Are you looking for an easy way to sneak some extra veggies into your diet? If so, we have the answer for you – spring rolls! Using a spring roll recipe is a great way to make eating vegetables fun and delicious.
Spring rolls are so refreshing, colorful, and fun. Not to mention, incredibly easy to make. Plus, they’re versatile and flexible. If you don’t like one vegetable, swap it out for something else. Or if you REALLY like a vegetable, add more of it. The same goes for protein. If you don’t like or eat shrimp, swap it with some tofu or leave it out altogether and just have veggies.
If you’ve never made them before, spring rolls can seem slightly intimidating, but we promise you’ll get the hang of it quickly. Besides, even if they don’t look perfect, they will taste delicious and offer a nutritional boost thanks to the veggie filling.
If you’re having spring rolls, you can’t forget the peanut sauce. It’s what sends spring rolls over the top. And you’ll be so surprised how easy it is to whip up your own homemade peanut sauce that you’ll ask yourself why you haven’t made it before.
Because this spring roll recipe is fresh, not fried, you don’t have to feel guilty for indulging. We encourage it! These make the perfect party appetizer or even a light meal if you want something quick, healthy, and light on these HOT summer days.
Dr. Le’ s Vietnamese Fresh Spring Roll Recipe
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Yields: 5
Serving Size: 2 rolls
Ingredients
For the Rolls:
-1/2 package of rice vermicelli noodles
-10 sheets of large round rice paper
-1 head lettuce (Romaine lettuce or of choice)
-1/2 cucumber (julienned)
-10 shrimps (boiled, de-veined, and sliced in half)
-Optional: sliced pork patty (cha lua) or cooked, sliced pork belly
-Herbs: Vietnamese mints, basil leaves
Peanut Dipping Sauce:
– 1 tablespoon peanut butter
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 2 teaspoons sugar
– 2 teaspoons hot water
– Optional: chopped peanuts
– Optional for spicy: 1 teaspoon chili
Directions
- Cook the vermicelli noodles per package instructions.
- Place a rice paper on a clean plate after dipping it in hot water.
- Add the greens, vermicelli noodles, herbs, and protein to the bottom of rice paper. Roll the rice paper in an upward fashion, and tuck in both sides. Repeat with other rolls.
- Enjoy and serve with peanut sauce!
For the peanut sauce:
1. Stir in a small bowl: peanut butter, soy sauce, sugar, and hot water. Mix well.
Optional: Garnish with chopped peanuts
Optional: Add in chili for spice
Recipe Source: Courtesy of Dr. Hoa Le
About Dr. Hoa Le
Dr. Hoa Le is a primary care physician specializing in family medicine. He was born in Nha Trang, Vietnam, and relocated to Philadelphia, PA, as a refugee when he was just 15 years old. Upon graduating high school, Dr. Le received a full scholarship to the University of Pennsylvania, where he completed his undergraduate studies with a mission to become a doctor. He then went on to earn his medical degree from Drexel University College of Medicine.