Fresh Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce

A light, refreshing appetizer perfect for warm days

KEY INFO

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes (for noodles)
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6-8 (12-16 rolls)
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
Dietary: Vegetarian, Can be Vegan

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

Large cutting board
Sharp knife
Shallow dish for rice paper
Medium bowl for sauce
Colander
Measuring spoons/cups
(Alternative: Food processor for quick veggie prep)

INGREDIENTS

For the Spring Rolls:

12-16 rice paper wrappers
200g rice vermicelli noodles (7 oz)
2 medium carrots, julienned
1 cucumber, thinly sliced
1 ripe avocado, sliced
2 cups mixed herbs (mint, cilantro, basil)
1 cup butter lettuce leaves
1 cup red cabbage, shredded

For the Peanut Sauce:

120ml (½ cup) smooth peanut butter
30ml (2 tbsp) soy sauce or tamari
30ml (2 tbsp) honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
30ml (2 tbsp) rice vinegar
15ml (1 tbsp) sesame oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
Juice of 1 lime
Water to thin

METHOD

Cook rice noodles according to package instructions (usually 3-5 minutes). Drain and cool.
Prepare vegetables: Julienne carrots, slice cucumber and avocado, shred cabbage, wash herbs.
Mix sauce: Whisk peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and lime juice. Add water gradually until desired consistency.
Assembly:
- Fill shallow dish with warm water
- Dip rice paper for 20 seconds until pliable
- Place on clean work surface
- Layer ingredients on bottom third
- Fold bottom over filling, fold in sides, roll tightly

CRUCIAL TIPS

Don’t oversoak rice paper – it continues softening
Don’t overfill rolls
Keep finished rolls separated to prevent sticking
Work one roll at a time

STORAGE & VARIATIONS

Storage:

Rolls: Up to 24 hours, covered with damp paper towel
Sauce: 5 days refrigerated

Common Variations:

Add protein: tofu, shrimp, chicken
Swap vegetables: mango, bell peppers
Spice up sauce: add sriracha or chili oil

SCALING

Recipe easily doubles
Prepare extra sauce – it goes quickly!

Enjoy these fresh, crunchy rolls as a light meal or party appetizer. The key to perfect rolls is practice and not rushing the process. The beauty is in the simplicity – let the fresh ingredients shine!