The delightful fusion of succulent shrimp wrapped with crisp veggies in rice paper, dipped in a luscious peanut sauce; this Shrimp Spring Roll recipe is an explosion of flavors in every bite. It's light, healthy, and surprisingly easy to prepare at home, offering a refreshing change from a typical meal or serving as the perfect appetizer for any occasion. With a balance of sweet, salty, and tangy tastes, it never fails to satisfy the palate.
You might not find some of these ingredients in your everyday pantry. Rice paper wrappers, typically used in Vietnamese cuisine, are thin, translucent sheets made from rice flour and water. They can be found in international food aisles or Asian supermarkets. Persian cucumbers, which are smaller and crunchier than standard cucumbers, can be replaced with English cucumbers if unavailable. Tamari is a Japanese soy sauce that's thicker and less salty than its Chinese counterpart; if it's hard to find, regular soy sauce can be used instead.
Ingredients for Shrimp Spring Rolls and Peanut Sauce
Rice paper wrappers: These are used to hold the filling of the spring roll. They are light and have a neutral taste, allowing the flavors of the fillings to shine through.
Large carrots: Add a crunch to the spring rolls and a touch of color.
Red bell peppers: Contribute to the overall taste and make the rolls more colorful and appealing.
Persian cucumbers: They are crunchy and have a mildly sweet flavor.
Shrimp: The star of the dish, bringing a rich, seafood flavor that pairs perfectly with the peanut sauce.
Fresh basil leaves: Add an aromatic note to the rolls.
Fresh mint leaves: Give a refreshing twist to the spring rolls.
Sweet chili sauce: Adds a sweet and spicy kick.
Creamy unsalted peanut butter: Forms the base of the peanut sauce, giving it a creamy, nutty flavor.
Low sodium tamari or soy sauce: Adds a savory, umami flavor to the peanut sauce.
Rice vinegar: Its acidity balances the richness of the peanut butter in the sauce.
Honey: Adds a hint of sweetness to the peanut sauce.
Lime: Its juice adds a tangy note that brightens the flavors of the peanut sauce.
One reader, Ilse Hammock says:
These shrimp spring rolls with peanut sauce are a game-changer! The combination of fresh veggies, succulent shrimp, and the creamy peanut sauce is simply divine. The flavors are so vibrant and the textures are delightful. It's a refreshing and satisfying dish that's perfect for any occasion. Highly recommend!
Techniques for Making Perfect Shrimp Spring Rolls
How to soften the rice paper wrapper: Dip one of the rice paper wrappers into the water and swirl it around until the entire surface is evenly moistened (20 to 40 seconds or so). It should start to feel softened and malleable. If the rice paper rips or tears, you softened it for too long; discard and start again with a fresh wrapper.
How to arrange the vegetables and shrimp on the wrapper: Place the softened rice paper onto the wet board. Arrange some carrots, cucumbers, peppers, and a few basil and mint leaves in a line about 1 inch away from the bottom edge of the wrapper. Line 3 pieces of shrimp about 1 1/2 inches above the vegetables. If you like, drizzle a little peanut sauce or sweet chili sauce over the ingredients at this point for some extra flavor.
How to wrap the spring rolls: Fold the bottom part of the rice paper wrapper over the vegetables. Continue rolling everything toward the shrimp. Once you reach the shrimp, stop and fold the left and right sides of the wrapper toward the center. Continue rolling until you reach the top and form a roll.
How to make the peanut dipping sauce: Mix together the peanut butter, tamari, rice vinegar, honey, lime juice, water, and salt. Taste, and adjust the seasonings to your taste. Transfer to a small bowl and place it on the platter with the spring rolls.
How to serve the spring rolls: These rolls are best if served the day they are made. If not serving immediately, cover the platter with a slightly damp cloth and refrigerate until ready to serve.
How To Make Shrimp Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce
Vietnamese spring rolls are a light & flavorful dish that work as an appetizer, snack, or meal. These shrimp-filled ones also have cucumber, carrot & herbs.
Serves:
Ingredients
For Spring Rolls:
- largerice paper wrappers,(10 inch)
- 2largecarrots,peeled and sliced into matchsticks
- 2mediumred bell peppers,seeded and sliced into ¼ inch strips
- 2persian cucumbers,sliced into matchsticks, or use half of an English cucumber
- fresh basil leaves
- fresh mint leaves
- 1lbshrimp,cooked
- sweet chili sauce,optional for extra flavor
For Peanut Sauce:
- ½cupcreamy unsalted peanut butter
- 2tbsplow sodium tamari,or soy sauce
- 2tbsprice vinegar
- 2tbsphoney,(sugar or maple syrup works too)
- ½juice lime,(about 1 to 1½ tbsp)
- 5tbspwater,filtered
- ¼tspsalt
Instructions
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Fill a wide, shallow bowl, like a pasta bowl, with lukewarm water. Lightly wet the surface of a cutting board. This helps prevent the rice paper from sticking onto the board.
