Spring has sprung, and what better way to celebrate the season of renewal than with a refreshing and healthy dish like fresh spring rolls? These delightful little bundles of joy are not only a feast for the eyes but also a treat for your taste buds. Paired with a creamy peanut sauce, they make for a perfect appetizer, snack, or even a light meal. Today, we’re going to dive into the world of spring rolls, exploring the ingredients, the art of wrapping, and, of course, the delicious peanut sauce that ties it all together.

Fresh Spring Roll Ingredients

Before we get started, let’s talk about what goes into these delightful rolls. The beauty of spring rolls is their versatility. You can customize them to your liking, but here’s a basic rundown of what you’ll need:

Spring Rolls

• Rice paper wrappers: These are the translucent sheets that hold everything together. They’re made from rice flour and water, and they’re available at most Asian grocery stores.
• Vermicelli rice noodles: These thin noodles add a nice texture and soak up the flavors of the sauce.
• Fresh vegetables: Think crunchy and colorful! Some great options include:
  • Shredded lettuce or cabbage
  • Carrot strips
  • Cucumber slices
  • Bell pepper strips
  • Avocado slices
• Protein: Optional but adds a satisfying element. You can use:
  • Cooked shrimp
  • Grilled chicken
  • Tofu
  • Edamame
• Herbs: Fresh herbs add a burst of flavor. Try:
  • Basil
  • Mint
  • Cilantro
• Garnish: A sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped peanuts can add a nice crunch.

Peanut Sauce

• Peanut butter: Creamy or crunchy, depending on your preference.
• Soy sauce: For that umami kick.
• Rice vinegar: Adds a tangy note.
• Honey or maple syrup: For a touch of sweetness.
• Garlic: Freshly minced for flavor.
• Ginger: Freshly grated for a zing.
• Water: To achieve the desired consistency.
• Optional: A dash of chili sauce or sriracha for some heat.

How to Wrap Spring Rolls

Wrapping spring rolls is an art, but don’t worry—it’s easier than it looks! Let’s break it down step by step.

1) Make the base

Start by setting up your workspace. You’ll need a large, shallow dish filled with warm water and a clean, damp kitchen towel. This is where the magic happens. Dip a rice paper wrapper into the warm water for about 10-15 seconds until it’s pliable but not too soft. Lay it flat on the damp towel to prevent it from sticking to the surface.

2) Pile on the ingredients

Now comes the fun part—filling your spring roll! Place a small handful of vermicelli noodles in the center of the wrapper. Remember, you don’t want to overfill it, or it will be difficult to roll. On top of the noodles, add your choice of vegetables, protein, and herbs. Aim for a colorful and balanced combination.

3) Roll the filling

This is where you’ll start to see your spring roll take shape. Begin by folding the bottom of the wrapper over the filling, tucking it in tightly. Then, fold the sides inwards, similar to how you’d fold a burrito. This helps to secure the ingredients and prevents them from spilling out.

4) Envelope the sides and roll it up

With the sides folded in, continue rolling the spring roll away from you, using gentle pressure to keep it tight. The wrapper should stick to itself, creating a neat little package. If it doesn’t stick, you can add a tiny bit of water to the edges to help it seal.

Watch How to Make Spring Rolls

If you’re more of a visual learner, don’t worry! We’ve got you covered. Check out our video tutorial below to see the wrapping process in action. It’s a great way to get a feel for the technique and see how it’s done.

Fresh Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce

Now that you’ve mastered the art of wrapping, let’s talk about the pièce de résistance—the peanut sauce. This creamy, flavorful sauce is the perfect complement to the fresh, crisp vegetables and tender noodles.

Ingredients

Spring Rolls

• 8 rice paper wrappers
• 1 cup cooked vermicelli rice noodles
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1/2 cup cooked shrimp or grilled chicken (optional)
• Fresh basil, mint, and cilantro leaves
• Sesame seeds or chopped peanuts for garnish

Peanut Sauce

• 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1/4 cup water (or more, depending on desired consistency)
• Optional: 1 teaspoon chili sauce or sriracha

Instructions

1. Prepare the rice paper wrappers: Follow the steps outlined above to wrap your spring rolls. Set them aside on a plate, covered with a damp towel to keep them fresh.
2. Make the peanut sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, and ginger. Gradually add water until you reach your desired consistency. If you like it spicy, add the chili sauce or sriracha.
3. Serve: Arrange the spring rolls on a platter and serve with the peanut sauce on the side for dipping. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped peanuts for an extra crunch.

Notes

• Storage: Fresh spring rolls are best enjoyed immediately, but you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The rice paper may become slightly sticky, but they’ll still be delicious.
• Customization: Feel free to get creative with your fillings. Try adding shredded red cabbage, bean sprouts, or even sliced mango for a sweet twist.
• Dietary Considerations: These spring rolls are naturally gluten-free and can be made vegan by omitting the shrimp or chicken and using maple syrup instead of honey.

Nutrition

Fresh spring rolls are a healthy choice, packed with nutrients and low in calories. Here’s a quick breakdown of the nutritional value per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: Approximately 200-250 per roll, depending on fillings and sauce.
• Protein: 5-7 grams, depending on the protein source.
• Fat: 8-10 grams, mostly from the peanut sauce.
• Carbohydrates: 30-35 grams, mainly from the rice noodles and vegetables.
• Fiber: 3-4 grams, thanks to the fresh vegetables and herbs.

Related Recipes

If you’re in the mood for more fresh and flavorful dishes, here are some related recipes to try:

Seaweed Salad

A light and refreshing salad made with fresh seaweed, sesame oil, and a tangy dressing. Perfect as a side dish or a light meal.

Veggie Sushi Bowls

Enjoy all the flavors of sushi in a bowl! These sushi bowls are filled with rice, fresh vegetables, and your choice of protein, all topped with a drizzle of soy sauce and sesame seeds.

Colorful Veggie Sesame Noodles

These noodles are a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. Tossed in a sesame dressing and packed with colorful vegetables, they make for a satisfying and healthy meal.

Veggie Teriyaki Stir-Fry with Noodles

A quick and easy stir-fry featuring a medley of vegetables and a savory teriyaki sauce, served over a bed of noodles. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner option.

We’d love to hear from you! If you try out this recipe, let us know how it turned out. Feel free to share your tips, variations, or any questions you might have.

So there you have it—a comprehensive guide to making fresh spring rolls with peanut sauce. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is sure to impress.