Simple Vietnamese Dinner Recipes Using Rice Paper

Vietnamese cuisine is renowned for its fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors, and rice paper is a versatile staple that can elevate any dinner. Here are some simple Vietnamese dinner recipes using rice paper that are sure to delight your taste buds.

1. Vietnamese Spring Rolls (Gỏi Cuốn)

These fresh spring rolls are a favorite among many. They are light, healthy, and packed with flavor.

  • Ingredients: Rice paper, shrimp or tofu, lettuce, vermicelli noodles, herbs (mint, cilantro, and basil), and hoisin peanut dip.
  • Instructions:
    1. Soak the rice paper in warm water until soft.
    2. Place a lettuce leaf on the rice paper, followed by vermicelli noodles, shrimp or tofu, and herbs.
    3. Wrap tightly and serve with hoisin peanut dip.

2. Rice Paper Dumplings (Bánh Tráng Nhân)

These delicious dumplings can be filled with a variety of ingredients, making them customizable and fun to prepare.

  • Ingredients: Rice paper, ground pork or mushrooms, minced garlic, chopped cabbage, and spices.
  • Instructions:
    1. In a bowl, mix ground pork or mushrooms with garlic and cabbage.
    2. Soak rice paper and place a spoonful of the filling in the center.
    3. Fold the rice paper over the filling and seal it shut, then steam for 10 minutes until cooked through.

3. Rice Paper Tacos

Put a unique twist on Taco Night by using rice paper instead of traditional tortillas.

  • Ingredients: Rice paper, cooked chicken or beef, cabbage, carrots, herbs, and a spicy sauce.
  • Instructions:
    1. Soak rice paper in warm water until soft.
    2. Layer cooked meat, shredded cabbage, carrots, and herbs on the rice paper.
    3. Roll it up like a taco and drizzle with your favorite spicy sauce before serving.

4. Rice Paper Salad Rolls

This hearty dish combines fresh ingredients, giving you a satisfying meal.

  • Ingredients: Rice paper, shredded chicken or tofu, greens (arugula or spinach), cucumber, and tangy dressing.
  • Instructions:
    1. Soak the rice paper until pliable.
    2. Layer greens, shredded chicken or tofu, cucumbers, and drizzle with dressing.
    3. Roll tightly and cut in half to serve.

5. Grilled Pork Rice Paper Rolls (Bánh Tráng Gỏi Cuốn Thịt Nướng)

These grilled pork rolls are flavorful and great for a light dinner option.

  • Ingredients: Rice paper, grilled pork, lettuce, herbs, and dipping sauce.
  • Instructions:
    1. Prepare the rice paper and soak for a few seconds in warm water.
    2. Layer grilled pork, lettuce, and herbs inside the rice paper.
    3. Wrap tightly and serve with a spicy dipping sauce.

Rice paper is not only a versatile ingredient but also adds a delightful texture to various dishes. Whether you’re preparing fresh spring rolls or innovative rice paper tacos, these simple Vietnamese dinner recipes are sure to impress your family and friends! Enjoy experimenting with different fillings and dipping sauces to make each meal uniquely yours.