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
- sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 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
- 1 large carrot peeled andâ julienned
- 1 large cucumberâ julienned (you can peel but i don't)
- 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
- 10 spring roll rice paper wrappers
- 1/2 of a large red pepper julienned
- 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. It's basically like you're rolling a burrito! Remember, you want a very tight roll. You can fold in the sides of the rice paper roll if you wish, but sometimes I don't. 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
Summertime is the perfect season for fresh, vibrant flavors and light, refreshing meals. And what better way to celebrate the season than with homemade summer rolls? These aren't your average takeout rolls; these are bursting with fresh herbs, crisp vegetables, succulent shrimp, and a creamy, addictive peanut sauce that will leave you wanting more. This recipe is my go-to for summer gatherings, potlucks, or even just a simple weeknight dinner. It's incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize the fillings to your liking and to showcase the best of the season's produce.
The beauty of these summer rolls lies in their simplicity. They're quick to assemble, requiring minimal cooking, and the vibrant colors alone make them a feast for the eyes. The rice paper wrappers provide a delicate, almost translucent shell, showcasing the colorful medley of ingredients inside. The peanut sauce, rich and nutty, complements the freshness of the vegetables and the savory shrimp perfectly. It’s a dance of textures and tastes—the crunch of the vegetables, the soft rice paper, the tender shrimp, and the creamy, slightly spicy sauce—a harmonious blend that will transport you straight to a tropical paradise.
I love making these summer rolls because they're a great way to use up leftover cooked shrimp or to showcase seasonal vegetables. A trip to the farmer’s market is always inspiring when it comes to creating new combinations of fillings. One time, I experimented with adding grilled pineapple and mango, creating a surprisingly delicious sweet and savory combination. Another time, I swapped the shrimp for grilled chicken, making it a more substantial meal for a busy workday lunch. The possibilities are truly endless!
Beyond the Recipe: A Culinary Journey
My love for cooking started in my grandmother's kitchen. The aroma of spices and simmering sauces always filled the air, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Watching her skillfully prepare dishes, using simple ingredients to create extraordinary flavors, instilled in me a deep appreciation for the art of cooking. Summer rolls, in particular, hold a special place in my heart. They remind me of lazy summer afternoons spent with family, sharing stories and laughter while enjoying a delicious meal. They symbolize the joy of simple pleasures, the beauty of fresh ingredients, and the power of food to bring people together.
These summer rolls aren't just a recipe; they're a culinary adventure. Each roll is a miniature masterpiece, a testament to the abundance of flavors that summer brings. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let's embark on a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you feeling refreshed and invigorated. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a complete beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and guaranteed to impress. The joy of creating something delicious and beautiful with your own hands is an experience that's truly unmatched. So grab your friends and family, and get ready to experience the magic of summer in every bite!
Tips and Tricks for Summer Roll Success
Don't overfill the rolls: It's tempting to pack in as many ingredients as possible, but overfilling will make the rolls difficult to roll and may cause them to burst. Start with a small amount of each ingredient and add more as needed.
Use warm water for the rice paper wrappers: This helps to soften the wrappers and makes them easier to work with. Don't soak them for too long, or they will become too soggy.
Make ahead: Summer rolls are best served fresh, but you can make them ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap to prevent them from sticking together.
Get creative with the fillings: This recipe is a great starting point, but feel free to experiment with different ingredients to create your own unique combination of flavors. Consider adding grilled chicken or tofu, different types of vegetables, or even fruits like mango or pineapple.
Enjoy! These summer rolls are a delightful way to celebrate the abundance of fresh produce during the summer months. They are perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or even a quick and healthy lunch. Enjoy the delicious flavors and the beauty of this simple yet elegant dish.
