Homemade Fresh Summer Rolls with Easy Peanut Dipping Sauce
Try this Homemade Fresh Summer Rolls with Easy Peanut Dipping Sauce recipe.
Try this Homemade Fresh Summer Rolls with Easy Peanut Dipping Sauce recipe.
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 avocado, sliced
- sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce2
- 1 clove garlic mashed (or about 1 teaspoon minced)
- 1 teaspoon sriracha sauce or a chile garlic sauce optional for spice
- 1-2 tablespoons warm water or more as needed
- optional garnish: crushed peanuts sprinkle of crushed red pepper
- 10 spring roll rice paper wrappers
- 1 large carrot peeled andâ julienned
- 1 large cucumberâ julienned (you can peel but i don't)
- 1/2 of a large red pepper julienned
- 1/3 cup chopped purple cabbage
- 1 ounce cooked rice noodles/rice vermicelli (optional)
- handful fresh cilantro (and/or mint basil)
- 5 large green lettuce leaves (romaine butter, etc), torn in half
- 20 medium cooked shrimp peeled and slicedâ in half length-wise
- Carbohydrate 1.94712000092596 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 2.85544000238544 g
- Fiber 0.588000000284038 g
- Protein 1.82504000118775 g
- Saturated Fat 0.58072000048722 g
- Serving Size 1 1 roll (26g)
- Sodium 1.96000000080477 mg
- Sugar 1.35912000064193 g
- Trans Fat 0.156632000119201 g
- Calories 37 calories
Step-by-step
- First, read through the post above to learn some tips/tricks for making these summer rolls. Also, make sure every single ingredient in the summer rolls is prepared/chopped/cooked before you assembling.
- Prepare the dipping sauce: You can whisk everything together in a bowl or use a food processor. Add everything to a medium bowl (except water and optional garnish) and whisk until smooth. Add 1-2 Tablespoons of warm water or until you reach desired thinness. Pour into a serving bowl/ramekin and top with garnish. Set aside.
- Prepare the rice paper wrappers: Pour warm water into a large bowl or 9-inch square or round baking pan. Working with one at a time, dip the rice paper wrapper into the warm water for 15-20 seconds. You want the wrapper to be soft, yet still slightly firm and pliable. Immediately remove from the water and place flat onto a work surface. Pat the wrapper slightly dry.
- Fill the rolls: Place a few sticks of carrot, cucumber, red pepper, and a sprinkle of cabbage on top of the bottom 1/3 of the rice paper. Then, a small amount of noodles (if using), a slice or two of avocado and a bit of cilantro. Lay 1/2 of a lettuce leaf on top and 4 slices of shrimp on top. Remember, do not overstuff the roll. Start small then add more, as needed, as you roll each one.
- Roll them: Roll everything up tightly. To do so, gently pull up the bottom of the roll and roll over the filling. Then, roll and use your hands to tuck the filling in as you go. Remember, you want a very tight roll. You can fold in the sides of the rice paper roll if you wish. After rolling each, place on a serving plate. Cut in half, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and serve with peanut sauce.
- Make ahead tip/storing: Wrap rolls individually in plastic wrap and layer in a tupperware between sheets of parchment or wax paper. Store up to 2-3 days. Cover sauce tightly and store in the refrigerator for a couple days.
A Summer's Day Delight: Homemade Fresh Summer Rolls
The sun is shining, a gentle breeze whispers through the leaves, and the aroma of fresh herbs hangs in the air. There's nothing quite like a warm summer day, and for me, the perfect complement to this idyllic scene is a plate of homemade fresh summer rolls. These aren't your average takeout rolls; these are bursting with vibrant, fresh flavors, and they're surprisingly easy to make. I’ve been perfecting this recipe for years, and today, I want to share my little slice of summer with you.
The beauty of summer rolls lies in their versatility. You can tailor them to your own tastes, swapping out ingredients based on what's in season or what you have on hand. I love using shrimp, but grilled chicken or tofu works just as well. The key is to use high-quality ingredients. A ripe avocado, crisp cucumber, and perfectly julienned carrots add a satisfying crunch. The fresh herbs—cilantro, mint, even a touch of basil—provide a delightful aromatic contrast to the other flavors. And let's not forget the peanut sauce—the rich, creamy, slightly sweet, and subtly spicy sauce is the perfect finishing touch, elevating these rolls to a culinary masterpiece.
Making these rolls is a therapeutic experience. The process is meditative, a gentle rhythm of dipping, spreading, and rolling. It’s a mindful activity, one that allows you to fully appreciate the beautiful ingredients you’re working with. Plus, it's wonderfully interactive—perfect for a family gathering or a fun cooking project with friends. The sight of these vibrant rolls, glistening with freshness, is sure to bring smiles and happy conversation.
The joy extends beyond the making; the eating is just as delightful. The crispness of the vegetables, the delicate flavor of the shrimp, the aromatic herbs, and that addictive peanut sauce—it's a symphony of textures and tastes that will have you reaching for more. The rolls are light and refreshing, the perfect meal for a hot summer day. They're also incredibly satisfying, filling enough to be a complete meal but light enough to feel guilt-free.
Often, I’ll make a big batch of these rolls on a Sunday afternoon. It's a great way to prep for the week ahead. I carefully wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap, then layer them in a container, separating them with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. Stored correctly, they'll keep in the refrigerator for two to three days, although I must admit, they’re best enjoyed fresh.
But don't just take my word for it; give this recipe a try. Let the vibrant flavors and refreshing textures transport you to a sun-drenched summer paradise, wherever you may be. You'll quickly discover why these summer rolls have become a summertime staple in my home. And if you decide to experiment with different ingredients, please do share your creations! I love hearing from you and seeing what delicious variations you come up with. Let the summer roll journey begin!
Beyond the Recipe: Summer Memories
For me, these summer rolls are more than just a delicious meal; they're a connection to summer memories. As a child, summer meant long days spent outdoors, exploring the woods behind my house, building forts in the trees, and watching the fireflies dance at dusk. And while those days are long past, the feeling of summer remains, captured in the fresh ingredients and simple preparation of these rolls. Each bite is a reminder of those carefree days, of the sweetness of childhood summers.
Now, as an adult, my summer days are filled with different adventures. But the heart of summer remains – that feeling of warmth, freedom, and connection. These summer rolls are a small part of that connection, a simple yet profound way to bring the essence of summer into my daily life. It’s a reminder to slow down, appreciate the simple things, and savor the season’s bounty. I hope that, when you make these rolls, you’ll find your own summer memories woven into each bite.
Sharing the Summer Joy
One of the greatest joys of cooking is sharing my creations with others. These summer rolls are perfect for sharing; they're easy to transport, visually appealing, and always a crowd-pleaser. I often bring a batch to picnics, potlucks, or even just a casual gathering with friends. The smiles and compliments I receive are the best reward. Sharing food is a way of sharing love and connection, and there’s nothing more satisfying than seeing others enjoy something you’ve made with your own two hands.
So, whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for a delicious and refreshing meal, I encourage you to try these homemade fresh summer rolls. They're more than just a recipe; they’re a way to bring a little bit of summer into your life, one delicious roll at a time. Happy rolling!