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Have all ingredients prepped and arranged in bowls near the workspace. Brush a serving platter with a very light coating of sesame oil or neutral-flavored oil and place it near the work surface; the oil will help prevent the finished rolls from sticking to the platter.
-
Dip one of the rice paper wrappers into the water and swirl it around until the entire surface is evenly moistened (20 to 40 seconds or so). It should start to feel softened and malleable.
-
Place the softened rice paper onto the wet board. Arrange some carrots, cucumbers, peppers and a few basil and mint leaves in a line about 1 inch away from the bottom edge of the wrapper.
-
Line 3 pieces of shrimp about 1½ inches above the vegetables. If desired, drizzle a little peanut sauce or sweet chili sauce over the ingredients at this point for some extra flavor.
-
Fold the bottom part of the rice paper wrapper over the vegetables. Continue rolling the everything toward the shrimp. Upon reaching the shrimp, stop and fold the left and right sides of the wrapper toward the center. Continue rolling until the top is reached and form a roll.
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Place the finished spring roll on the platter. Repeat for the remaining spring rolls.
-
Mix together the peanut butter, tamari, rice vinegar, honey, lime juice, water, and salt. Taste, and adjust the seasonings to taste. Transfer to a small bowl and place on the platter with the spring rolls.
-
These rolls are best if served the day they are made. If not serving immediately, cover the platter with a slightly damp cloth and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Nutrition
- Calories: 177.36kcal
- Fat: 9.03g
- Saturated Fat: 1.84g
- Trans Fat: 0.02g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 4.29g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.24g
- Carbohydrates: 13.48g
- Fiber: 2.22g
- Sugar: 8.63g
- Protein: 12.44g
- Cholesterol: 71.44mg
- Sodium: 589.85mg
- Calcium: 54.12mg
- Potassium: 325.59mg
- Iron: 0.82mg
- Vitamin A: 230.15µg
- Vitamin C: 41.02mg
Crucial Technique for Mastering Shrimp Spring Rolls
When preparing the rice paper wrappers, it's crucial to not over-soak them. They should be moistened just enough to become pliable, but not so much that they tear easily. If you find your wrappers are consistently tearing, try reducing the soaking time. Remember, the wrappers will continue to soften as they sit, so it's better to remove them from the water when they are still a bit firm.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Shrimp Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce
Prep ahead: Chop and prepare all the vegetables and shrimp ahead of time, so when it's time to assemble the spring rolls, everything is ready to go.
Assembly line: Set up an assembly line with all the ingredients laid out, making it easier and quicker to assemble the spring rolls.
Double up: Make a double batch of the peanut sauce and store the extra in the fridge for future use, saving time on making it again.
Invite help: Enlist friends or family to help with the assembly process, making it a fun and efficient activity.
Use a mandoline: Use a mandoline to quickly and uniformly slice the vegetables, saving time on chopping.
Substitute Ingredients For Shrimp Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce Recipe
shrimp - Substitute with sliced chicken breast: Sliced chicken breast can be used as a substitute for shrimp to create a similar texture and flavor profile in the spring rolls.
rice paper wrappers - Substitute with butter lettuce leaves: Butter lettuce leaves can be used as a substitute for rice paper wrappers to create a lighter and gluten-free alternative for wrapping the ingredients.
creamy unsalted peanut butter - Substitute with almond butter: Almond butter can be used as a substitute for peanut butter to create a similar creamy and nutty flavor in the peanut sauce.
Presentation Ideas for Shrimp Spring Rolls
Elevate the spring rolls: Arrange the spring rolls on a sleek, rectangular plate, ensuring they are neatly aligned and spaced evenly. The presentation should exude elegance and sophistication, reflecting the artistry and precision of the dish.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle the plate with delicate, vibrant basil and mint leaves, adding a pop of color and a burst of freshness to the dish. The herbs should be meticulously placed to enhance the visual appeal.
Incorporate artistic drizzling: Create a visually captivating design on the plate using the peanut sauce. Utilize a squeeze bottle to delicately drizzle the sauce in a graceful, artistic pattern, adding a touch of finesse to the presentation.
Introduce edible flowers: Adorn the plate with edible flowers, such as orchids or nasturtiums, to introduce a touch of sophistication and a subtle floral aroma, elevating the overall aesthetic of the dish.
Utilize minimalist plating: Embrace a minimalist approach by using a white, porcelain plate to showcase the vibrant colors of the spring rolls and the peanut sauce. The simplicity of the plating will accentuate the beauty of the dish.
