Shrimp Spring Rolls Recipe

Introduction

Shrimp spring rolls are a light, refreshing, and flavorful appetizer or main dish that has taken the culinary world by storm. Packed with juicy shrimp, crisp vegetables, and fresh herbs, these rolls are wrapped in delicate rice paper, making them an ideal choice for a healthy meal or snack. Whether you’re craving a taste of Asia or simply looking for a fresh, vibrant dish, shrimp spring rolls are the perfect answer. Paired with a tangy dipping sauce, these rolls are sure to impress at any gathering or meal.

Known for their fresh and crunchy texture, shrimp spring rolls are often served in Vietnamese or Thai cuisine and can be enjoyed both as an appetizer or a quick meal. They are typically made with a combination of shrimp, lettuce, mint, cilantro, and thin rice noodles, all encased in translucent rice paper. One of the best things about shrimp spring rolls is that they can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences.

In this guide, we will walk you through the steps of making shrimp spring rolls from scratch. You’ll learn how to assemble the rolls, prepare the ingredients, and create a dipping sauce that perfectly complements the flavors of the shrimp and vegetables. Whether you’re a spring roll enthusiast or a beginner, this recipe will guide you every step of the way to create the most delicious shrimp spring rolls you’ve ever tasted.

Why You’ll Love Shrimp Spring Rolls

• Fresh and Healthy: These rolls are full of nutrient-rich ingredients like shrimp, fresh vegetables, and herbs, making them a healthy option for anyone looking for a lighter meal.
• Versatile and Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. Swap shrimp for chicken or tofu, or use different vegetables to suit your taste.
• Quick and Easy: Shrimp spring rolls are surprisingly simple to make and can be ready in less than 30 minutes, making them a great choice for a busy weeknight or last-minute gathering.
• Fun to Make: Wrapping spring rolls is a fun and interactive process that can be a great activity for families, friends, or kids to participate in.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: These spring rolls are perfect for casual gatherings, picnics, potlucks, or even as an appetizer for a fancy dinner. They can also be served as a snack or a light lunch.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 5-10 minutes
• Servings: Makes 10-12 spring rolls
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 70-80 calories per roll, depending on the size and specific ingredients.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 70-80 kcal
• Fat: 2-3g
• Carbohydrates: 9-12g
• Protein: 6-7g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2g

Ingredients

For the Spring Rolls:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 10-12 rice paper wrappers (spring roll wrappers)
• 1 cup rice vermicelli noodles, cooked (optional, but recommended for added texture)
• 1/2 cup shredded lettuce (iceberg, romaine, or a combination)
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
• 1 medium carrot, julienned or shredded
• 1 cucumber, julienned
• 1/2 red bell pepper, julienned
• 1 avocado, thinly sliced (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Dipping Sauce:

• 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon peanut butter (optional, for extra creaminess)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
• 1-2 teaspoons chili paste or sriracha (optional, for added heat)
• 1 tablespoon water (to thin the sauce if necessary)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Shrimp

Start by preparing the shrimp for your spring rolls. Peel and devein the shrimp if necessary, then rinse them under cold water. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help the shrimp cook evenly.

To cook the shrimp, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil (such as vegetable or sesame oil). Season the shrimp lightly with salt and pepper, then cook them for about 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as shrimp can become rubbery if left on the heat for too long.

Once the shrimp are cooked, remove them from the skillet and let them cool slightly. Slice them in half lengthwise, so they’re easier to wrap in the spring rolls and fit neatly inside.

2. Prepare the Noodles and Vegetables

While the shrimp are cooking, prepare the other ingredients for the spring rolls. Cook the rice vermicelli noodles according to the package instructions, then drain and rinse them under cold water. Set them aside.

Next, prepare the vegetables. Use a julienne peeler or a sharp knife to cut the carrot, cucumber, and red bell pepper into thin strips. If you’re using avocado, slice it into thin pieces as well. You’ll also want to rinse the fresh cilantro and mint leaves, and shred the lettuce if it’s not pre-shredded.

Once all the ingredients are prepared, organize them in separate bowls, making it easy to access them when you start wrapping the spring rolls.

3. Prepare the Dipping Sauce

Now, it’s time to make the dipping sauce that will complement the freshness of the spring rolls. In a small mixing bowl, combine the hoisin sauce, peanut butter (if using), rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and chili paste (if using). Stir the ingredients together until smooth and well combined. If the sauce seems too thick, add a tablespoon of water to thin it out to your desired consistency.

Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more chili paste for spice, or a little extra hoisin sauce for sweetness. Once the sauce is mixed and seasoned to your liking, set it aside for dipping.

