Ingredients:
- Rice Paper Wrappers: 8 (approximately 8.5-inch diameter/22cm)
- Rice Vermicelli Noodles: 4 oz (115g), cooked according to package directions and cooled
- Cooked Shrimp (medium): 12 oz (340g), peeled, deveined, and halved lengthwise (optional – can substitute with cooked chicken, tofu, or other protein)
- Carrots: 1 medium, julienned (approx. ½ cup/75g)
- Cucumber: 1/2 medium, seeded and julienned (approx. ½ cup/75g)
- Lettuce: 4-5 large leaves (Romaine, Butter, or Boston), washed and roughly chopped
- Fresh Mint Leaves: 1/4 cup, loosely packed (15g)
- Fresh Cilantro Leaves: 1/4 cup, loosely packed (15g)
- Fresh Basil Leaves: 1/4 cup, loosely packed (15g)
- Peanut Butter: 2 tablespoons (30ml) (smooth or crunchy, your call!)
- Soy Sauce: 1 tablespoon (15ml) (low sodium recommended)
- Rice Vinegar: 1 tablespoon (15ml)
- Honey or Maple Syrup: 1 teaspoon (5ml)
- Sesame Oil: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml)
- Warm Water: 1-2 tablespoons (15-30ml), or as needed to adjust consistency
- Optional: Pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dipping Sauce: Whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and sesame oil in a small bowl. Add warm water gradually until desired consistency is reached. Stir in red pepper flakes, if using. Set aside.
- Cook Protein (if needed): If using shrimp or other protein that requires cooking, cook until done. Cool slightly before using.
- Prepare the Ingredients: Cook rice noodles according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking. Cut and prepare all vegetables and herbs as described in the ingredient list.
- Soften the Rice Paper: Fill a large shallow dish with warm water. Dip one rice paper wrapper at a time into the warm water for a few seconds, until pliable. Do not oversoak or it will become too sticky.
- Assemble the Spring Roll: Lay the softened rice paper wrapper flat on a clean surface. Arrange a small amount of noodles, lettuce, carrots, cucumber, shrimp (or other protein), mint, cilantro, and basil in the center of the wrapper.
- Roll the Spring Roll: Fold the sides of the wrapper inward, then tightly roll the wrapper from the bottom up, like rolling a burrito.
- Repeat: Repeat steps 4-6 with the remaining ingredients.
- Serve: Serve immediately with peanut dipping sauce. Cut in half, if desired, for easier eating.