Why Make This Recipe
Fresh Spring Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce are perfect for a light meal or a snack. They are filled with fresh vegetables and flavorful herbs, making them both healthy and delicious. Plus, the homemade peanut dipping sauce adds a creamy, nutty touch that takes these rolls to another level. Whether it’s for a party, a picnic, or just a fun dinner, these spring rolls are always a hit. They’re easy to make and can be customized with whatever veggies you have on hand.
How to Make Fresh Spring Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce or Tamari sauce
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 teaspoons Sriracha
- 1/3 cup hot water
- 2 tablespoons chopped peanuts, for garnish
- 12 rice paper spring roll wrappers
- 6 oz dry vermicelli rice noodles, cooked according to package instructions
- 1 head butter lettuce, washed
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 large carrot, thinly sliced
- 1 cup thinly sliced purple cabbage
- 2 Persian cucumbers or 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 avocado, pitted, peeled and thinly sliced
- Handful of fresh mint, basil (regular or Thai), and cilantro leaves
Directions
- To make the dipping sauce, mix the peanut butter, hoisin sauce, rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and Sriracha in a medium bowl.
- Whisk in hot water until the sauce is smooth. If needed, add a bit more water until you reach the desired consistency. Pour the sauce into a serving bowl and top with chopped peanuts. Set it aside until you are ready to serve.
- To assemble the spring rolls, fill a wide, shallow bowl or pie plate with warm water. Dip one rice paper wrap into the water and let it soften for about 20 seconds, or until it is pliable.
- Carefully lift the wrap from the water and lay it flat on a damp dish towel. Place one piece of lettuce over the bottom third of the rice paper.
- On top of the lettuce, add about 2 tablespoons of rice noodles, along with equal amounts of peppers, cucumber, carrot, cabbage, and avocado.
- Finish with a few fresh herb leaves. Pick up the end of the rice paper closest to the filling and tightly wrap it over the veggies.
- Fold over the sides like you are making a burrito. The paper will stick to itself and hold everything inside.
- Keep rolling until you have a tight spring roll. Place it seam side down on a platter or cut it diagonally with a sharp knife.
- Repeat this process with the remaining ingredients. Serve with the peanut dipping sauce.
How to Serve Fresh Spring Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce
Serve the fresh spring rolls on a large platter with the peanut dipping sauce on the side. You can garnish the rolls with extra herbs for a pop of color and flavor. They are best enjoyed fresh but can also be refrigerated if you prefer.
How to Store Fresh Spring Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce
If you have any leftover spring rolls, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They are best eaten within a day or two, as the rice paper can become tough over time. The peanut sauce can also be stored in the fridge in a separate container. Just give it a good stir before serving again.
Tips to Make Fresh Spring Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce
- Ensure your rice paper wrappers are fresh and not too old to avoid tearing.
- Customize with your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, shredded carrots, or zucchini.
- Use cold water instead of hot water for soaking the rice paper if you want to work with it more slowly.
- Prepare all ingredients ahead of time for easier assembly.
Variation
You can add protein such as shrimp, grilled chicken, or tofu for a heartier dish. Feel free to swap out the vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have at home.
FAQs
1. Can I make fresh spring rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them a few hours in advance. Just keep them covered with a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out.
2. Are fresh spring rolls healthy?
Yes! Fresh spring rolls are loaded with veggies and are low in calories. When paired with the peanut sauce, they offer healthy fats and protein.
3. How long do leftovers last?
Leftover fresh spring rolls are best eaten within 1-2 days when stored properly in the refrigerator. The peanut sauce can last up to a week.
Fresh Spring Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce
Ingredients
Method
- In a medium bowl, mix together the peanut butter, hoisin sauce, rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and Sriracha.
- Whisk in hot water until the sauce is smooth. Adjust the consistency with more water if necessary. Pour into a serving bowl and top with chopped peanuts. Set aside.
- Fill a wide, shallow bowl or pie plate with warm water and dip one rice paper wrap into the water for about 20 seconds until pliable.
- Lift the wrap from the water and lay it flat on a damp dish towel.
- Place one piece of lettuce over the bottom third of the rice paper. On top of the lettuce, add 2 tablespoons of rice noodles, and equal amounts of peppers, cucumber, carrot, cabbage, and avocado.
- Finish with a few fresh herb leaves. Pick up the end of the wrap closest to the filling and tightly wrap it over the veggies.
- Fold over the sides like a burrito, and keep rolling until you have a tight spring roll. Place it seam-side down on a platter or cut it diagonally with a sharp knife.
- Repeat this process with remaining ingredients. Serve with peanut dipping sauce.