Vietnamese Spring Rolls

Vietnamese spring rolls, also known as “gỏi cuốn,” are a popular dish that has gained worldwide recognition for their light, fresh, and healthy qualities. These rolls are typically made with fresh ingredients wrapped in thin rice paper, offering a delightful contrast to the often heavier fried options like egg rolls. As part of Vietnamese cuisine, spring rolls reflect the country’s deep appreciation for balance in taste, texture, and appearance.

One of the most distinctive features of Vietnamese spring rolls is the use of rice paper. This thin, translucent wrapper not only serves as a functional vessel but also allows the vibrant colours of the ingredients inside to shine through. Fresh herbs, vegetables, and often shrimp or pork are common fillings. Rice vermicelli noodles are also frequently added, giving the roll a pleasant chewiness. The contrast of soft noodles, crunchy vegetables, and tender meat or seafood creates a unique eating experience.

Vietnamese spring rolls are commonly served with a dipping sauce, typically a mixture of hoisin, fish sauce, and sometimes peanut sauce, which provides an extra burst of flavour. The dipping sauce plays an essential role, elevating the lightness of the roll with a sweet, salty, or savoury note. In Vietnamese culture, the balance of flavours—sweet, salty, sour, and umami—is key to creating a harmonious dish.

An interesting aspect of spring rolls is their adaptability. While traditional versions may use shrimp and pork, they can easily be customised to suit dietary preferences. Vegetarians, for instance, can opt for tofu or mushrooms, while seafood lovers might add prawns. This flexibility makes Vietnamese spring rolls a versatile option for many.

More than just a popular appetiser, spring rolls represent the Vietnamese philosophy of fresh, healthy eating. They are a reminder of the importance of using natural ingredients and finding harmony in simplicity. Whether enjoyed as a quick snack or part of a larger meal, Vietnamese spring rolls remain a beloved dish that continues to win hearts around the world.

Vietnamese Spring Rolls

Vietnamese spring rolls are a refreshing, light dish featuring fresh herbs, vegetables, and protein wrapped in rice paper. This recipe offers a quick and healthy meal, perfect for any occasion.

4.90 from 38 votes

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Course: Appetizer, Canapes, Main Dish, Starter

Cuisine: Vietnamese

Keyword: Noodles, Pork, Prawns, Tortillas/Wraps

Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes minutes

Servings: 4 People

Calories: 210kcal

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Ingredients

 

MetricImperial

• 12 medium rice paper wrappers
• 100 g noodles rice vermicelli
• 12 large cooked prawns halved lengthwise
• 100 g pork cooked thinly sliced
• 1 large carrot julienned
• 1 medium cucumber julienned
• 1/4 bunch mint leaves fresh
• 1/4 bunch coriander fresh
• 1/4 bunch Thai basil fresh optional
• 100 g lettuce
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce for dipping
• 1 tbsp peanut butter optional, for dipping
• 1 tbsp fish sauce for dipping

Instructions

• Cook the rice vermicelli according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water, then set aside.
  100 g noodles
• Mix the hoisin sauce, peanut butter (optional), and fish sauce in a small bowl. Adjust the ratio according to taste.
  1 tbsp hoisin sauce, 1 tbsp peanut butter, 1 tbsp fish sauce
• Arrange the cooked prawns, pork slices (if using), vegetables, and herbs on a plate for easy assembly.
  12 large cooked prawns, 100 g pork
• Fill a shallow dish with warm water and dip each rice paper wrapper in for 5 seconds to soften. Lay it flat on a clean surface.
  12 medium rice paper wrappers
• Place a few pieces of prawn, pork (if using), noodles, vegetables, and herbs in the centre of the rice paper. Fold in the sides and roll tightly from the bottom up, enclosing the filling.
  1 large carrot, 1 medium cucumber, 1/4 bunch mint leaves, 1/4 bunch coriander, 1/4 bunch Thai basil, 100 g lettuce
• Arrange the rolls on a serving platter and serve with the dipping sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 210kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 18mg | Sodium: 467mg | Potassium: 335mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 3212IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 34mg | Iron: 1mg