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Fresh Spring Rolls with Sauce

Featured in Tasty Sauces & Marinades.

This guide walks you through the effortless steps to create fresh Vietnamese spring rolls with tender shrimp, crisp veggies, and a choice of two delightful sauces: traditional Vietnamese-style and creamy peanut dipping sauce. With vibrant ingredients like vermicelli noodles, julienned carrots, cucumbers, and fresh herbs, these rolls make a refreshing and healthy appetizer or meal. Learn the key techniques for rolling perfect spring rolls and how to prepare the flavorful sauces that elevate these rolls to a whole new level of deliciousness.

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Clare Greco
Updated on Sun, 04 May 2025 18:18:22 GMT
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This hearty Fresh Spring Rolls recipe has become my summer go-to for light, refreshing meals that still satisfy. The combination of crisp vegetables, tender shrimp, and two incredible dipping sauces creates a perfect balance that works as an appetizer or main course.

I first made these spring rolls for a backyard gathering and was amazed at how quickly they disappeared. Now they've become my signature dish when friends ask me to bring something special to potlucks and parties.

Ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions

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The Vietnamese dipping sauce has been in my family for generations. My grandmother insisted on the specific Three Crabs brand of fish sauce, explaining that cheaper versions would ruin the delicate balance. When I tried a different brand once, the difference was immediately noticeable my sauce lacked that perfect depth of flavor she always achieved.

Storage Tips

Make Ahead Options

Creative Variations

Cultural Context

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I prevent the rice paper from tearing?

Ensure you don't over-soak the rice paper and work on a clean, slightly damp surface. Handle gently during rolling.

→ Can I substitute shrimp with other proteins?

Yes, you can use cooked chicken, tofu, or even thinly sliced pork as alternatives to shrimp.

→ How long can I store spring rolls?

Store assembled spring rolls tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and refrigerated for up to 1 day. Serve as fresh as possible for best results.

→ What can I pair with spring rolls?

Spring rolls pair well with dipping sauces, a light salad, or even a warm soup such as Pho.

→ Can I make the sauces ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare both sauces in advance. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Fresh Spring Rolls Dipping Sauce

Vietnamese spring rolls with shrimp, veggies, and dipping sauce.

Prep Time
40 Minutes
Cook Time
5 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes

Category: Dips & Marinades

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Vietnamese

Yield: 15 Servings (15 spring rolls)

Dietary: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Fresh Spring Roll Ingredients

01 1 lb large shrimp, 21-25 count, peeled and deveined (keep the shells to boil shrimp)
02 3 oz vermicelli rice noodles
03 1/2 butter lettuce, 15 leaves
04 2 carrots, peeled and julienned
05 1/2 English cucumber julienned, or 3 small cucumbers
06 1 cup cilantro sprigs
07 15 round rice paper sheets, 8.5” diameter

→ Vietnamese Spring Roll Dipping Sauce

08 1/3 cup filtered water
09 1/4 cup fish sauce, three crabs brand
10 1/4 cup granulated sugar, or to taste
11 2 tbsp lime juice, freshly squeezed from 1 lime
12 2 tsp rice wine vinegar
13 2 tsp chili garlic sauce, or to taste (more will make it spicier)
14 1 large garlic clove, grated or finely minced (or 2 small cloves)
15 2 tsp sesame oil
16 1 tbsp shredded carrot

→ Peanut Dipping Sauce

17 1 cup sesame ginger dressing, Newman's Own brand
18 2 heaping tbsp peanut butter

Instructions

Step 01

Boil shrimp according to your boiled shrimp recipe, then immediately cool in ice water. Once boiled and cooled, drain and cut shrimp in half lengthwise.

Step 02

Cook noodles according to package instructions until softened (do not overcook). Drain in a colander and rinse with cold water. Let noodles drain until ready to assemble. Alternatively, fill a saucepan with water, bring to a boil, add noodles, turn off heat, and let sit in hot water for 5-7 minutes.

Step 03

Julienne cucumbers and carrots, remove stiff stems from lettuce leaves, and coarsely chop cilantro.

Step 04

Fill a shallow bowl (wider than the rice paper sheets) with very warm water. Submerge a single rice paper wrapper for 10-15 seconds or until softened (based on water temperature). Place the softened wrapper on a clean and lightly damp cutting board.

Step 05

Place vegetables on one half of the wrapper in the following order: lettuce, a generous pinch of noodles, carrots, cucumber, and cilantro sprigs. Place shrimp on the second half with the cut side facing up. Tightly roll from the lettuce side first, tuck in the sides, and continue rolling over the shrimp so they are visible on the outside.

Step 06

Transfer assembled spring rolls to a serving platter and cover with a damp kitchen towel to prevent drying. For a more appealing presentation, cut rolls in half diagonally before serving.

Step 07

In a small mixing bowl, combine all dipping sauce ingredients, adjusting sugar and sesame oil to taste.

Step 08

In a mason jar, combine sesame ginger dressing and peanut butter. Cover tightly and shake until smooth and well combined.

Notes

  1. Nutrition label estimates are for 1 spring roll excluding dipping sauce.

Tools You'll Need

  • Colander
  • Shallow round bowl
  • Cutting board
  • Mason jar with lid

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains shellfish (shrimp)
  • Contains peanuts (peanut butter)
  • Contains fish (fish sauce)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 103
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~