Northern Thai Summer Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce
Fresh rice paper rolls filled with crisp vegetables, herbs, and vermicelli, served with a creamy, savory peanut dipping sauce. This thai-inspired vegetarian ready in about 30 minutes blends sheets rice paper sheets, rice vermicelli noodles, medium carrot, julienned 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 rice paper sheets
- 100 g rice vermicelli noodles
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1 medium cucumber, julienned
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/4 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
- 100 g firm tofu, cut into thin strips
- 1/3 cup peanut butter
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/4 tsp red chili flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a pot of water to boil and cook 100 g rice vermicelli noodles for 3 minutes until tender but firm. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
- Step 2: Prepare the vegetables: julienne 1 medium carrot and 1 medium cucumber into thin matchsticks. Set aside 1/4 cup each of fresh mint, cilantro, and Thai basil leaves.
- Step 3: Dip one rice paper sheet into warm water for 10 seconds until pliable. Lay it flat on a clean surface.
- Step 4: In the center of the rice paper, layer 1/8th of the noodles, a few strips of 100 g firm tofu, some carrot and cucumber sticks, and a few leaves of each herb. Fold the sides over and roll tightly from bottom to top. Repeat with remaining sheets and fillings.
- Step 5: For the peanut dipping sauce, whisk together 1/3 cup peanut butter, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tbsp honey, 1 minced garlic clove, 1/4 tsp red chili flakes, and 1/4 cup water until smooth and creamy.
- Step 6: Serve the summer rolls chilled with the peanut dipping sauce on the side for dipping.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Northern Thai Summer Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (25 min prep + 5 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Northern Thai Summer 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 Northern Thai Summer 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 Northern Thai Summer 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 Northern Thai Summer Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce?
Thai vegetarian 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.
