Vietnamese Spring Rolls are a refreshing and healthy appetizer that combines crisp vegetables, tender grilled pork, and perfectly cooked shrimp, all wrapped up in a rice paper wrapper. This recipe has the perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a must-try for any occasion. The spring rolls are paired with a savory and sweet peanut sauce, which you mix up right at home. Whether you’re preparing a light lunch or a tasty starter for dinner, these Vietnamese Spring Rolls are an excellent choice.
Homemade Vietnamese Spring Rolls
Vietnamese Spring Rolls, also known as Gỏi Cuốn, are a popular dish found on the menu of almost all Vietnamese restaurants you’ll find in the states. These rolls are filled with a variety of fresh ingredients, including lettuce, bean sprouts, cilantro, cucumber, pork, and shrimp, all wrapped in a rice paper wrapper. The rolls are then served with a peanut sauce that’s typically heavy on the hoisin, which is a sweet and savory condiment often served alongside pho, dumplings, and more.
Making spring rolls can be a little tedious until you get the hang of it. Once moistened, rice paper wrappers can be tricky to work with, so it is important to work quickly and not soak the wrappers for too long.
Don’t want to make these at home?
Get the best spring rolls in Washington State at Pho T&N in Poulsbo. This is, by far, the best Vietnamese restaurant we’ve ever tried, and we’ve tried many. They have dishes there that you can’t find elsewhere, like the ones pictured below, and also their incredible Vietnamese Beef Stew. If you live in the area or are planning a visit to the PNW, it is well worth the trip.
Why you’ll love this dish…
- Fresh Ingredients: Combines fresh vegetables and herbs for a light and healthy meal.
- Flavorful: The seasoned pork and peanut sauce add a burst of flavor to each bite.
- Customizable: Easy to adjust ingredients based on preferences or dietary needs.
- Easy to Prepare: Simple steps make this recipe accessible, even for novice cooks.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Suitable for appetizers, snacks, or light meals.
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Vietnamese Spring Rolls shopping list
Wondering if you have to hit the store? Here’s the list of items you’ll need to make this recipe. For specific amounts, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Pork Tenderloin
- Rice Paper Wrappers
- Lettuce Leaves
- Bean Sprouts
- Cilantro
- Cooked Shrimp
- Asian or English Cucumber
- Cooked Rice Noodles
- Lemongrass Paste (Gourmet Garden)
- Garlic Paste (Gourmet Garden)
- Salt
- Pepper
- Avocado Oil
- Garlic
- Hoisin Sauce
- Sambal
- Peanut Butter
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How to make Vietnamese Spring Rolls
Wondering what you’re getting yourself into when you make this dish? Here’s a quick overview of the process! Make sure you follow the instructions at the recipe card at the bottom of the post while you’re cooking.
- Prepare Pork Tenderloin: Mix lemongrass paste, garlic paste, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture on the pork tenderloin. Grill until cooked through, then slice thinly.
- Cook Rice Noodles: Follow package instructions. Rinse with cold water and drain well.
- Prepare Peanut Sauce: Sauté garlic in avocado oil. Add hoisin sauce, sambal, peanut butter, and water. Stir until smooth and heated through.
- Assemble Spring Rolls: Soak rice paper wrappers in warm water until pliable. Add lettuce, noodles, bean sprouts, cilantro, cucumber, pork, and shrimp. Roll tightly.
- Serve: Repeat assembly and serve with peanut sauce on the side.
Need some visuals to help with rolling the wrappers? Here’s a demo from Chowhound!
Try our Homemade Egg Rolls, too!
FAQ
How do I store leftover spring rolls?
These are best eaten as soon as they are rolled. The rice paper wrapper will start to dry out if they are stored. If you do make extras, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To prevent sticking, separate them with parchment paper. Before serving, wrap in a wet paper towel for a few minutes to re-soften the wrappers.
Can I make the spring rolls in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients in advance and assemble the rolls just before serving to ensure freshness. Don’t roll them in advance. The wrapper is peak quality about 5 minutes after it is soaked in water.
Want to hit the easy(er) button?
You can skip the pork tenderloin and also use store-bought peanut sauce if you want to cut some of the steps and ingredients out of this process.
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Vietnamese Spring Rolls Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pork tenderloin
- 12 rice paper wrappers
- 12 lettuce leaves
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 1/2 cup cilantro chopped
- 9 large cooked shrimp halved
- 1 Asian or English cucumber julienned
- 2 cups cooked rice noodles
Peanut Sauce
- 1 teaspoon avocado oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup hoisin sauce
- 2 teaspoons sambal optional
- 3 tablespoons peanut butter
- 1/3 cup water
Instructions
Prepare Pork Tenderloin:
- Mix lemongrass paste, garlic paste, salt, and pepper to create a rub.
- Rub the mixture all over the pork tenderloin.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat, around 375°F.
- Grill pork tenderloin for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Let rest, then slice thinly.
Cook Rice Noodles:
- Cook according to package instructions.
- Rinse with cold water and drain well.
Prepare Peanut Sauce:
- Heat avocado oil in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
- Add hoisin sauce, sambal, peanut butter, and water.
- Stir until smooth and heated through. Adjust consistency with more water if needed.
Assemble Spring Rolls:
- Fill a large bowl with warm water.
- Dip a rice paper wrapper in water for about 2-3 seconds. It should still feel a little hard. It'll continue to soften as you add ingredients.
- Place wrapper on a flat surface.
- Lay a lettuce leaf in the center.
- Add a small amount of rice noodles, bean sprouts, cilantro, cucumber, and a few slices of pork and shrimp halves.
- Fold the bottom of the wrapper over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll tightly.
- Repeat assembly for all 12 wrappers.
- Serve spring rolls with peanut sauce on the side.
Nutrition
Nicole Johnson
Nicole Johnson, a self-taught expert in grilling and outdoor cooking, launched Or Whatever You Do in 2010. Her blog, renowned for its comprehensive and creative outdoor cooking recipes, has garnered a vast audience of millions. Nicole's hands-on experience and passion for grilling shine through her work. Her husband, Jeremiah Johnson, also plays a pivotal role in recipe development, adding his culinary flair to the mix. Together, they form a dynamic duo, offering a rich and varied outdoor cooking experience to their followers.