Shrimp Spring Rolls – These fresh, vibrant, and healthy meal or appetizer bites are a favorite in Vietnamese cuisine, combining the crunch of fresh vegetables, the tenderness of shrimp, and the chewiness of rice paper rolls.
Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Spring Roll Recipe
Shrimp spring rolls are:
- Light and refreshing – They’re made with fresh ingredients that offer a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
- Easy to make – Once you get the hang of rolling, this recipe becomes a quick and convenient go-to for meals.
- Healthy – Packed with vegetables and lean shrimp, these spring rolls are low in calories but high in flavor.
- Customizable – You can easily swap out ingredients or add your favorite fillings to make them your own.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Shrimp Spring Rolls
Don’t overfill: Overstuffing the rolls makes them harder to wrap and prone to tearing. A little goes a long way!
Use cold ingredients: Make sure your shrimp and vermicelli noodles are cold before assembling. This prevents the rice paper from becoming gummy or soggy.
Keep the rice paper damp but not soaked: It should be soft but still firm enough to handle without tearing.
Work quickly: Rice paper can dry out fast, so assemble your rolls promptly after softening the wrappers.
Variations of Spring Rolls
There are countless ways to customize rolls to suit your tastes:
- Vegetarian Spring Rolls: Simply omit the shrimp and replace it with tofu, tempeh, or extra veggies.
- Spicy Spring Rolls: Add a slice of jalapeño or a drizzle of sriracha inside the roll for an extra kick.
- Fruit-Filled Rolls: Incorporate fruits like mango, pineapple, or even papaya for a refreshing twist.
- Grilled Spring Rolls: Instead of using boiled shrimp, try grilling or sautéing the shrimp for a smoky flavor.
How to Serve Shrimp Spring Rolls
Shrimp spring rolls are versatile and can be served as:
Snack: Enjoy them as a refreshing, low-calorie snack in the afternoon.
Appetizers: These are great starters for any meal and are especially popular at parties or gatherings.
Light lunch or dinner: Pair with a small side salad or some miso soup for a healthy, balanced meal.
Best Dipping Sauces:
- Peanut Sauce: Creamy, slightly sweet, and nutty—this is a popular choice for spring rolls.
- Nuoc Cham: A traditional Vietnamese dipping sauce made from fish sauce, lime juice, garlic, and chili.
- Hoisin Sauce: Sweet and tangy, this sauce complements the savory shrimp and fresh veggies perfectly.
How to Store Shrimp Spring Rolls
Shrimp spring rolls are best served fresh, but if you need to store them, here’s how:
- Refrigerate: Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap to prevent them from sticking together. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Freezing is not recommended: Freezing affects the texture of the rice paper and fresh vegetables, making them less appetizing.
Pro Tip:
Before serving stored spring rolls, lightly mist them with water and cover them with a damp paper towel. This will help rehydrate the rice paper and restore some of its original texture.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make spring rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can make spring rolls a few hours ahead of time. Store them individually wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator. However, for the best texture and flavor, it’s recommended to serve them fresh.
Can I use cooked frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Cooked frozen shrimp is a convenient option. Just make sure to thaw and pat them dry before using.
What can I substitute for rice paper?
If you can’t find rice paper, you can use lettuce leaves or collard greens as a wrap alternative. This is especially great if you’re looking for a gluten-free or low-carb version.
How do I keep spring rolls from sticking together?
Keep the spring rolls from sticking by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap or placing a damp towel between each roll when stacking them.
Shrimp Spring Rolls
Shrimp Spring Rolls - These fresh, vibrant, and healthy meal or appetizer bites are a favorite in Vietnamese cuisine, combining the crunch of fresh vegetables, the tenderness of shrimp, and the chewiness of rice paper rolls.
Ingredients
Peanut Dipping Sauce Ingredients:
- ½ cup hoisin sauce
- ¼ cup peanut butter
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (I love using Marukan Seasoned Gourmet!)
- 1 tbsp chopped peanuts (plus extra for garnish)
Shrimp Spring Roll Ingredients:
- 6 oz thin rice noodles (Thai Kitchen Thin works great!)
- 10 jumbo shrimp (16-20 count)
- 10 round rice paper wrappers (I use Three Ladies Brand)
- 10 Boston lettuce leaves (cut in half, remove thick stems)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup red cabbage (thinly shredded)
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 20 fresh mint leaves
- ½ cup cilantro leaves (lightly packed)
Instructions
Peanut Dipping Sauce:
- In a bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, peanut butter, water, rice vinegar, and peanuts until smooth.
- Adjust the water for a thinner consistency, if desired.
- Pour into a serving bowl and top with extra chopped peanuts.
Shrimp Spring Rolls:
- Cook the noodles: Boil the rice noodles for 4-6 minutes (or follow package directions), then rinse with cold water and refrigerate.
- Cook the shrimp: In the same pot, boil the shrimp for 1-1 ½ minutes until pink. Drain, cool, peel, and slice each shrimp in half lengthwise.
- Soften the rice paper: Fill a large bowl with cool water, dip each rice paper sheet for 15-20 seconds until softened, then lay it flat on a damp towel.
Assemble the rolls:
- Lay a piece of lettuce on the bottom third of the rice paper. Add some noodles, shredded carrots, cabbage, and bean sprouts on top.
- Roll the rice paper halfway, fold the sides in, and place 2 shrimp halves (cut side down), along with some cilantro and mint leaves near the crease.
- Continue rolling tightly into a sealed cylinder.
- Repeat with remaining ingredients, and serve the rolls seam-side down with the peanut dipping sauce.
Nutrition Information
Yield
10Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 163Total Fat 5gSaturated Fat 1gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 3gCholesterol 21mgSodium 354mgCarbohydrates 25gFiber 2gSugar 5gProtein 6g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Making shrimp spring rolls at home is easier than it seems, and the result is a refreshing, flavorful dish that will brighten up any meal. With just a few ingredients and a little practice, you can enjoy restaurant-quality spring rolls in the comfort of your own kitchen. Plus, with all the variations and customization options, these spring rolls can suit any palate.
Don’t forget to experiment with different sauces and fillings, and most importantly, enjoy the process!
Whether you’re making them for a party, a quick lunch, or just a fun snack, shrimp spring rolls are sure to impress. Happy rolling!
Check my other shrimp recipes:
