Vietnamese Spring Rolls, also known as Gỏi Cuốn, are fresh, light, and packed with flavor. These rolls are made with soft rice paper wrappers that are filled with a variety of fresh ingredients, including shrimp, rice noodles, lettuce, mint, cilantro, and sometimes vermicelli or bean sprouts. The rolls are often served with a delicious dipping sauce, such as hoisin-peanut or a tangy fish sauce-based dip, for added flavor. They’re typically served chilled, making them a refreshing and healthy dish perfect for warm weather.
I first made Vietnamese Spring Rolls when I wanted something light yet satisfying, and they turned out to be the perfect balance of flavors and textures! The rice paper wrappers are soft and slightly chewy, while the fresh herbs and crisp vegetables provide a refreshing contrast. What I love most about this recipe is how customizable it is—you can swap the shrimp for grilled chicken, tofu, or even add avocado for a creamy texture. Whether for a light lunch, appetizer, or part of a larger meal, Vietnamese Spring Rolls are a healthy and delicious choice!
Perfect for:
- Appetizers
- Light meals
- Picnics
- Potlucks
- Healthy snacking
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why Vietnamese Spring Rolls will become your favorite go-to dish:
- Fresh and Flavorful: Packed with crisp vegetables, fragrant herbs, and juicy protein.
- Customizable: Easily swap out ingredients to suit your taste or dietary preferences.
- Healthy Option: Low in calories and full of nutrients, perfect for guilt-free indulgence.
- Quick to Make: Minimal cooking time required, ideal for busy days.
- Kid-Friendly: Fun to make and eat, even for picky eaters.
- Beautiful Presentation: Their vibrant colors make them a feast for the eyes.
- Versatile: Serve as an appetizer, main course, or even as a light snack.
- Great for Entertaining: A crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare in large batches.
- Portable: Perfect for on-the-go meals or picnics.
- Pairs Well with Dips: Enhance the flavors with a variety of dipping sauces.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Servings: 12 rolls
- Calories per serving: Approximately 120-150 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 7g, Carbs: 15g, Fat: 2g
Ingredients
For the Spring Rolls:
- 12 rice paper wrappers
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, sliced in half lengthwise
- 1 cup cooked beef, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1 cup vermicelli noodles, cooked
- 1 cup lettuce leaves, torn into small pieces
- ½ cup fresh mint leaves
- ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves
- ½ cup fresh Thai basil leaves
- 1 cup julienned carrots
- 1 cup julienned cucumbers
For the Dipping Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon chili paste (optional)
- 3 tablespoons water
- Crushed peanuts (for garnish)
Ingredient Highlights
- Rice Paper Wrappers: Soft and chewy, perfect for encasing fresh fillings.
- Fresh Herbs: Mint, cilantro, and basil bring a burst of aromatic flavor.
- Vermicelli Noodles: Light and delicate, providing texture without overpowering.
- Hoisin-Peanut Sauce: A creamy, savory-sweet dip that enhances every bite.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Fillings:
- Cook Protein: If using shrimp or beef, cook and slice them into thin pieces.
- Prepare Vermicelli: Cook vermicelli noodles according to package instructions. Rinse under cold water and drain.
- Julienne Vegetables: Thinly slice carrots and cucumbers into matchstick-sized pieces.
- Wash Herbs and Lettuce: Rinse and pat dry fresh herbs and lettuce leaves.
Assemble the Spring Rolls:
- Soften Rice Paper: Fill a large bowl with warm water. Dip one rice paper wrapper in the water for 5-10 seconds, then place it on a clean, damp kitchen towel.
- Layer Ingredients: Place a small handful of lettuce, herbs, vermicelli noodles, carrots, and cucumbers on the lower third of the wrapper. Add shrimp and beef on top.
- Roll Tightly: Fold the sides of the wrapper over the filling, then roll tightly from the bottom up, keeping the ingredients compact.
- Repeat: Continue with the remaining wrappers and fillings.
Make the Dipping Sauce:
- Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix hoisin sauce, peanut butter, soy sauce, chili paste (if using), and water until smooth.
- Garnish: Top the sauce with crushed peanuts for extra crunch.
Serve:
- Plate and Dip: Arrange spring rolls on a platter and serve with the dipping sauce.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Vietnamese Spring Rolls:
- As a Starter: Serve as an appetizer before the main meal.
- With Extra Sauces: Offer a variety of dipping sauces like nuoc cham, sweet chili, or sriracha mayo.
- For Meal Prep: Store in an airtight container for quick lunches throughout the week.
- At Parties: Present on a large platter with colorful garnishes.
- With Side Salad: Pair with a light salad for a refreshing meal.
- With Soups: Serve alongside a bowl of pho or other Vietnamese soups.
- As a Wrap Bar: Let guests assemble their own rolls with their preferred fillings.
- For Kids: Cut into smaller pieces for easy handling.
