Fresh vegetable spring rolls are a healthy, refreshing, and delicious way to enjoy a variety of colorful vegetables. These rolls are perfect as an appetizer, snack, or light meal. Filled with crisp veggies and wrapped in delicate rice paper, they are typically served with a tasty dipping sauce. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making vegetable spring rolls at home.
Ingredients:
For the Spring Rolls:
- 8 rice paper wrappers
- 1 large carrot, julienned
- 1 cucumber, julienned
- 1 red bell pepper, julienned
- 1 yellow bell pepper, julienned
- 1 cup red cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 avocado, thinly sliced
- 1 cup mixed greens or lettuce
- Fresh herbs (mint, basil, cilantro)
- Cooked rice noodles (optional)
For the Peanut Dipping Sauce:
- 1/2 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
- Water (to thin out the sauce, if needed)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Vegetables:
- Wash and julienne the carrot, cucumber, and bell peppers. Thinly slice the red cabbage and avocado. Set all the prepared vegetables aside.
2. Cook the Rice Noodles (Optional):
- If using rice noodles, cook them according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Peanut Dipping Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey or maple syrup, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Add water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency. The sauce should be smooth and slightly thick but pourable.
4. Prepare the Rice Paper Wrappers:
- Fill a large bowl with warm water. Submerge one rice paper wrapper into the water for about 10-15 seconds, or until it softens. Be careful not to soak it for too long, as it can become too sticky and hard to work with.
5. Assemble the Spring Rolls:
- Place the softened rice paper wrapper on a clean, damp kitchen towel or a cutting board.
- In the center of the wrapper, layer a small amount of each vegetable, mixed greens, herbs, and rice noodles (if using).
- Fold the sides of the rice paper wrapper over the filling, then roll it up tightly from the bottom to the top, similar to rolling a burrito. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling ingredients.
6. Serve:
- Arrange the vegetable spring rolls on a platter and serve with the peanut dipping sauce.
Tips for Success:
- Keep the Vegetables Crisp: To maintain the crunchiness of the vegetables, prepare them just before you start assembling the spring rolls.
- Work Quickly with Rice Paper: Rice paper wrappers can dry out quickly, so it’s best to work with one wrapper at a time and keep the others covered with a damp cloth.
- Customization: Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite vegetables, adding protein like tofu or shrimp if desired.
Vegetable spring rolls are a versatile and healthy option for any meal or snack. They are fun to make and can be customized with your favorite fresh ingredients. The combination of crisp vegetables, fresh herbs, and the creamy peanut dipping sauce makes these rolls an irresistible treat. Perfect for parties, picnics, or a light lunch, these fresh vegetable spring rolls are sure to impress. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and the satisfying crunch with every bite!
