These shrimp spring rolls are fresh, crunchy, and bursting with flavor! Wrapped in rice paper, they make a perfect light snack or appetizer that everyone loves.
The peanut sauce is the real star here! It’s creamy and delicious, making you want to dip everything in it. I can’t resist adding extra sauce for my rolls—how about you? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: I recommend using medium cooked shrimp for convenience. If you’re vegetarian, try using tofu or sliced avocado instead, which gives a creamy texture. You could also try shredded chicken if you prefer meat.
Rice Paper Wrappers: The rice paper wrappers are the star of this dish! If you can’t find them, use lettuce leaves for a low-carb option. Just make sure they are large enough to hold your filling.
Rice Vermicelli Noodles: These noodles provide a lovely texture. If you’re gluten-free, you can replace them with another gluten-free noodle or spiralized veggies like zucchini for a lighter option.
Fresh Herbs: This recipe uses mint, cilantro, and basil. If you don’t have one, feel free to mix and match based on your taste. Parsley or even dill can work if you’re in a pinch!
Peanut Butter: I love creamy peanut butter here for smoothness but chunky works too! If you have a nut allergy, sunflower seed butter can be a great alternative for similar flavor.
How do I Roll the Spring Rolls Without Them Falling Apart?
Rolling spring rolls can seem tricky, but with a little practice, you’ll get the hang of it! Here’s how to do it right:
- Ensure your rice paper is softened but not too mushy. 10-15 seconds in warm water should do it.
- Layer the ingredients in the lower third of the wrapper, leaving space on the sides.
- When rolling, tuck in the filling as you go; this keeps everything secure. Fold the wrapper over the filling, then the sides. Roll tightly but gently upwards.
If you’re having trouble, don’t worry! It might take a few tries before you get it just right.
How to Make Shrimp Spring Rolls With Peanut Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Spring Rolls:
- 12 medium cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined, halved lengthwise
- 8-10 rice paper wrappers (8-inch diameter)
- 1 cup rice vermicelli noodles, cooked and drained
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup thinly sliced cucumber
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup lettuce leaves (butter or romaine), torn into small pieces
For the Peanut Sauce:
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili sauce (optional for heat)
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
- 1/3 cup warm water (adjust for desired consistency)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
- Crushed peanuts for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you around 30 minutes to prepare all the ingredients and assemble the spring rolls. If you’re making the peanut sauce, that will add just a few more minutes. You can serve these fresh spring rolls immediately, making them perfect for a quick appetizer or light meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Vermicelli Noodles:
Start by cooking the rice vermicelli noodles according to the package instructions. Once they’re tender, drain them and set them aside. This gives a nice texture in the rolls.
2. Prepare Vegetables and Herbs:
Wash and dry all your fresh herbs and vegetables. Shred the carrots, slice the cucumber thinly, and tear the lettuce leaves into bite-sized pieces. Freshness is key for that delightful crunch!
3. Prepare the Shrimp:
If your shrimp are not yet cooked, you can boil them in water until they’re pink and opaque, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Once cooked, peel, devein, and halve them lengthwise for easy layering in the rolls.
4. Soften Rice Paper Wrappers:
Fill a large bowl with warm water. Take one rice paper wrapper and dip it into the water for about 10-15 seconds. It should soften but still be slightly firm. Lay the softened wrapper flat on a clean, damp kitchen towel or cutting board.
5. Assemble the Spring Rolls:
On the lower third of the wrapper, place about 2-3 shrimp halves, flat side down. On top of the shrimp, layer a small handful of vermicelli noodles, some shredded carrots, cucumber slices, and a few leaves of mint, cilantro, basil, and lettuce. Fill it up, but don’t overpack!
6. Roll the Wrapper:
To roll, fold the bottom edge of the wrapper over the filling, tuck the sides in snugly, and then roll it upwards tightly but gently to enclose the filling completely. Repeat this process with the remaining wrappers and ingredients until all are used.
7. Make the Peanut Sauce:
In a bowl, whisk together the creamy peanut butter, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha (if you like a little heat!), honey, minced garlic, and ginger. Gradually add warm water until you reach a dip-able consistency.
8. Serve:
Pour the peanut sauce into a serving bowl and garnish with crushed peanuts for a little extra crunch. Arrange the fresh spring rolls on a plate around the bowl of sauce.
9. Enjoy:
Serve these delicious spring rolls immediately for a delightful appetizer or a light, refreshing meal. They are best enjoyed fresh!
These spring rolls are not just visually exciting with shrimp, fresh vegetables, and peanut sauce; they are full of flavor and nutrients. Dive in and savor every bite!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes! If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. The best way to do this is to place them in the refrigerator overnight or put them in a sealed bag and submerge them in cold water for a quicker thaw. Once thawed, cook them until pink and opaque.
How Can I Make These Spring Rolls Vegetarian?
To make the spring rolls vegetarian, simply omit the shrimp and use additional vegetables or protein alternatives like sliced avocado or marinated tofu. You can also add more herbs for flavor and freshness!
Can I Prepare Spring Rolls in Advance?
Yes, you can prep the filling ingredients and assemble the spring rolls a few hours ahead. Just keep them covered with a damp cloth or in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out. It’s best to make the peanut sauce fresh for optimal flavor.
How to Store Leftover Spring Rolls?
If you have leftover spring rolls, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day. They are best eaten fresh, but if you need to store them, make sure to separate them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. For rehydration, lightly mist with water before eating.