect for gathering friends, unrolling creativity, and savoring the simple joy of fresh ingredients. Effortless to assemble and endlessly adaptable, they turn any meal into a playful celebration under the tropical sun.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Vietnamese Rice Paper Rolls
- Fresh and vibrant flavors in every bite.
- Customizable with your favorite veggies and proteins.
- Light and healthy, perfect for any meal.
- Fun to make and even more fun to eat!
Vietnamese Rice Paper Rolls
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Prepare All Fillings – Start by cooking and cooling your vermicelli noodles. Shred some crisp lettuce and julienne fresh carrots and cucumbers. Gather fresh mint and cilantro for added flavor.
- Step 2: Soften the Rice Paper – Fill a shallow dish with warm water. Dip one rice paper wrapper in the water for about 5 seconds to soften it. Be gentle; you want it pliable but not too mushy!
- Step 3: Assemble the Rolls – Lay the softened wrapper on a flat surface. Place a few leaves of lettuce, a sprig of mint, cilantro, a small handful of vermicelli, shrimp, and some julienned carrots and cucumbers near the bottom edge of the wrapper.
- Step 4: Roll It Up – Fold the bottom edge of the wrapper over the fillings. Then, fold in the sides and roll tightly to seal everything inside. It’s like a little present!
- Step 5: Repeat – Keep repeating the process with the remaining wrappers and fillings. Soon, you’ll have a beautiful platter of rice paper rolls ready to be devoured!
- Step 6: Make the Dipping Sauce – Whisk together the ingredients for the dipping sauce until the sugar dissolves. Serve it alongside your fresh rolls for a delicious dip!
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 |
| Fat | 3g |
| Protein | 10g |
| Carbs | 25g |
Ingredients
Gather these fresh and vibrant ingredients to create your delicious Vietnamese Rice Paper Rolls!
- 8 rice paper wrappers – for wrapping the fillings
- 12 cooked shrimp – halved lengthwise, adds protein
- 100g rice vermicelli noodles – cooked, provides texture
- 1 cup fresh lettuce leaves – shredded, for crunch
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves – aromatic herb for flavor
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves – enhances the fresh taste
- 1 medium carrot – julienned, adds sweetness and color
- 1/2 cucumber – julienned, for freshness
- Dipping Sauce:
- 2 tbsp fish sauce – salty umami flavor
- 2 tbsp lime juice – for tanginess
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar – adds acidity
- 1 tbsp sugar – balances flavors
- 1 minced garlic clove – for aromatic depth
- 1 chopped red chili – optional heat
How to Make Vietnamese Rice Paper Rolls
Making Vietnamese Rice Paper Rolls is a delightful experience! With a preparation time of about 20 minutes, cooking time of 10 minutes, and a little extra time for cooling, you’ll have fresh, tasty rolls ready to enjoy in no time.
Step 1: Prepare All Fillings
Start by cooking and cooling your vermicelli noodles. Shred some crisp lettuce and julienne fresh carrots and cucumbers. Gather fresh mint and cilantro for added flavor.
Step 2: Soften the Rice Paper
Fill a shallow dish with warm water. Dip one rice paper wrapper in the water for about 5 seconds to soften it. Be gentle; you want it pliable but not too mushy!
Step 3: Assemble the Rolls
Lay the softened wrapper on a flat surface. Place a few leaves of lettuce, a sprig of mint, cilantro, a small handful of vermicelli, shrimp, and some julienned carrots and cucumbers near the bottom edge of the wrapper.
Step 4: Roll It Up
Fold the bottom edge of the wrapper over the fillings. Then, fold in the sides and roll tightly to seal everything inside. It’s like a little present!
Step 5: Repeat
Keep repeating the process with the remaining wrappers and fillings. Soon, you’ll have a beautiful platter of rice paper rolls ready to be devoured!
Step 6: Make the Dipping Sauce
Whisk together the ingredients for the dipping sauce until the sugar dissolves. Serve it alongside your fresh rolls for a delicious dip!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Appetizer |
| Cuisine | Vietnamese |
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 10 minutes |
| Total Time | 30 minutes |
| Dietary | Low-calorie |
| Serves | 4 |
| Best Served | Fresh with dipping sauce |
Pro Tips for Making Vietnamese Rice Paper Rolls
- Soak rice paper in warm water for just a few seconds to avoid tearing.
- Use fresh herbs like mint and cilantro for vibrant flavor.
- Keep your fillings colorful for an appealing presentation.
- Don’t overfill; less is more for easy rolling.
- Serve with a homemade dipping sauce for an extra kick.
How to Serve this Vietnamese Rice Paper Rolls
- Serve with a zesty peanut dipping sauce for a creamy contrast.
- Pair with a fresh cucumber salad for a refreshing crunch.
- Enjoy alongside a bowl of tangy hoisin sauce for added flavor.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like mint and cilantro for an aromatic touch.
- Include a side of pickled vegetables for a tangy kick.
- Serve as an appetizer at parties for a colorful platter.
- Wrap with grilled tofu or shrimp for a protein boost.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing and enjoying your Vietnamese Rice Paper Rolls later is simple and effective:
Storing Vietnamese Rice Paper Rolls Leftovers
- Wrap each roll in plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
- Place wrapped rolls in an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Freezing Vietnamese Rice Paper Rolls
- Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap.
- Place wrapped rolls in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating Vietnamese Rice Paper Rolls
- For refrigerated rolls, enjoy them cold or let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
- For frozen rolls, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
- Reheat in a steamer for a few minutes to restore softness.
- Serve with fresh dipping sauce for the best flavor.
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FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. Are Vietnamese rice paper rolls healthy?
Yes, Vietnamese rice paper rolls are generally considered healthy! They are typically made with fresh vegetables, lean proteins like shrimp or tofu, and are low in calories. The rice paper itself is gluten-free and provides a light, nutritious wrap for all the delicious fillings. Plus, they are often served with a dipping sauce that can be made with healthy ingredients, making them a great choice for a nutritious meal or snack.
2. What to put in Vietnamese rice paper rolls?
You can get creative with the fillings for Vietnamese rice paper rolls! Common ingredients include fresh vegetables like lettuce, carrots, cucumbers, and herbs such as mint and cilantro. For protein, you can use shrimp, chicken, or tofu. You can also add vermicelli noodles for extra texture. The beauty of these rolls is that you can customize them to your taste, making them as light or hearty as you like!
3. What are Vietnamese rice paper rolls called?
Vietnamese rice paper rolls are commonly known as \”Gỏi cuốn\”. This term translates to \”salad rolls\” in English, which reflects their fresh and healthy nature. They are a popular dish in Vietnamese cuisine, often enjoyed as an appetizer or light meal, and are loved for their vibrant flavors and textures.
4. How long do you soak Vietnamese rice paper?
To prepare Vietnamese rice paper, you should soak each sheet in warm water for about 10 to 15 seconds. The goal is to soften the rice paper just enough to make it pliable without becoming too mushy. Once soaked, lay it flat on a clean surface and fill it with your desired ingredients before rolling it up. This quick soaking method ensures that your rolls maintain a nice texture and are easy to handle.
Final Thoughts
Making Vietnamese Rice Paper Rolls is not just a recipe; it’s a delightful experience! Gather your favorite fillings, roll them up, and enjoy the fresh flavors that burst with every bite. It’s simple, fun, and oh-so-rewarding. So, grab your ingredients and get rolling—your taste buds will thank you!