Vietnamese Summer Rolls with Peanut Sauce

by | Jul 18, 2019 | Appetizer, Entree, Fish, Fun To Make, Gluten Free, Recipes, Sides, Week Night Meals

Three shrimp summer rolls on a white plate with peanut sauce in a separate dipping container and three slices of lime. The white plate is sitting on a burlap place mat with a green napkin beside it.
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Vietnamese Summer Rolls with Peanut Sauce

Vietnamese Summer Rolls.

The name leads us to believe that this food is intended for rising temperatures while the cicadas sing (well if you’re in Texas you’ll hear them sing!).

The truth is, you can enjoy this tasty roll as a simple snack, a delicious appetizer, or a full-fledged meal any time of the year.

 

What’s In A Name?

Summer rolls are a traditional Vietnamese dish.

However the term “summer roll” is thought by many to have been coined in the West to contrast its deep-fried, crispy, hearty cousin, the spring roll.

The Vietnamese term for this light and fresh dish translates to “salad roll”.

Its literal translation comes as no surprise with its filling of lettuce, carrots, herbs, rice noodles and shrimp wrapped in a translucent chewy rice paper.

But if you’re not a salad fan, don’t be turned off. These tasty rolls will fill you up sooner than you think.

 

No Heat Required

What’s one of the absolute best things about this easy, colorful roll filled with vibrant flavors?

There’s no stovetop and no oven required.

When you’re tired after a long day at work, who wants to slave over a hot stove?

The only warmth required for crafting this delicious dish is some warm water to soften the rice paper wrapping.

With a few simple ingredients and some knife skills, you’ll be ready to roll in no time.

Literally.

Place the veggies, herbs, and shrimp on the moistened rice paper, give it a quick roll to grab the lettuce, fold in the sides, and finish the roll. Voila! Vietnamese Summer Rolls.

 

A Roll is Not Complete Without Dipping Sauce

As a native Texan, I’m no stranger to dips and sauces of all types: salsa, queso, ranch, and more.

Enter: the peanut dipping sauce.

Creamy and nutty with just a tad bit of heat, it’s the perfect complement to the crispy and chewy, cool wrap.

 

Fresh, Crisp, Simple, Delicious

Expand your skill set in the kitchen and involve your family.

Everyone can customize their summer roll to their heart’s desire. Don’t like shrimp? Use any protein you have on hand or no animal protein at all if you’re vegetarian or vegan.

Summer rolls make a quick, healthy snack for an on-the-go lifestyle, or can serve as an impressive homemade appetizer at your next dinner gathering.

The real reward is the satisfying light crunch and herby, nutty flavor profiles of this Asian staple.

You’re going to love it.

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Vietnamese Summer Rolls

Vietnamese Summer Rolls with Peanut Sauce
Print Recipe

These fabulously tasty and fun rolls are perfect for weeknight cooking. Get everyone involved and customize each roll to your heart’s desire.

  • Prep Time: 0 hours
  • Cook Time: 0 hours
  • Total Time: 0 hours
  • Yield: 8 rolls 1x
  • Cuisine: Vietnamese

Ingredients

Scale
  • 24 (41-55 count) shrimp, cooked, peeled, and deveined
  • 8 rice paper rounds
  • 8 butter lettuce leaves
  • 4 small carrots, julienne
  • 4 celery stalks, julienne
  • 5 oz vermicelli-style rice noodles, cooked, drained
  • 2 limes
  • fresh cilantro, mint, Thai basil

Peanut Dipping Sauce

  • 3 3/4 tablespoons peanut butter
  • 1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce
  • 1 tablespoon +2 teaspoons tamari
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons hoisin
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons sesame oil
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons, garlic chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • kosher salt

Instructions

  1. Fill a large bowl with warm water from the tap.
  2. Dip the rice paper sheet into the water briefly and then lay on a cutting board.
  3. Place a butter lettuce leaf on top of the moistened rice paper, positioning it in the middle of the rice paper.
  4. Position the shrimp on the side of the lettuce away from you.
  5. For each roll, fill the lettuce leaf with some of the julienned carrots and celery. Top with some of the rice noodles.
  6. Squeeze a bit of lime juice over the top of the noodles, and then place the cilantro, mint, and basil leaves on top of the noodles.
  7. Roll the rice paper around the lettuce, closing the leaf snugly as you roll. Fold in the sides of the rice wrapper just to the side edges of the lettuce then finish the roll.
  8. The shrimp will be positioned beautifully on the presentation side of the roll.

Peanut Dipping Sauce

  1. Mix together all the ingredients for the sauce.
  2. Thin with water if needed.
  3. Season with kosher salt to taste.

Notes

Give the rice paper a once-through in the warm water. It will feel stiff, but as you build your roll the paper will continue to moisten. Once you’re ready to roll the rice paper will be the perfect texture.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 roll
  • Calories: 316
  • Sugar: 6.1 g
  • Sodium: 570.7 mg
  • Fat: 14.4 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 16.4 g
  • Fiber: 3.3 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 136.9 mg
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