Vietnamese Fresh Spring Rolls

Instructions

• Rolled up nicely with light rice paper, these Vietnamese Fresh Spring Rolls are filled with both the bold flavors of mint and cilantro, the light and fluffy texture of Success® Basmati Rice, and the crunchiness of cucumber and carrots. Don’t forget to serve with your favorite savory peanut sauce on the side!

  Step 1

• Prepare rice according to package directions. Let cool completely.

  Step 2

• One at a time, soak rice paper wrappers in hot tap water for about 10 seconds or until pliable; carefully transfer to slightly damp kitchen towel. Layer mint, cilantro, rice, carrots and cucumbers just below center of wrap, leaving border on each side.

  Step 3

• Firmly fold bottom half of wrapper over filling; fold in sides and roll up to completely enclose filling. Repeat with remaining ingredients.

  Recipe Tips

  Substitute Thai or Italian basil for mint.

  For make-ahead, tightly cover fresh spring rolls with plastic wrap; refrigerate for up to 2 hours.

  Add thinly sliced yellow or red bell peppers to salad rolls if desired.

Vietnamese-Inspired Tastes

Vietnamese cuisine makes minimal use of oil and dairy, instead, it relies heavily on aromatic herbs and vegetables. Those light, fresh flavors are simply irresistible! Take a bite of one of Vietnam’s most iconic dishes like these tasty Vietnamese Fresh Spring Rolls, if you don’t believe us.

Explore a few other options for adding to these spring rolls to get creative and make them your own:

Grains: We’ve added our own spin on this filling by using fragrant Success® Basmati Rice for a hearty touch with fluffy and light grains. If you prefer, add in another aromatic variety like Success® Jasmine Rice.

Vegetables: Crisp bean sprouts, thinly sliced onions, shredded carrots, and julienne cucumbers add crunch and color! Notice that they should all be thinly sliced and long in shape— this cut makes it easier to roll. Add in some shredded cabbage or lettuce, specifically, bibb lettuce brings a buttery flavor and gives a nice foundation to your roll. For another delicious green herb mix-in, reach for some basil. Note: For tips on how to cut properly, which onions to choose and more kitchen basics, take a look at our Chef Tips to Improve Your Cooking Skills.

Optional Meat or Seafood: While our version is naturally vegetarian, to add a bit of protein you could cut shrimp in halves and devein. Make sure you don’t bury your shrimp in your other ingredients: you want them on display! Cook and cool any meat prior to stuffing— minced pork and ground beef are traditional options — before you begin to roll. You could also add shredded chicken.

Crunchy Toppings: Toasted sesame seeds, peanuts or crispy chow mein noodles will give your roll that satisfying crunch!

Feel free to get creative! Just keep these rules in mind: don’t add anything that hasn’t cooled, cut things into thin sticks for easy rolling, and don’t overstuff!

Other Vietnamese-inspired Recipes

For another Vietnamese-inspired meal, try this Vegetarian Pho-inspired Rice Bowl for a twist on the classic: starting with a base of aromatic jasmine rice simmered in a blend of vegetable broth, soy sauce, ginger, star anise and cinnamon sticks, and later topped with perfectly sautéed tofu, mushrooms and bok choy, this is a vegetarian dish that everyone will be asking for!

If you are looking for a yummy seafood dish, try our: how to cook shrimp fried rice.