Incorporate symmetry: Arrange the spring rolls and dipping sauce in a symmetrical and balanced manner, creating a visually appealing presentation that highlights the meticulous attention to detail in the plating process.
Introduce contrasting textures: Incorporate a textured element, such as a bamboo leaf or a small, intricately folded napkin, to add depth and visual interest to the presentation, creating a multi-dimensional dining experience.
Highlight the shrimp: Position the spring rolls in a manner that showcases the shrimp, ensuring they are prominently displayed, creating a focal point that captures the essence of the dish.
Emphasize the peanut sauce: Use a small, elegant dipping bowl to present the peanut sauce, placing it strategically on the plate to draw attention to the rich, velvety texture and enticing aroma of the sauce.
Incorporate Asian-inspired elements: Introduce subtle Asian-inspired elements, such as chopsticks or a decorative bamboo mat, to infuse the presentation with cultural authenticity and a touch of exotic flair.
Essential Tools for Making Shrimp Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce
- Cutting board: A flat board used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Knife: A sharp tool used for cutting and slicing ingredients.
- Wide, shallow bowl: Used for softening the rice paper wrappers by dipping them in lukewarm water.
- Pasta bowl: Used for filling with lukewarm water to soften the rice paper wrappers.
- Serving platter: A large, flat dish used for serving and presenting the finished spring rolls.
- Brush: Used for lightly coating the serving platter with oil to prevent the finished rolls from sticking.
- Small bowl: Used for mixing and serving the peanut dipping sauce.
- Food processor: Optional tool for chopping or shredding vegetables for the spring rolls.
Interesting Fact About Shrimp Spring Rolls
Shrimp spring rolls are a popular dish in Vietnamese cuisine and are often served as an appetizer. They are a healthy and delicious option, as they are low in calories and fat. The rice paper used to wrap the spring rolls is gluten-free, making this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. Additionally, the peanut sauce used as a dipping sauce is a great source of protein and healthy fats, adding a flavorful element to the dish. Overall, shrimp spring rolls with peanut sauce are a nutritious and flavorful choice for a light meal or snack.
Is Making Shrimp Spring Rolls at Home Cost-Effective?
This shrimp spring rolls with peanut sauce recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as shrimp, vegetables, and rice paper wrappers, are generally affordable and can be found in most grocery stores. The recipe offers a healthy and flavorful option for a meal or appetizer. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $20-$25, making it a budget-friendly choice. Overall Verdict: 9/10
Are Shrimp Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce Healthy?
The shrimp spring rolls with peanut sauce recipe is a relatively healthy dish, offering a balance of protein, vegetables, and healthy fats. The spring rolls are packed with nutritious ingredients like carrots, bell peppers, cucumbers, basil, and mint, providing a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The shrimp adds lean protein to the dish, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body. The peanut sauce, made with unsalted peanut butter, provides healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease.
However, there are a few areas where the recipe could be improved to make it even healthier:
- Use whole grain rice paper wrappers instead of regular ones to increase the fiber content
- Opt for low-sodium soy sauce or tamari to reduce the overall sodium content of the dish
- Increase the amount of vegetables in the spring rolls to boost the nutrient density
- Use fresh, raw shrimp instead of cooked ones to avoid any added oils or seasonings
- Limit the amount of sweet chili sauce used, as it can be high in sugar
To make the recipe even more nutritious, consider adding some additional healthy ingredients:
- Include some sliced avocado for an extra dose of healthy fats and fiber
- Sprinkle some sesame seeds or chopped nuts over the finished rolls for added crunch and nutrients
- Serve the spring rolls with a side of edamame or a small salad for an extra serving of vegetables
- Use a mix of different colored bell peppers to increase the variety of antioxidants in the dish
Editor's Opinion on This Shrimp Spring Roll Recipe
The shrimp spring rolls with peanut sauce recipe is a delightful and refreshing dish that offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The combination of fresh vegetables, succulent shrimp, and aromatic herbs wrapped in delicate rice paper creates a light and satisfying appetizer or main course. The peanut sauce adds a creamy and savory element that complements the rolls beautifully. The recipe's clear instructions make it accessible for home cooks, and the presentation is visually appealing. Overall, this recipe is a winner and is sure to impress anyone who tries it.
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Why trust this Shrimp Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of fresh and vibrant vegetables, succulent shrimp, and aromatic herbs. The use of rice paper wrappers ensures a light and delicate texture, while the homemade peanut sauce adds a rich and savory element. With a focus on quality ingredients and detailed instructions, this recipe promises a satisfying and flavorful experience for anyone craving a taste of Asian cuisine. Trust in the harmony of flavors and textures, and embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the art of spring roll making.
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