Some nights, when I open the pantry after a long day, there’s only a familiar packet of rice paper tucked beside a jar of peanut butter and bags of pasta. It always reminds me of college, sharing summer rolls with friends, or those cozy nights at home rolling up leftover veggies with whatever sauce was on hand. Rice paper—so easy to ignore—turns humble leftovers and basic ingredients into something special. Whether you’re wrapping up crisp veggies, frying up golden snacks, or trying a gluten-free twist, there are so many creative rice paper recipes you’ll love. It’s that quiet hero in the pantry, waiting for a bit of inspiration and a quick soak.
1. Classic Vietnamese Summer Rolls with Shrimp
Why You’ll Love It:
These fresh rolls are a crisp and colorful go-to when you want something light but satisfying. I love them for quick lunches or as an appetizer for friends. The blend of juicy shrimp, crunchy veggies, and fragrant herbs always hits the spot, no matter the season.
Serving size: Serves 4
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 12 round rice paper wrappers
- 24 cooked shrimp, sliced in half lengthwise
- 1 cup cooked rice vermicelli noodles
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/2 cup cilantro leaves
- Peanut sauce for dipping
How to Make It:
- Fill a shallow dish with warm water. Dip a rice paper wrapper in the water for 8–10 seconds until just pliable.
- Lay the wrapper on a damp towel. Place 2 shrimp halves, some noodles, lettuce, carrots, mint, and cilantro in the middle.
- Fold sides over the filling, then roll tightly from the bottom.
- Repeat with remaining wrappers and ingredients.
- Serve with peanut sauce and fresh lime.
Optional Enhancers (choose 2):
Flavor Boost: Add a few Thai basil leaves for extra aroma.
Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t over-soak the rice paper; it will tear easily.
2. Crispy Rice Paper Dumplings with Mushrooms
Why You’ll Love It:
Crispy, golden on the outside, and savory on the inside, these dumplings are a weeknight favorite. They’re quick to pull together when you crave something crunchy and are perfect for dipping in soy sauce. Even picky eaters love their satisfying crunch.
Serving size: Serves 4
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 10 rice paper wrappers
- 2 cups finely chopped mushrooms
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for frying)
How to Make It:
- Sauté mushrooms, carrots, and green onions in sesame oil for 4–5 minutes. Add soy sauce and let cool.
- Dip a rice paper wrapper in warm water until soft.
- Place 2 tablespoons of filling on one half, fold over, and seal edges.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet. Fry dumplings on each side until golden, about 2–3 minutes per side.
- Serve hot with soy dipping sauce.
Meal Prep Tip: Freeze uncooked dumplings in a single layer, then cook straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the pan time.
3. Rice Paper Bacon (Vegan)
Why You’ll Love It:
When you’re craving something smoky and crisp without the meat, rice paper bacon is a game-changer. It’s a must for breakfast sandwiches or as a plant-based salad topping.
Serving size: Serves 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 6 rice paper sheets
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
How to Make It:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Whisk soy sauce, maple syrup, smoked paprika, garlic powder, olive oil, and liquid smoke in a bowl.
- Slice rice paper into strips. Dip each strip briefly in water, then brush both sides with marinade.
- Arrange single layer on baking sheet. Bake for 6 minutes, flip, and bake 6 more minutes.
- Cool slightly before serving.
Swap This With That: Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
4. Thai Rice Paper Salad Wraps
Why You’ll Love It:
Perfect for picnics or light lunches, these wraps pack refreshing flavors from herbs, crunchy veggies, and a spicy-lime dressing. They’re a hit with kids, especially when everyone builds their own.
Serving size: Serves 4
Prep Time: 18 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 8 rice paper wrappers
- 1 cup thinly sliced cucumber
- 1 cup red bell pepper strips
- 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
- 4 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
How to Make It:
- Mix chili sauce and lime juice for dipping.
- Soak each rice paper wrapper in warm water, then lay flat.
- Fill with veggies and herbs. Fold sides and roll up.
- Serve with dipping sauce.
Best Pairings: Try alongside coconut rice, Thai iced tea, or a light cucumber salad.
5. Rice Paper Pizza Margherita
Why You’ll Love It:
This quick riff on pizza is great for solo lunches or snack time, and it lets you sneak in a gluten-free option that still feels like comfort food. Kids love customizing their own “pizzas.”
Serving size: Serves 2
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 3 rice paper sheets
- 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella
- 6 cherry tomatoes, halved
- 6–8 fresh basil leaves
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper
How to Make It:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Brush both sides of rice paper with water and olive oil.
- Lay papers on baking sheet, top with cheese and tomatoes.
- Bake for about 8 minutes until cheese melts, then top with basil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Swap This With That: Swap with vegan cheese if you’re dairy-free.
6. Rice Paper Samosas with Spiced Potato Filling
Why You’ll Love It:
When you want something hearty and flavorful but lighter than fried pastry, these rice paper samosas offer that beloved crispy shell while keeping it gluten-free. They’re perfect for potlucks and lunchboxes.
