Vietnamese Spring Rolls (Gỏi Cuốn) that you can make at home:
Ingredients:
For the Spring Rolls:
Rice paper wrappers (bánh tráng)
Rice vermicelli noodles (4 oz or 115g)
Shrimp (about 12 medium-sized, cooked, and halved)
Pork (optional, boiled and thinly sliced)
Fresh herbs (mint, cilantro, and Thai basil)
Lettuce leaves (bibb or romaine, torn into smaller pieces)
Cucumber (julienned)
Carrot (julienned)
Bean sprouts (optional)
For the Peanut Dipping Sauce:
1/2 cup hoisin sauce
2 tablespoons peanut butter
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1/2 cup water
Crushed peanuts (for garnish)
Chili garlic sauce or Sriracha (optional, for spice)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Noodles and Shrimp
Cook the vermicelli noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
Cook the shrimp (if not already cooked) by boiling them until pink. Let cool, then slice each shrimp in half lengthwise.
Step 2: Prepare Other Fillings
Slice the cucumber, carrots, and pork into thin strips.
Wash and dry the fresh herbs and lettuce.
Step 3: Soften the Rice Paper
Fill a large shallow bowl with warm water.
Working one at a time, dip each rice paper wrapper into the warm water for a few seconds until soft and pliable. Be careful not to soak it too long, or it will become too sticky and hard to handle.
Step 4: Assemble the Spring Rolls
Lay the softened rice paper flat on a clean surface.
In the lower third of the rice paper, place a small amount of lettuce, vermicelli noodles, shrimp (or pork), cucumber, carrots, and fresh herbs.
Fold the sides of the rice paper inward, and then roll it up tightly from the bottom like a burrito, tucking in the sides as you go.
Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
Step 5: Make the Peanut Dipping Sauce
In a small saucepan, combine hoisin sauce, peanut butter, sugar, soy sauce, and water. Heat over medium-low, stirring until smooth and slightly thickened.
Pour the sauce into a serving bowl, garnish with crushed peanuts, and add chili garlic sauce or Sriracha for extra spice if desired.
Step 6:
Serve : Arrange the spring rolls on a plate and serve with the peanut dipping sauce on the side.
Enjoy your fresh, homemade Vietnamese spring rolls!
