Description
Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce offer a fresh, healthy, and flavorful appetizer combining vegetables, herbs, and protein wrapped in rice paper, with a creamy peanut sauce for dipping. These versatile rolls are perfect for any occasion, from parties to light meals, and can be easily customized to suit dietary preferences.
Ingredients
- Rice paper (10 sheets): for wrapping the rolls
- Fresh vegetables (carrots – 1 medium, cucumber – 1, bell pepper – 1): add crunch and freshness
- Herbs (mint – 1/4 cup, cilantro – 1/4 cup, basil – 1/4 cup): enhance flavor with fresh, aromatic notes
- Shrimp (8-10 pieces), chicken (1/2 cup shredded), or tofu (1/2 block, pressed): provides protein and substance
- Rice noodles (1 cup): add texture and chewiness to the rolls
- Peanut butter (1/4 cup): base of the creamy peanut sauce
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): adds saltiness and umami to the peanut sauce
- Garlic (1 clove, minced): for aromatic depth in the peanut sauce
- Lime juice (1 tablespoon): adds acidity and brightness to the peanut sauce
- Honey or maple syrup (1 tablespoon): balances the savory elements of the peanut sauce
Instructions
- Prepare all vegetables by slicing carrots, cucumber, and bell peppers into thin strips. Set aside along with protein (shrimp, tofu, or chicken).
- Cook rice noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside to cool.
- Make the peanut sauce by whisking together peanut butter, soy sauce, garlic, lime juice, and honey or maple syrup. Add water to reach desired consistency and stir until smooth.
- Soften rice papers by dipping each one in warm water for 5-10 seconds. Lay them flat on a clean surface.
- Assemble the spring rolls by layering rice noodles, vegetables, protein, and herbs on the lower third of each rice paper.
- Fold in the sides of the rice paper and then roll from the bottom up, ensuring the filling is tightly wrapped.
- Serve the rolls with the prepared peanut sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Work quickly with the rice papers as they can dry out fast. Keep them damp with a cloth to avoid tearing.
- Don’t overstuff the rolls to ensure they close properly.
- You can make the peanut sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container for up to a week.
- For a spicy version, add chili paste, sriracha, or red pepper flakes to the peanut sauce.
- Store leftover spring rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days, but keep the peanut sauce separate to prevent sogginess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 spring roll
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg