Classic Vietnamese Fresh Spring Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce
Delicate rice paper rolls filled with fresh herbs, shrimp, and crisp vegetables, served alongside a creamy peanut dipping sauce. This vietnamese-inspired snacks ready in about 30 minutes blends sheets rice paper wrappers, fresh mint leaves, fresh cilantro leaves into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 sheets rice paper wrappers
- 12 large, peeled and halved lengthwise cooked shrimp
- 4 oz, cooked and drained rice vermicelli noodles
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
- 1 cup, torn into bite-size pieces lettuce leaves
- 1 medium, julienned carrot
- 1 medium, julienned cucumber
- 1/3 cup smooth peanut butter
- 3 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tbsp, for garnish crushed peanuts
- 1/2 tsp, optional red chili flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the peanut dipping sauce by whisking together 1/3 cup smooth peanut butter, 3 tbsp hoisin sauce, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp lime juice, and 1/4 cup water in a small bowl until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Step 2: Fill a shallow dish with warm water. Dip one rice paper wrapper for about 10 seconds until softened but still slightly firm.
- Step 3: Lay the softened wrapper flat on a clean surface. Arrange 2 halved cooked shrimp in a row near the bottom third of the wrapper.
- Step 4: On top of the shrimp, add a small handful of 4 oz cooked rice vermicelli noodles, 1 tbsp each of fresh mint, cilantro, and Thai basil leaves, 1 leaf of torn lettuce, and a few julienned strips of 1 medium carrot and 1 medium cucumber.
- Step 5: Fold the bottom edge over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll tightly to enclose the filling. Repeat for all 12 wrappers.
- Step 6: Serve the fresh spring rolls chilled or at room temperature with the peanut dipping sauce garnished with 2 tbsp crushed peanuts and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Classic Vietnamese Fresh Spring Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (30 min prep + 0 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Classic Vietnamese Fresh Spring Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Classic Vietnamese Fresh Spring Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Classic Vietnamese Fresh Spring Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Classic Vietnamese Fresh Spring Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce?
Vietnamese snacks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.