There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into fresh, homemade shrimp rolls that are wrapped in delicate, translucent rice paper. The Rice Paper Shrimp Rolls Recipe is a vibrant celebration of textures and flavors, combining tender cooked shrimp, crisp vegetables, fragrant herbs, and silky rice noodles, all brought together with a luscious peanut-hoisin dipping sauce. It’s light yet fulfilling, elegant yet simple, making it perfect for those moments when you want a dish that’s both fresh and impressive. If you’ve never tried making these fresh spring rolls at home, get ready to fall in love with a recipe that’s as fun to assemble as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this recipe is as easy as pie, but each item plays a crucial role in the overall experience. From the fresh herbs bursting with flavor to the chewy rice noodles providing a satisfying bite, every component contributes a unique touch to your Rice Paper Shrimp Rolls Recipe.
- Rice paper wrappers: These thin, translucent sheets are the foundation of your rolls, offering a light and slightly chewy texture that holds everything together beautifully.
- Cooked shrimp: Peeled, deveined, and tails removed shrimp provide a sweet, succulent seafood component that’s easy to handle and delicious.
- Cooked rice noodles or vermicelli: Soft noodles add a mild, comforting base layer that complements the crunchiness of fresh veggies.
- Shredded lettuce or napa cabbage: These greens bring a refreshing crunch and subtle bitterness to balance the roll.
- Julienned carrot and cucumber: Bright colors and crisp textures that add freshness and a little sweetness.
- Fresh mint, cilantro, and basil leaves: A fragrant mix of herbs that deliver a punch of herbaceous aroma and depth.
- Hoisin sauce: A sweet, tangy base for the dipping sauce that adds complexity.
- Peanut butter: Adds creaminess and a nutty undertone to the sauce.
- Soy sauce: Provides saltiness and umami, tying the flavors together.
- Rice vinegar: Brings brightness and acidity to balance the richness of the peanut butter.
- Warm water: Used to thin the dipping sauce to the perfect consistency.
- Crushed peanuts: Optional crunchy garnish for an extra layer of texture on the sauce.
How to Make Rice Paper Shrimp Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Before you even touch the rice paper, make sure all your ingredients are ready to go. Peel and devein the shrimp, slice your veggies into thin julienne strips, cook the rice noodles until tender, and pluck your fresh herbs from their stems. Having everything prepped makes the rolling process smooth and enjoyable.
Step 2: Soften the Rice Paper
Fill a shallow dish with warm water and gently dip one rice paper wrapper into it for about 10 to 15 seconds. You want it soft enough to fold but still slightly firm so it doesn’t tear. Lay the softened wrapper flat on a clean, damp towel or surface to keep it from sticking.
Step 3: Assemble the Filling
In the center of your softened rice paper, start layering: a small handful of rice noodles, followed by shredded lettuce or napa cabbage, then carrot and cucumber strips, and finish off with the fresh mint, cilantro, and basil leaves. Place two halves of shrimp on top for that inviting pop of pink color.
Step 4: Roll It Up
Here’s the fun part. Fold the sides of the wrapper in over the filling to encase it neatly, then roll from the bottom up tightly, almost like a burrito. This keeps everything snug and easy to eat. Repeat with the remaining ingredients until you have a beautiful batch of fresh shrimp rolls.
Step 5: Whip Up the Dipping Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and warm water until smooth and creamy. Adjust the water to get the sauce just right—not too thick and not too runny. Sprinkle crushed peanuts on top if you want a little crunchy surprise in every dip.
How to Serve Rice Paper Shrimp Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your shrimp rolls can elevate both the presentation and the flavor. Scatter some extra chopped peanuts or fresh cilantro over the plate for a pop of texture and color. A few lime wedges on the side add a zesty twist that guests will love to squeeze on top.
Side Dishes
While these rolls are quite satisfying on their own, pairing them with light sides like a crisp cucumber salad or a bowl of hot and sour soup creates a balanced meal. A refreshing iced jasmine tea also complements the fresh herbs and shrimp beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Instead of serving the rolls whole, try slicing them in half diagonally for easier dipping and a fancy presentation. You can also arrange the rolls standing upright in a platter with the tails of shrimp peeking out to showcase their lovely pink color. For a party, offer different dipping sauces to encourage mingling of flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover rolls, store them in an airtight container with a damp paper towel on top to keep the rice paper moist and prevent it from drying out. Refrigerate for up to one day, though these rolls are best enjoyed fresh.
