How to Make Vietnamese Vegan Spring Rolls
Vietnamese vegan spring rolls, also known as gỏi cuốn, are a fresh and delicious way to enjoy vegetables and plant-based proteins. This dish is not only colorful and vibrant but also easy to prepare. In this article, we’ll explore a simple recipe for making vegan spring rolls that bursts with flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Rice paper wrappers
- 1 cup of vermicelli rice noodles
- 1 cup of shredded lettuce
- 1 cup of grated carrots
- 1 cup of cucumber, julienned
- 1 cup of bean sprouts
- Fresh herbs (mint, basil, cilantro)
- Tofu or tempeh, sliced (optional)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Vegan Spring Rolls
1. Prepare the Rice Noodles
Begin by cooking the vermicelli rice noodles according to the package instructions. Usually, this involves boiling them for just a few minutes until they are tender. Once cooked, drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
2. Set Up Your Ingredients
Gather all your fresh vegetables, herbs, and cooked rice noodles on a clean surface. You may want to chop your vegetables into matchstick sizes for easy rolling. Make sure everything is ready to grab as you start assembling the rolls.
3. Soften the Rice Paper Wrappers
Fill a shallow bowl with warm water. Dip one rice paper wrapper into the water for about 10-15 seconds or until it becomes soft and pliable. Be careful not to soak it too long, or it could tear.
4. Assemble the Spring Rolls
Place the softened wrapper on a clean surface. Start by laying a small amount of lettuce at the bottom, followed by a few pieces of the vermicelli noodles, grated carrots, cucumber, bean sprouts, and fresh herbs. If you’re adding tofu or tempeh, place a few slices on top as well.
5. Roll it Up
To roll the spring roll, fold the bottom of the wrapper over the filling, tucking in the sides as you go. Roll it up tightly but gently until the ingredients are encased securely. Repeat this process with the remaining ingredients.
Dipping Sauces for Spring Rolls
Spring rolls are best enjoyed with a tasty dipping sauce. Here are two simple vegan options:
Hoison Peanut Sauce
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Water (to thin, if necessary)
Mix all the ingredients together until smooth. Add water if you prefer a thinner consistency.
Sriracha Lime Sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- Juice of 1 lime
Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl and stir well.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Vietnamese vegan spring rolls on a large platter with your chosen dipping sauces on the side. These fresh rolls are perfect as an appetizer or a light meal. They also make for great party food!
Storage Tips
If you have leftover spring rolls, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They are best consumed within a day for maximum freshness. If the rice paper wrappers become too dry, you can lightly moisten them with water before serving.
Conclusion
Making Vietnamese vegan spring rolls at home is a fun and creative way to enjoy healthy plant-based ingredients. With this simple recipe, you can customize the fillings to your liking and impress your friends and family with a delightful dish that’s packed with flavor!