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Vietnamese Summer Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce

Fresh, translucent rice paper rolls filled with shrimp, rice noodles, crisp vegetables, and fragrant herbs. Served with a rich peanut dipping sauce, these summer rolls make a light and healthy appetizer.

35 minMediumServes 8145 cal/serving

VietnameseAppetizerNo-CookPescatarianLow CarbDairy-FreeLow-SodiumPork-FreeCorn-Free

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Ingredients

  • 8 sheets rice paper wrappers (8.5 inch round)
  • 4 oz thin rice vermicelli noodles, cooked
  • 16 medium shrimp, cooked, peeled, deveined, halved lengthwise
  • 1 carrots, julienned
  • 1 English cucumber, julienned
  • 8 leaves butter lettuce or romaine leaves, torn into pieces
  • 16 leaves fresh mint leaves
  • 16 sprigs fresh cilantro sprigs
  • 16 leaves fresh Thai basil leaves (optional)
  • 1/2 cup bean sprouts
  • 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
  • 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tsp chili garlic sauce (optional)
  • 3-4 tbsp warm water
  • 2 tbsp roasted peanuts, chopped

Instructions

  1. 1

    First, prepare the peanut dipping sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter, 2 tbsp hoisin sauce, 1 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free), and 1 tsp chili garlic sauce (optional) (if using). Gradually add 3-4 tbsp warm water until the sauce reaches a smooth, dippable consistency. Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped roasted peanuts and set aside.

  2. 2

    Prepare the rice noodles according to package instructions, typically soaking in hot water for 3-5 minutes until soft but not mushy. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process, then set aside.

  3. 3

    Prepare all the filling ingredients and arrange them on a work surface for easy assembly: 4 oz cooked thin rice vermicelli noodles, 16 cooked, peeled, deveined, halved lengthwise medium shrimp, 1 julienned carrots, 1 julienned English cucumber, 8 leaves torn into pieces butter lettuce or romaine leaves, 16 leaves fresh mint leaves, 16 sprigs fresh cilantro sprigs, 16 leaves fresh Thai basil leaves (optional), and 1/2 cup bean sprouts.

  4. 4

    Fill a large, shallow dish (larger than the rice paper diameter) with warm water. Working with one sheet at a time, immerse a rice paper wrappers (8.5 inch round) wrapper in the warm water for about 10-15 seconds until it starts to soften but is still slightly firm (it will continue to soften).

  5. 5

    Place the softened rice paper on a clean, damp kitchen towel or cutting board. On the lower third of the wrapper, lay 2-3 shrimp halves cut side down in a row, pink side down (this will show through the translucent wrapper).

  6. 6

    Above the shrimp, place a small portion of rice noodles, a few pieces of lettuce, and small amounts of carrots, cucumber, bean sprouts, mint, cilantro, and Thai basil (if using). Don't overfill or the wrapper may tear.

  7. 7

    Fold the bottom edge of the rice paper over the filling, then fold in the sides. Continue rolling tightly until completely sealed, like a burrito. The rice paper is sticky and will seal itself.

  8. 8

    Place the finished roll on a plate and cover with a damp cloth to prevent it from drying out. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and fillings.

  9. 9

    Serve the summer rolls fresh with the peanut dipping sauce. For best results, consume within a few hours of making.

  10. 10

    If not serving immediately, keep the rolls covered with a damp cloth and refrigerate for up to 2-3 hours. Do not store longer as the rice paper will become tough.

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Questions

Is there a substitute for hoisin sauce in this recipe?

The entry for this recipe calls for 2 tbsp hoisin sauce. In its place: Stir together equal parts soy sauce and smooth peanut butter or miso, with a little honey and a drop of rice vinegar.

Can I use frozen shrimp instead of shrimp in this recipe?

Yes; most shrimp sold as fresh were frozen once already. Thaw them under cold running water for about ten minutes and pat them very dry so they sear instead of steaming. As written, the entry for this recipe uses 16 medium shrimp, cooked, peeled, deveined, halved lengthwise.

Can I make this recipe less spicy?

Yes. The heat in this recipe comes from 1 tsp chili garlic sauce (optional). For a milder plate, start with half the chili sauce and add more to taste at the end; nothing else in the method changes.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in this recipe is 2 tbsp hoisin sauce. Swap the soy-based sauce for tamari or coconut aminos. Everything else proceeds as written.

Is this recipe low-carb?

A serving of this recipe carries 14 g of carbohydrate, 2 g of it fiber. Against a strict 20 g keto day that is 70 percent of the budget; against a moderate 100 g low-carb day it is 14 percent.

Does this recipe contain peanuts?

Yes: 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter and 2 tbsp roasted peanuts, chopped. The full allergen list for this entry is gluten, peanuts and shellfish. Where the peanuts are a garnish, toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds give the same crunch. Packaged ingredients vary by brand, so check labels if the allergy is serious.

How do I store and reheat this recipe?

Refrigerate what is left of this recipe within two hours and eat it within two days (seafood turns fast). It is served cold; there is nothing to reheat. The grain firms up as it chills; add a spoonful of water before reheating.

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