- As a Picnic Dish: Pack in a cooler for a fresh and portable snack.
- With Rice Bowls: Serve alongside a rice bowl for a complete meal.
Additional Tips
- Keep the Wrapper Damp: To prevent rice paper wrappers from drying out while assembling, cover them with a damp towel. This keeps them pliable and easy to roll.
- Use Fresh Herbs Generously: Mint, cilantro, and Thai basil add signature flavors. Don’t skimp—herbs are key to an authentic taste.
- Cut Ingredients Uniformly: Slice vegetables into thin, even strips to ensure an easy and neat roll.
- Don’t Overfill: Overstuffed rolls may tear or fall apart. Aim for a small handful of filling per roll.
- Layer for Presentation: Place shrimp or colorful veggies at the bottom of the wrapper before rolling. They’ll show through beautifully.
- Double-Wrap if Needed: If a roll tears, use another rice paper sheet to rewrap it for a clean finish.
- Chill Before Serving: Let assembled rolls rest in the fridge for 15–20 minutes. This helps them firm up and stay fresh.
- Experiment with Proteins: Substitute shrimp with grilled chicken, tofu, or even smoked salmon for variety.
- Serve with Multiple Dipping Sauces: Pair rolls with peanut sauce, hoisin-sriracha mix, or nuoc cham for added flavor options.
- Practice Makes Perfect: Rolling can be tricky at first. Don’t worry about imperfections—each roll will improve with practice!
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Spring Rolls: Skip the meat and add more vegetables or tofu.
- Spicy Rolls: Add thinly sliced chili peppers or a drizzle of sriracha.
- Mango Spring Rolls: Include thin slices of ripe mango for a tropical twist.
- Grilled Meat Rolls: Use grilled beef or chicken for a smoky flavor.
- Avocado Rolls: Add slices of creamy avocado for extra richness.
- Pickled Veggie Rolls: Incorporate pickled daikon and carrots for a tangy kick.
- Seafood Rolls: Swap shrimp for cooked crab or lobster meat.
- Peanut-Free Sauce: Use almond butter or sunflower seed butter in the dipping sauce.
- Low-Carb Rolls: Replace vermicelli noodles with spiralized zucchini or cabbage.
- Fruit and Nut Rolls: Create a sweet version with fruits and a honey-yogurt dipping sauce.
Special Equipment
- Large Bowl: For softening rice paper wrappers.
- Sharp Knife: To julienne vegetables and slice protein.
- Clean Kitchen Towel: To lay out softened rice paper.
- Cutting Board: For prepping ingredients.
- Serving Platter: To arrange and present the rolls.
- Small Bowl: For mixing the dipping sauce.
- Chopsticks: Optional, for elegant serving.
FAQ Section
- Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Yes, but wrap them individually in damp paper towels and store in an airtight container to prevent drying out. - What’s the best way to keep rice paper from tearing?
Don’t soak the rice paper for too long and handle it gently while assembling. - Can I freeze the spring rolls?
Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the rice paper may change. - How long do these last in the fridge?
They’re best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for up to 1 day in the fridge. - What can I substitute for rice paper wrappers?
Lettuce leaves can be a low-carb alternative. - How do I prevent the rolls from sticking together?
Place parchment paper between each roll or lightly oil the surface. - Can I use brown rice noodles?
Absolutely! They’re a great option for a healthier twist. - What dipping sauce works best?
Hoisin-peanut sauce is classic, but nuoc cham offers a tangy alternative. - Can I skip the noodles?
Yes, for a lower-carb option, omit the noodles and increase the veggies. - How can I add more protein?
Include extra shrimp, beef, or even a hard-boiled egg slice.
Conclusion
Vietnamese Spring Rolls, also known as Gỏi Cuốn, are a light and refreshing appetizer or snack, featuring a combination of fresh ingredients wrapped in soft rice paper. These rolls are typically filled with a mix of shrimp, vermicelli noodles, fresh vegetables (like lettuce, carrots, and cucumber), and herbs such as mint and cilantro. They are often served with a side of peanut or hoisin dipping sauce, adding a sweet and savory contrast to the fresh flavors.
To make these spring rolls, you start by soaking the rice paper in warm water to soften it, then layering your ingredients in the center of the paper. The key is to roll the paper tightly, folding in the sides as you go, to create a neat, compact roll that holds everything together. The beauty of Vietnamese Spring Rolls is their versatility—you can easily swap out shrimp for beef, chicken, or tofu, and experiment with different vegetables and herbs to suit your taste. Vietnamese Spring Rolls are perfect for meal prepping, serving at parties, or as a light lunch. They are healthy, fresh, and packed with flavor, and they’re a great way to enjoy a low-calorie, yet satisfying meal.
I can’t wait to see how your Vietnamese Spring Rolls turn out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your vibrant, delicious creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made these rolls your own!