Spring Rolls Recipe

Summary:

Spring rolls are a delicious and refreshing dish you can easily prepare at home. The combination of crunchy vegetables, savoury protein, and the delicate, chewy rice paper perfectly balances textures in each bite. This guide will walk you through the easy steps of making spring rolls, complete with a citrusy dipping sauce to complement the flavours. Whether you prefer a vegetarian option or want to add shrimp or chicken, this recipe offers plenty of flexibility, allowing you to tailor.

Equipment:

– Large mixing bowl
– Knife and cutting board
– Plate (for soaking rice paper)
– Shallow bowl of warm water
– Small bowl (for dipping sauce)
– Tongs (optional, for handling rice paper)

Ingredients:

– 10 sheets of rice paper (available in Asian supermarkets)
– 1 cup cooked shrimp (or chicken, optional), sliced thinly
– 1 medium carrot, julienned
– 1 cucumber, julienned
– 1 cup shredded lettuce (or cabbage)
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
– 1 avocado, sliced (optional for creaminess)
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional for a rich taste)

For the dipping sauce:

– 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
– 1 tablespoon peanut butter
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
– 1 teaspoon water (to thin the sauce)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. **First,** wash and prepare your vegetables. Peel and julienne the carrot, cucumber, and avocado (if using). Shred the lettuce or cabbage into thin strips. Set all the vegetables and herbs aside in a bowl for easy access.
2. **Next,** if you’re using shrimp, slice them thinly. You can also substitute with cooked chicken breast or tofu for a different protein. Make sure the proteins are cooked and cooled before assembling the rolls.

Step 2: Prepare the Rice Paper

1. **Now,** fill a shallow bowl with warm water. It should be large enough to dip the rice paper in, but not too deep.
2. **Dipping the rice paper:** Take one sheet of rice paper and dip it into the warm water for about 5 seconds. It will soften and become pliable. Lay it flat on a clean surface like a plate or cutting board as soon as it softens.
3. **Pro Tip:** Work quickly but gently. Rice paper tears easily if left in the water for too long.

Step 3: Assemble the Spring Rolls

1. **Start with the filling:** Once your rice paper is ready, place a small amount of each ingredient near the centre of the wrapper. Add a couple of shrimp (or your choice of protein) and shredded lettuce, julienned carrots, cucumbers, cilantro, and mint. You can also add a slice of avocado for a creamy texture.
2. **Rolling the spring rolls:** Fold in the sides of the rice paper, then gently lift the edge closest to you and fold it over the filling. Roll the rice paper away from you while keeping the filling snug and tight. The rice paper will naturally stick to itself, sealing the roll. Repeat this process with the remaining rice paper sheets and filling ingredients.

Step 4: Prepare the Dipping Sauce

1. **Now,** make the dipping sauce by combining hoisin sauce, peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, and water in a small bowl. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. This tangy-sweet sauce complements the fresh spring rolls perfectly.
2. **Pro Tip:** add a pinch of chilli flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick. This enhances the flavour and balances out the richness of the peanut butter.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. **Once the spring rolls are assembled,** serve them immediately while the rice paper is still soft and fresh. You can also refrigerate them for a short time (up to 2 hours) if you’re preparing them in advance.
2. **Enjoy:** Dip the spring rolls into the prepared dipping sauce, savouring the fresh, vibrant flavours with every bite. These spring rolls make for a perfect appetiser or light meal. The balance of vegetables, herbs, and protein creates a satisfying and healthy dish.

Notes :

– **Customisations:** You can swap out the vegetables and protein to suit your taste. Add cooked pork, tofu, or crab for a unique twist on the classic recipe. Add a bit of grated cheese or a drizzle of creamy sauce to the filling for a more indulgent version.
– **Storage Tips:** Store any leftover spring rolls wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or parchment paper in the fridge. They’re best eaten the same day but last up to 2 days. You can lightly dampen them with a wet paper towel if they become a little dry.
– **Making Ahead:** You can prepare the filling ingredients and the dipping sauce a few hours ahead. However, it’s best to assemble the spring rolls just before serving for the freshest taste and texture.

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