Spring rolls are a delightful and versatile dish, perfect for a light meal or as an appetizer. Here's a basic recipe for fresh spring rolls:
Ingredients
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Rice Paper Wrappers: 8-10
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Vermicelli Noodles: 100 grams, cooked and cooled
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Shrimp: 200 grams, cooked and sliced in half (optional)
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Fresh Herbs: Mint, basil, cilantro, as desired
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Lettuce: A few leaves, torn into smaller pieces
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Vegetables: Julienned carrots, cucumber, bell peppers
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Dipping Sauce: Hoisin sauce, peanut sauce, or a mix of fish sauce with lime juice and sugar
Instructions
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Prepare the Fillings:
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Cook the Vermicelli Noodles: Boil them according to the package instructions, drain, and let them cool.
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Prepare the Shrimp: If using shrimp, boil until cooked, then slice them in half lengthwise. You can also use chicken, pork, tofu, or just keep it vegetarian.
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Chop the Vegetables and Herbs: Julienne the carrots, cucumber, and bell peppers. Chop the herbs and lettuce.
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Soften the Rice Paper Wrappers:
- Fill a large dish with warm water. Dip one rice paper wrapper into the water for a few seconds until it starts to soften. Don’t soak it for too long as it will continue to soften as you prepare the roll.
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Assemble the Spring Rolls:
- Lay the softened wrapper on a clean, wet cloth.
- Place a small amount of noodles, herbs, lettuce, and vegetables in the center. Add a few pieces of shrimp on top if using.
- Fold the sides of the wrapper inward, then tightly roll the wrapper, starting from the bottom, around the filling.
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Serve with Dipping Sauce:
- Serve the spring rolls with your choice of dipping sauce such as hoisin sauce, peanut sauce, or a traditional fish sauce mixture.
Tips
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Don't Overfill: Be careful not to overfill the spring rolls, as this can make them difficult to roll and cause the wrappers to tear.
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Keep Wrappers Moist: Keep a damp cloth or paper towel handy to keep the wrappers moist while working.
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Variations: Feel free to experiment with the fillings. Common additions include avocado, mango, or different types of herbs and proteins.
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Serve Fresh: Spring rolls are best enjoyed fresh, as the rice paper tends to harden when refrigerated.
Enjoy your homemade spring rolls!