Freezing
Rice paper shrimp rolls are not ideal for freezing because the rice paper tends to become tough and chewy after thawing. For the best texture and flavor, it’s recommended to make and enjoy this recipe fresh.
Reheating
Since these shrimp rolls are served cold or at room temperature, no reheating is necessary. If you prefer them slightly warmer, just let them sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before serving, but avoid microwaving as it alters the delicate rice paper texture.
FAQs
Can I use other proteins instead of shrimp?
Absolutely! This Rice Paper Shrimp Rolls Recipe is versatile. You can swap shrimp for cooked tofu, grilled chicken, or even thinly sliced beef to cater to different tastes or dietary preferences.
How do I keep the rice paper from sticking?
The key is to use warm water and to work quickly once the wrapper softens. Also, rolling the finished rolls on a damp towel can prevent them from sticking to your workspace or each other.
Can I make these rolls vegan?
Yes, simply replace the shrimp with tofu or roasted vegetables and ensure your dipping sauce ingredients, such as hoisin sauce and soy sauce, are vegan-friendly. The fresh herbs and veggies are naturally vegan.
What if I can’t find rice paper wrappers locally?
Rice paper wrappers are often found in Asian grocery stores or international sections of large supermarkets. You can also order them online. If unavailable, lettuce wraps can serve as a crunchy alternative, though they offer a different experience.
How long can I prep the rolls in advance?
It’s best to assemble rolls no more than a few hours before serving. If you need to prep ahead, store them covered with a damp cloth in the fridge to keep them moist and prevent drying out.
Final Thoughts
This Rice Paper Shrimp Rolls Recipe is one of those delightful dishes that feels fancy but takes very little time and effort to make. It’s fresh, colorful, and endlessly adaptable, perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying a healthy snack anytime. I encourage you to try it soon—you might find yourself craving these fresh rolls again and again!
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Rice Paper Shrimp Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 rolls
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Fresh and flavorful Vietnamese Rice Paper Shrimp Rolls featuring tender cooked shrimp, crisp vegetables, and fragrant herbs wrapped in delicate rice paper. Served with a creamy peanut hoisin dipping sauce, these rolls make a light, healthy appetizer or snack perfect for warm weather or anytime craving a fresh bite.
Ingredients
Rolls
- 8 rice paper wrappers
- 16 cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails removed
- 1 cup cooked rice noodles or vermicelli
- 1 cup shredded lettuce or napa cabbage
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1 cucumber, julienned
- ¼ cup fresh mint leaves
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves
Dipping Sauce
- ¼ cup hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1–2 tablespoons warm water (to thin)
- Crushed peanuts for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the fillings: Have all your ingredients washed, chopped, cooked, and ready to assemble to streamline the rolling process.
- Soften the rice paper: Fill a shallow dish or large plate with warm water. Submerge one rice paper wrapper in the warm water for 10–15 seconds until it softens but remains slightly firm. Carefully lay it flat on a clean surface or damp towel to prevent sticking.
- Assemble the rolls: In the center of the softened wrapper, layer a small amount of rice noodles, shredded lettuce or cabbage, julienned carrot and cucumber, then add the fresh mint, cilantro, and basil leaves. Top these with two shrimp halves (cut lengthwise if large).
- Roll tightly: Fold the sides of the rice paper over the filling to enclose it, then roll upward tightly like a burrito to complete the roll.
- Repeat: Continue soaking wrappers and assembling the remaining rolls with the leftover ingredients.
- Make the dipping sauce: In a small bowl, whisk hoisin sauce, peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and warm water until smooth and creamy. Adjust water amount to reach desired consistency.
- Garnish: Sprinkle crushed peanuts on top of the dipping sauce for added texture and flavor.
- Serve: Present the fresh rolls immediately with the dipping sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Substitute shrimp with cooked tofu or grilled chicken to suit dietary preferences or to add variety.
- Keep assembled rolls covered with a damp cloth if prepping in advance to prevent drying out.
- Use gluten-free soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Serve immediately for the best freshness and texture; rice paper can become sticky or brittle if left too long.
