Vietnamese Shrimp Summer Rolls And Peanut Sauce Recipe

Gather the ingredients for this Vietnamese shrimp summer rolls and peanut sauce recipe

This recipe features summer rolls accompanied by a dipping sauce. For the sauce, you'll require rice vinegar, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, creamy peanut butter, freshly grated ginger, and chopped roasted peanuts. For the rolls, start by peeling and deveining large shrimp (make sure to thaw them if they are frozen). Then, gather dried vermicelli rice noodles, a pack of rice paper wrappers, butterhead or green leaf lettuce leaves, medium carrots and a medium cucumber (both peeled and cut into thin matchsticks), shredded red cabbage, scallions (sliced into thin matchsticks), fresh mint leaves, and fresh cilantro leaves.

Step 1: Make peanut sauce

Make the peanut sauce: In a medium bowl, mix together the vinegar, soy sauce, hoisin, peanut butter, and ginger using a whisk.

Step 2: Set sauce aside

Combine ½ cup of water and whisk until blended. Pour into a serving bowl and garnish with peanuts; set aside.

Step 3: Boil water

Make the summer rolls: In a large pot, heat 2 quarts of water until it reaches a boil.

Step 4: Cook shrimp

Incorporate the shrimp and sauté for 2–3 minutes, or until they turn pink and are fully cooked.

Step 5: Chill shrimp

Drain the shrimp and place them in a bowl of ice water; allow them to sit until they are cold.

Step 6: Slice shrimp

Drain the shrimp and cut them in half horizontally; then refrigerate until needed.

Step 7: Heat water

In a big pot, bring 2 quarts of water to a gentle steam, then take it off the heat.

Step 8: Soften noodles

Incorporate the noodles and let them sit for approximately 5 minutes or until they become tender (refer to the package for detailed cooking guidelines).

Step 9: Finish prepping noodles

Drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water. Use kitchen scissors to cut them into smaller sections.

Step 10: Prep summer roll ingredients

Prepare your workspace by arranging a cutting board, a large bowl filled with warm water, and all the ingredients needed for your summer rolls.

Step 11: Dip wrapper

Soak a spring roll wrapper in warm water for 10 to 15 seconds.

Step 12: Move to cutting board

Move the soaked wrapper to the cutting board.

Step 13: Start assembling roll

Position a piece of lettuce in the lower section of the wrapper. Add vermicelli noodles on top.

Step 14: Add vegetables

Garnish the noodles with carrots, cucumber, red cabbage, scallions, mint, and cilantro.

Step 15: Add shrimp

Position three shrimp, cut side facing up, in the center of the wrapper, above the vegetables.

Step 16: Roll wrapper

Firmly wrap the bottom of the wrapper around the vegetables.

Step 17: Seal wrapper

Fold the edges of the wrapper inward to secure it.

Step 18: Finish rolling

Fully roll up the summer roll and position it with the sealed side facing down on a serving plate.

Step 19: Assemble remaining rolls

Continue with the rest of the wrappers. Ensure that the completed rolls are spaced at least ¼ inch apart to prevent them from sticking to one another.

Step 20: Serve

Serve the summer rolls right away with peanut sauce.

What's the difference between Vietnamese spring and summer rolls?

If you're accustomed to enjoying rolls filled with exciting ingredients, you may find yourself puzzled by the differences between spring and summer rolls. According to Rosenhouse, "the terms are frequently used interchangeably," but they are not exactly the same. She clarifies that "summer rolls, sometimes referred to as salad rolls, consist of soaked rice paper wrapped around a mix of vegetables and proteins." Imagine fresh ingredients with a light, chewy texture that pairs wonderfully with creamier dipping sauces.

In contrast, "spring rolls can be prepared in a similar fashion or fried, with the fried version typically accompanied by a sweet Vietnamese fish sauce," explains Rosenhouse. In this instance, anticipate a crispy, hot roll that is ideal for dipping into lighter sauces. Both varieties of rolls are tasty, and ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal taste.

What other fillings can you add to summer rolls?

Rosenhouse's recipe for Vietnamese shrimp summer rolls is incredibly delicious and packed with protein, crunchy vegetables, fresh herbs, and tender rice noodles. It pairs perfectly with the creamy peanut sauce, making it a standout dish. However, there are numerous ways to personalize this recipe based on your favorite ingredients and what you have on hand. As Rosenhouse notes, "The best part of summer rolls is that you can get creative with the filling."

While you can let your culinary imagination run wild, Rosenhouse provides some helpful suggestions: "Shrimp or pork are traditional choices, but you can also opt for shredded rotisserie chicken or any protein you prefer," she explains. "Feel free to include parsley, mint, cilantro, basil, or any herbs you like, and a vibrant mix of vegetables will enhance the presentation." In addition to considering the flavor combinations, think about the different textures you can incorporate into the rolls as you make your own modifications and updates.