Vietnamese Rice Paper Rolls Recipe: A Fresh and Flavorful Appetizer
Vietnamese Rice Paper Rolls, also known as Gỏi Cuốn, are a delightful and refreshing appetizer that combines crunchy vegetables, fragrant herbs, and thin rice vermicelli noodles, all wrapped in a delicate rice paper shell. This dish is light yet satisfying, and it’s perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to elegant dinners. Paired with a rich and zesty dipping sauce, these rolls are sure to impress your guests. The combination of fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a touch of sweetness makes every bite a burst of flavor.
Ingredients for Vietnamese Rice Paper Rolls
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rice paper rolls (sheets) | 10 sheets |
| Rice vermicelli noodles (thin) | 100 grams (adjust depending on noodle variety) |
| Carrots (Gajjar) | 2, cut into sticks |
| Cucumbers | 2, cut into sticks |
| Coriander (Dhania) leaves | 1 cup, with tender stalks |
| Mint leaves (Pudina) | 1 cup |
| Holy basil (Tulsi) sprigs | 4 sprigs |
| Iceberg lettuce | 8 leaves, torn into pieces |
| Soy sauce (or fish sauce) | 2 tbsp |
| Rice wine vinegar | 2 tbsp |
| Lemon juice | 1 tbsp |
| Ginger (grated) | 1 tsp |
| Garlic (minced) | 1 clove |
| Fresh red chillies | 2, finely chopped |
| Brown sugar (Demerara sugar) | 1 1/2 tsp |
| Lukewarm water | 1/2 – 3/4 cup |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Course: Appetizer
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions for Vietnamese Rice Paper Rolls
-
Prepare the Noodles and Vegetables
Begin by cooking the rice vermicelli noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain them thoroughly and let them cool. While the noodles are cooking, prepare all your vegetables. Cut the carrots and cucumbers into sticks, and tear the iceberg lettuce into small pieces. Set aside your herbs—coriander leaves, mint leaves, and holy basil.
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Make the Dipping Sauce
While the noodles are cooling, prepare the dipping sauce for the rice paper rolls. Take a mortar and pestle and crush the fresh red chillies, grated ginger, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt lightly to release their flavors. Transfer this crushed mixture into a small mixing bowl. Add the soy sauce (or fish sauce), rice wine vinegar, lemon juice, brown sugar, and a small amount of lukewarm water to the bowl. Stir the mixture until the sugar is dissolved and the flavors are well combined. Set the dipping sauce aside for later use. -
Prepare the Rice Paper Rolls
Now, it’s time to assemble your rice paper rolls! Fill a shallow pan or skillet halfway with warm water. One by one, dip a sheet of rice paper into the water for 10-20 seconds, or until the rice paper is just soft. Remove it from the water and place it on a clean kitchen towel to absorb any excess moisture. -
Assemble the Rolls
Once the rice paper sheet is ready, place it on a flat surface. Begin by placing 1-2 pieces of lettuce on the bottom third of the rice paper. Add a few leaves of coriander, mint, and holy basil, if using. Then, layer some of the cooled rice vermicelli noodles over the herbs. Top the noodles with 1-2 sticks of carrot and cucumber. -
Roll the Paper
To roll the paper, fold over the bottom edge of the rice paper over the filling, gently tucking in the sides. Carefully roll up the rice paper tightly until the roll is fully enclosed, making sure the seam is on the bottom so that the roll stays together. -
Repeat the Process
Continue this process for the remaining rice paper sheets, adding fresh ingredients and rolling them tightly. Place the finished rolls on a serving platter, seam-side down. -
Serve and Enjoy
Vietnamese Rice Paper Rolls are best served fresh. Arrange the rolls on a platter and serve them with the prepared dipping sauce on the side. These rolls are traditionally paired with a peanut chili dipping sauce or alongside other Vietnamese treats like Bánh It Trần (Vietnamese mung bean dumplings).
Tips for Perfect Rice Paper Rolls
- Soften the Rice Paper Sheets Just Enough: Make sure you don’t soak the rice paper for too long, as it can become too soft and tear easily. Dip it until it’s just pliable and soft enough to work with.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: The freshness of the herbs and vegetables is key to achieving the authentic taste of Vietnamese rice paper rolls. Fresh mint, coriander, and basil will give the rolls an aromatic lift.
- Customize the Fillings: While the classic combination includes vermicelli noodles, carrots, and cucumbers, feel free to add other ingredients like cooked shrimp, tofu, or even avocado slices for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
- Serve Immediately: Rice paper rolls are best eaten fresh, as they can become chewy or dry if left out for too long. If you need to store them for a short time, cover them with a damp cloth to maintain their softness.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Fat | 1g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 600 mg |
| Sugars | 7g |
These Vietnamese Rice Paper Rolls offer a vibrant and healthy addition to any meal. Perfect for vegetarians, these rolls are packed with fresh ingredients and bursting with flavor. The accompanying dipping sauce adds a perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and sweet notes that will make these rolls irresistible. Whether you’re looking for a light snack, a fresh appetizer, or a healthy meal, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings!
