- Let me share my favorite summer rolls recipe that brings back memories of my trips to Vietnam! These fresh and colorful rolls filled with herbs crunchy veggies and tender shrimp always transport me back to those busy street markets. The homemade peanut sauce? Pure magic you'll want to drizzle it on everything.
Why These Are Special
- Every bite is an explosion of textures and flavors fresh herbs crisp veggies chewy rice noodles. I love setting up a rolling station when friends come over everyone gets creative with their fillings. And that peanut sauce? People always beg for the recipe!
Grab These Ingredients
- Rice Paper: Find these in any Asian market they're super thin and perfect.
- Lettuce: The freshest you can find it holds everything together.
- Rice Noodles: They're like silky little clouds in your roll.
- Protein: I love shrimp but chicken or tofu work great too!
- Fresh Veggies: Carrots cucumber and bean sprouts for that perfect crunch.
- Herbs: Mint cilantro and Thai basil make everything pop.
- Peanut Sauce Stuff: Good peanut butter hoisin sauce and some secret ingredients.
Let's Roll Together
- Prep Your Station
- Cook those noodles until they're just right. Chop all your veggies into matchsticks that's the secret to easy rolling. Line everything up like a little assembly line.
- Get Ready to Roll
- Fill a big bowl with warm water grab your rice paper and let's get rolling! I always keep a clean kitchen towel nearby for wiping my hands.
- Rolling Time
- Quick dip of the rice paper you want it just soft enough to bend. Layer everything starting with lettuce then noodles your protein and all those colorful veggies. Tuck and roll like you're swaddling a baby!
- Sauce Magic
- Now for the best part! Mix up that peanut butter hoisin sauce and all our special ingredients until it's silky smooth. I always make extra sauce it disappears fast.
- Time to Feast
- Arrange your rolls on a pretty plate drizzle with that amazing sauce and watch them vanish!
My Rolling Secrets
- Here's what took me years to learn: wrap everything in lettuce first it keeps those rice papers from tearing. Double up on rice paper if you're just starting out. And always put the pretty stuff like shrimp where they'll show through the wrapper.
Keep Them Fresh
- Planning ahead? Roll these beauties up to a day before just keep them wrapped in damp paper towels in the fridge. They're perfect for parties potlucks or a light dinner with some crispy spring rolls on the side.
About That Sauce
- My peanut sauce recipe is a family treasure passed down with a few tweaks. The secret is balancing sweet hoisin tangy vinegar and just enough heat. Once you try it store bought sauce will never taste the same!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make these ahead?
Yes, up to 6-8 hours ahead. Wrap individually in cling wrap and refrigerate.
- What lettuce works best?
Soft varieties like Oak or Butter lettuce. Avoid crunchy types like iceberg.
- Can I use other fillings?
Yes, try julienned vegetables, tofu, chicken, or different herbs.
- Why use two rice papers?
Makes rolls easier to handle and less prone to tearing.
- How long do they keep?
Best eaten within 6 hours, maximum 8 hours if properly wrapped.