Grilled Pork Spring Rolls with Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce

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

Light and flavorful Vietnamese grilled pork spring rolls wrapped in rice paper with fresh herbs and vermicelli, served with a classic tangy nuoc cham dipping sauce. This vietnamese-inspired pork ready in about 50 minutes blends sheets thin rice paper wrappers, ounces vermicelli rice noodles, ounces pork shoulder, thinly sliced 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 320 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: 40 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Vietnamese cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Marinate 12 ounces thinly sliced pork shoulder with 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon chopped lemongrass, 2 tablespoons fish sauce, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill marinated pork slices for 3-4 minutes per side until caramelized and cooked through. Set aside.
  3. Step 3: Cook 4 ounces vermicelli rice noodles according to package instructions, drain and rinse under cold water.
  4. Step 4: To assemble each roll, dip 1 rice paper wrapper in warm water for 5 seconds until softened. Lay flat on a clean surface.
  5. Step 5: Place a small handful of shredded lettuce (about 2 tablespoons), a few strands of cooked vermicelli, grilled pork slices (about 2 ounces), 1 tablespoon each of julienned carrot and cucumber, and a few fresh mint, cilantro, and Thai basil leaves near the bottom edge of the wrapper.
  6. Step 6: Fold the sides inward and roll tightly from bottom to top to enclose the filling. Repeat for remaining rolls.
  7. Step 7: For the dipping sauce, whisk together 3 tablespoons fish sauce, 3 tablespoons lime juice, 1/4 cup water, 2 teaspoons sugar, 1 minced garlic clove, and sliced fresh chili if desired until sugar dissolves.
  8. Step 8: Serve spring rolls immediately with nuoc cham dipping sauce on the side.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Pork Spring Rolls with Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (40 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Grilled Pork Spring Rolls with Nuoc Cham 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 Grilled Pork Spring Rolls with Nuoc Cham 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 Grilled Pork Spring Rolls with Nuoc Cham 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 Grilled Pork Spring Rolls with Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce?

Vietnamese pork 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.