Grilled Pork Spring Rolls with Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce
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.
Ingredients
- 8 sheets thin rice paper wrappers
- 4 ounces vermicelli rice noodles
- 12 ounces pork shoulder, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemongrass, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 small carrot, julienned
- 1 small cucumber, julienned
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce (for dipping)
- 1 clove, minced garlic clove (dipping sauce)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Step 3: Cook 4 ounces vermicelli rice noodles according to package instructions, drain and rinse under cold water.
- 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.
- 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.
- Step 6: Fold the sides inward and roll tightly from bottom to top to enclose the filling. Repeat for remaining rolls.
- 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.
- Step 8: Serve spring rolls immediately with nuoc cham dipping sauce on the side.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.