Serving size: Serves 6
Prep Time: 28 minutes
Cook Time: 16 minutes
Total Time: 44 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 12 rice paper wrappers
- 2 cups boiled potatoes, diced
- 1/2 cup peas
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt to taste
- Oil spray for baking
How to Make It:
- Sauté onion and cumin in oil. Add potatoes, peas, spices, and salt. Cook for 2–3 minutes.
- Dip rice paper in water and cut into halves. Place filling on straight edge, fold into triangles.
- Place on lined baking sheet, spray with oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–16 minutes, flipping halfway.
Flavor Boost: Sprinkle with chaat masala right after baking.
7. Rice Paper Cheesy “Egg” Breakfast Wraps
Why You’ll Love It:
This is a lifesaver when you want protein in the morning but are gluten-free or just craving something different. It’s comforting and quick—great for a busy start.
Serving size: Serves 2
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Total Time: 17 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 4 rice paper wrappers
- 4 eggs
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- Salt and pepper
How to Make It:
- Scramble eggs in a skillet with butter. Add spinach, cook until wilted, season to taste.
- Dip rice paper in water, lay flat. Add eggs, cheese, onions. Roll up.
- Pan-sear rolls on both sides until lightly crisp, about 3 minutes per side.
Personal Note: I like making these for my niece, who calls them “egg burritos.”
8. Rice Paper Spring Roll Bowls (Deconstructed)
Why You’ll Love It:
When you’re craving the flavors of a spring roll but not in the mood to wrap, this bowl version is fresh, fast, and perfect for meal prep. It’s loaded with color and crunch.
Serving size: Serves 4
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 4 rice paper sheets, sliced
- 1 cup lettuce, shredded
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 1 cup cucumber, sliced
- 1 block firm tofu, grilled and cubed
- 1/2 cup hoisin-peanut sauce
- 1/4 cup fresh herbs (mint, cilantro)
How to Make It:
- Hydrate rice paper strips in warm water until soft, then drain.
- Layer all veggies, tofu, and rice paper in bowls.
- Drizzle with sauce and garnish with herbs and lime.
Flavor Boost: Top with chopped roasted peanuts for extra crunch.
9. Baked Apple-Cinnamon Rice Paper Rolls
Why You’ll Love It:
When you want dessert but don’t want pastry or gluten, these are a warm, cinnamon-scented treat. Great for after-dinner or Sunday brunch.
Serving size: Serves 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 33 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 8 rice paper wrappers
- 2 apples, peeled, diced
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- Cinnamon sugar for dusting
- 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt for serving
How to Make It:
- Toss apples, brown sugar, walnuts, and cinnamon together.
- Dip wrappers in water. Fill with apple mixture and roll up.
- Brush with melted butter and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18 minutes.
- Dust with cinnamon sugar. Serve warm with yogurt.
Swap This With That: Use pears instead of apples in the fall.
10. Rice Paper Sushi Hand Rolls
Why You’ll Love It:
No seaweed? No problem. Rice paper is an easy substitute for hand rolls, making it great for at-home sushi night or a fun kids’ project.
Serving size: Serves 3
Prep Time: 22 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 6 rice paper wrappers
- 1 cup cooked sushi rice
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 6 thin cucumber strips
- 6 slices sashimi-grade salmon or smoked salmon
- Black sesame seeds
- Soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger
How to Make It:
- Soak a wrapper until soft, lay flat.
- Add 2 tablespoons rice, avocado, cucumber, and salmon slice along one edge.
- Fold and roll into a cone.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve with classic sushi sides.
Meal Prep Tip: Prep fillings ahead, but assemble rolls just before serving for best texture.
11. Rice Paper “Chicken” Nuggets (Plant-Based)
Why You’ll Love It:
Chewy inside, crispy outside, these little bites are the vegan answer to nuggets. They’re fun finger food and pack well for lunchboxes or dipping at parties.
Serving size: Serves 4
Prep Time: 18 minutes
Cook Time: 14 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 6 rice paper sheets
- 1 cup mashed chickpeas
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (gluten-free if needed)
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 cup plant-based milk
How to Make It:
- Mix chickpeas, breadcrumbs, nutritional yeast, spices, and plant milk into a stiff mixture.
- Cut rice paper into squares, soak, and stuff with nugget mix; fold into bite-sized parcels.
- Brush with olive oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 14 minutes.
Serving Idea: Try with vegan ranch, barbecue sauce, or sriracha mayo.
12. Crispy Rice Paper “Fish” Tacos
Why You’ll Love It:
These tacos bring a light crunch and zesty flavors. They’re a fun way to do Taco Tuesday gluten-free and delight pescatarians or anyone craving something different.
Serving size: Serves 2
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 4 rice paper wrappers
- 2 fillets of white fish (cod or tilapia), cut in strips
- 2 cups purple cabbage slaw
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup creamy chipotle sauce
- 4 corn tortillas
- Vegetable oil
- Fresh cilantro, lime wedges
How to Make It:
- Dip rice paper in water, wrap around each fish strip.
