Vietnamese Rice Paper Rolls Recipe
These vibrant, healthy Vietnamese rice paper rolls are a refreshing and versatile dish that pairs perfectly with a tangy dipping sauce. Packed with crisp vegetables, fresh herbs, and served with a zesty dipping sauce, these rolls are as much about the experience of preparation as they are about the deliciousness of the final product. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility; you can easily customize the filling to suit your tastes and dietary needs, incorporating ingredients like mango, avocado, radish, beet, cabbage, tofu, paneer, and colored peppers. Whether served as a light appetizer or a fun addition to a main meal, these rice paper rolls are always a crowd-pleaser.
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Course: Appetizer
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Rice Paper Rolls:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rice paper sheets | 10 sheets |
| Rice vermicelli noodles (thin) | 100 grams (adjust based on noodle type) |
| Carrots (Gajjar), cut into sticks | 2 carrots |
| Cucumbers, cut into sticks | 2 cucumbers |
| Coriander (Dhania) leaves, with tender stalks | 1 cup |
| Mint leaves (Pudina) | 1 cup |
| Tulsi (Holy basil) | 4 sprigs |
| Iceberg lettuce, torn | 8 leaves |
For the Dipping Sauce:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Soy sauce (or fish sauce) | 2 tablespoons |
| White wine vinegar | 2 tablespoons |
| Lemon juice | 1 tablespoon |
| Fresh ginger, grated | 1 teaspoon |
| Garlic, minced | 1 clove |
| Fresh red chilies, finely chopped | 2 chilies |
| Brown sugar (Demerara sugar) | 1 ½ teaspoons |
| Lukewarm water | ½ – ¾ cup |
| Salt and pepper, to taste | As needed |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Instructions
-
Prepare the Rice Vermicelli Noodles:
Begin by cooking the rice vermicelli noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the noodles and allow them to cool. -
Prep the Vegetables:
While the noodles are cooking, prepare the fresh vegetables. Peel and cut the carrots and cucumbers into thin sticks. Tear the iceberg lettuce into smaller pieces. Set aside all the herbs – coriander, mint, and holy basil – making sure to keep the tender stalks of the coriander for extra flavor. -
Make the Dipping Sauce:
In a mortar and pestle, lightly crush the fresh red chilies, garlic, ginger, and salt. Once crushed, transfer the mixture to a small mixing bowl. Add the soy sauce (or fish sauce), white wine vinegar, lemon juice, brown sugar, and lukewarm water. Stir until the sugar has dissolved and the sauce is well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Set aside for serving. -
Assemble the Rice Paper Rolls:
Fill a shallow pan or skillet halfway with warm water. Working one at a time, dip a rice paper sheet into the warm water for 10-20 seconds, or until it becomes soft and pliable. Place the softened rice paper onto a clean kitchen towel to absorb any excess water. -
Layer the Filling:
On the bottom third of the rice paper, place a layer of lettuce leaves. Top the lettuce with a few coriander, mint, and holy basil leaves. Add a portion of the cooled rice vermicelli noodles, followed by a few sticks of carrot and cucumber. -
Roll the Rice Paper:
Fold the bottom of the rice paper over the filling, tucking in the sides. Roll tightly from the bottom up until the rice paper is fully sealed. -
Repeat and Serve:
Repeat the process for the remaining rice papers and ingredients. Once all the rolls are assembled, place them seam side down on a platter. -
Serve with Dipping Sauce:
Serve the freshly made Vietnamese rice paper rolls with the prepared dipping sauce on the side. For a complete Vietnamese meal, pair the rolls with Peanut Chilli Dipping Sauce or Banh It Tran (Vietnamese Mung Bean Dumpling).
Tips for Perfect Rice Paper Rolls:
- Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh, crisp vegetables and aromatic herbs. If you’re including tofu or paneer, make sure it’s well-drained and sliced into thin strips.
- Soaking Rice Paper: Be careful not to soak the rice paper for too long as it will become too soft and difficult to handle. Aim for a few seconds to get it just right.
- Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to add your favorite veggies, fruits, or proteins. Mango, avocado, and even cooked shrimp can be fantastic additions.
- Storage: If you have leftovers, store the rolls in the refrigerator, covered with a damp kitchen towel. They will stay fresh for about a day.
These Vietnamese rice paper rolls are not just a dish, they’re a delightful hands-on experience for both family and friends, offering a burst of fresh flavors with every bite. Enjoy them as a light appetizer, a healthy snack, or even a meal on their own!
