Directional Spring Rolls with Plum Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crisp rice paper rolls filled with colorful vegetables and fresh herbs, served with a sweet-tart plum dipping sauce. This asian ready in about 20 minutes blends sheets rice paper wrappers, julienned carrots, julienned red bell pepper 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.

Prep: 20 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 180 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup water, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, and 1 teaspoon honey to make the sauce base, then stir in 1/2 cup plum sauce and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Place one rice paper wrapper on a clean surface, dip it in warm water for 5 seconds until pliable, then lay it flat on a damp cloth.
  3. Step 3: Arrange 1/4 cup julienned carrots, 1/8 cup julienned red bell pepper, 1/4 cup shredded napa cabbage, 1 tablespoon chopped mint, and 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro in a line across the center of the wrapper.
  4. Step 4: Fold the bottom edge over the filling, then fold in the sides toward the center, and roll tightly toward the top edge, sealing with a small dab of water if needed.
  5. Step 5: Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling, then let rolls rest for 10 minutes before serving with the plum sauce mixture.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Directional Spring Rolls with Plum Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (20 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 Directional Spring Rolls with Plum 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 Directional Spring Rolls with Plum 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 Directional Spring Rolls with Plum 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 Directional Spring Rolls with Plum Sauce?

Asian asian 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.

What others are saying

Related recipes