- Pan-fry in hot oil until crispy and golden, about 4–5 minutes per side.
- Fill tortillas with crispy fish, slaw, avocado, and drizzle with chipotle sauce.
Best Pairings: Serve with black beans or a simple corn salad.
13. Baked Falafel Rice Paper Wraps
Why You’ll Love It:
Combining the earthy flavors of falafel with a thin, golden wrapper, these baked pockets are healthier than fried falafel but just as satisfying. They’re easy to pack and less messy.
Serving size: Serves 4
Prep Time: 22 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 8 rice paper wrappers
- 2 cups cooked falafel mixture or store-bought falafel, crumbled
- 1 cup chopped cucumber
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
- Lemon-tahini sauce
How to Make It:
- Dip wrappers to soften, lay flat.
- Spoon falafel, cucumber, and tomato into center, fold sides, and roll up.
- Brush with oil, bake at 390°F (200°C) for 18 minutes, flipping once.
- Serve with lemon-tahini sauce.
Budget-Friendly Tip: Use canned chickpeas for the falafel to save time and money.
14. Rice Paper Tofu “Saag” Parcels
Why You’ll Love It:
This is a playful nod to Indian flavors, but with a light, crispy exterior. The creamy, spiced spinach filling wrapped in delicate rice paper makes a great hand-held party bite.
Serving size: Serves 4
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 16 minutes
Total Time: 36 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 8 rice paper wrappers
- 1 cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed
- 1/2 block firm tofu, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons yogurt
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
How to Make It:
- Sauté tofu with olive oil and spices. Add spinach, cook 2 minutes, stir in yogurt, then season.
- Soften wrappers, fill with spinach-tofu mix, fold into parcels.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 16 minutes.
Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t overfill parcels—otherwise, they can burst in the oven.
15. Rice Paper Chocolate Hazelnut “Spring Rolls”
Why You’ll Love It:
These dessert rolls are a fun treat for kids and grownups alike. They’re quick to put together when you want an after-dinner something sweet with coffee or tea.
Serving size: Serves 3
Prep Time: 8 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 8 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 6 rice paper wrappers
- 1/2 cup chocolate-hazelnut spread
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
How to Make It:
- Dip rice paper to soften.
- Spread with chocolate-hazelnut, top with strawberries, roll up.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Serving Idea: Chill rolls before serving for a firmer texture, especially in summer.
16. Rice Paper Veggie “Lasagna” (No-Bake)
Why You’ll Love It:
Who knew rice paper could give you a noodle-free, gluten-free lasagna feel? This is perfect for hot nights when you crave something Italian but don’t want to turn on the oven.
Serving size: Serves 4
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 8 rice paper wraps
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 small zucchini, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons pesto
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
How to Make It:
- Hydrate rice paper one at a time, then layer in glass dish: rice paper, ricotta, veggies, herbs. Repeat for four layers.
- Finish top with pesto and Parmesan. Serve at room temp or chilled.
Meal Prep Tip: Cover and chill for up to 24 hours; flavors improve as it sits.
17. Rice Paper Mango & Coconut Dessert Rolls
Why You’ll Love It:
A tropical, no-bake dessert that’s easy to love and perfect for summer. The combo of ripe mango, coconut, and a hint of lime is refreshing for kids and adults.
Serving size: Serves 4
Prep Time: 12 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 12 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 8 rice paper wrappers
- 1 large ripe mango, cut into matchsticks
- 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 2 tablespoons coconut cream
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
- 2 teaspoons honey or agave syrup
How to Make It:
- Soak wrappers to soften.
- Fill with mango, coconut, coconut cream, and a touch of zest. Roll up.
- Drizzle with honey or agave and sprinkle with more coconut and lime zest.
Flavor Boost: Sprinkle with chopped mint before serving for extra freshness.
FAQ
How do you make rice paper pliable for rolling?
Briefly dip each sheet into warm water for about 8–10 seconds, just until it softens. Don’t over-soak, or it can become too delicate and tear.
Can I fry or bake rice paper?
Yes, you can fry rice paper for a crispy texture or bake it for a lighter alternative. Just lightly brush or spray with oil and bake until golden.
How should I store leftover rice paper rolls?
Keep them wrapped in damp paper towels inside an airtight container in the fridge. They’re best eaten the same day for freshness, but you can refresh slightly stiff rolls with a quick mist of water.
Are rice paper wrappers gluten-free?
Traditional rice paper wrappers are made from rice flour and tapioca or water, so they’re naturally gluten-free. Always double-check the label for additives or flavorings.
Conclusion
Rice paper is that simple ingredient that can work magic in your kitchen—turning everyday veggies, proteins, or even fruit into something truly crave-worthy and versatile. Whether you’re rolling for a quick lunch, crisping up a tray of snacks, or making dessert, these 16+ creative rice paper recipes you’ll love can add variety and ease to your meals. Try a couple new ideas, and don’t be afraid to experiment with fillings, flavors, or sauces. Remember, it’s the little kitchen adventures that often become the best family favorites. Happy rolling.