4. Assemble the Spring Rolls

Now that all your ingredients are prepared, it’s time to assemble the shrimp spring rolls. Start by filling a shallow dish or a large bowl with warm water—this will be used to soften the rice paper wrappers.

To assemble a spring roll, take one rice paper wrapper and carefully dip it into the warm water for about 10-15 seconds, or until it becomes pliable and soft. Once the rice paper is softened, lay it flat on a clean surface, such as a cutting board or a flat plate.

In the center of the rice paper, place a small amount of each ingredient: a few shrimp halves, a small handful of noodles, some shredded lettuce, and a few strips of carrot, cucumber, red bell pepper, and avocado. Be careful not to overfill the wrapper, as it will be harder to roll.

Once all the ingredients are in place, fold the sides of the rice paper over the filling, then carefully roll it up from the bottom, making sure the ingredients are tightly wrapped inside. The rice paper should stick to itself, creating a sealed roll. Repeat this process until all the spring rolls are assembled.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Once all your spring rolls are wrapped, they’re ready to be served. Arrange the rolls on a platter or serving dish, and serve them immediately with the dipping sauce on the side. These shrimp spring rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be kept in the refrigerator for a few hours if needed.

6. Optional Garnish

For an extra touch, you can garnish the spring rolls with additional fresh herbs, such as cilantro or mint, or sprinkle sesame seeds over the top for added crunch. You can also serve the rolls with lime wedges for a zesty squeeze of citrus before eating.

Tips for Perfect Shrimp Spring Rolls

• Use Fresh Rice Paper: When purchasing rice paper, make sure it is fresh and not too brittle. If the rice paper is too old, it might tear when you try to wrap it. Always store unused rice paper in a cool, dry place.
• Don’t Overfill: When assembling the spring rolls, be sure not to overstuff them. This will make it difficult to roll them tightly, and the filling might spill out.
• Keep the Rice Paper Wet: Rice paper can dry out quickly, so be sure to keep the wrappers moist while you work. You can cover the wrappers with a damp towel if you’re not using them immediately.
• Customize the Filling: You can add other ingredients like herbs (basil, Thai basil), different vegetables (lettuce, bean sprouts), or proteins (chicken, tofu, or even pork) to suit your taste.
• Make Ahead: If you’re preparing the spring rolls ahead of time, store them in a single layer on a plate or tray, covered with a damp paper towel to keep the rice paper from drying out. This will help prevent them from sticking together.
• Dipping Sauce Variations: You can modify the dipping sauce based on your preferences. If you don’t like peanut butter, omit it, or use almond butter or tahini for a different flavor profile. If you want a spicier sauce, add more chili paste or sriracha.

Variations of Shrimp Spring Rolls

• Spicy Shrimp Spring Rolls: For a spicy twist, add some sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of spicy sriracha sauce inside the spring rolls or in the dipping sauce.
• Crispy Shrimp Spring Rolls: If you prefer a crispy texture, you can deep-fry the spring rolls after they are wrapped, turning them into crispy shrimp spring rolls.
• Vegetarian Spring Rolls: You can substitute the shrimp with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version of the spring rolls. Add extra vegetables like mushrooms, avocado, or tofu skin for texture.
• Shrimp and Mango Spring Rolls: For a fruity twist, add fresh mango slices along with the shrimp for a burst of sweetness that complements the savory flavors.
• Thai-Inspired Spring Rolls: Use Thai basil, lime leaves, and a spicy lime dipping sauce to give the spring rolls a true Thai flavor.

Storage and Shelf Life

Shrimp spring rolls are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. Be sure to separate the rolls with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.

While spring rolls can be refrigerated, they do lose some of their crispness over time. It’s also important to store the dipping sauce separately to prevent the rice paper from becoming soggy.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Shrimp Spring Rolls

Shrimp spring rolls are often enjoyed as part of a larger meal. Here are some great sides and pairings:

• Thai Coconut Soup: A creamy, slightly spicy soup made with coconut milk, lemongrass, and lime. It pairs perfectly with the light, fresh spring rolls.
• Edamame: Steamed edamame tossed with a bit of sea salt make for a healthy and simple side dish.
• Vegetable Stir-Fry: A light stir-fry with colorful vegetables complements the fresh flavors of the spring rolls.
• Cold Noodle Salad: A chilled noodle salad with sesame dressing can provide a cool and refreshing contrast to the warm dipping sauce.

Print

Conclusion

Shrimp spring rolls are a light, healthy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether served as an appetizer, snack, or a main dish, these rolls will undoubtedly impress your family and guests with their freshness and unique flavor. By following this recipe, you can easily create shrimp spring rolls at home and enjoy the delicious taste of these Asian-inspired bites. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, shrimp spring rolls are a fun and rewarding dish to make.