
๐ฟ Fresh & Easy Vegan Spring Rolls Recipe (with Peanut Sauce)
๐ฟ Fresh & Easy Vegan Spring Rolls (with a Peanut Dipping Sauce) ๐ฟ
Fresh spring rolls are a perfect meal. They are light, healthy, and bursting with fresh flavors. Also known as summer rolls, they are a staple of Vietnamese cuisine. They are wrapped in delicate rice paper, not fried.
Traditional recipes often include shrimp or pork. However, creating delicious vegan spring rolls is incredibly easy. We will use crispy tofu for protein. This is a fun, interactive, and beautiful meal. It is perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
This guide will give you a foolproof recipe. We will also make a creamy, addictive peanut dipping sauce. Get ready to roll up some deliciousness! โ
๐ค What are the Key Components of a Vegan Spring Roll?
A great spring roll is all about the balance of textures and flavors. You have the soft wrapper, the chewy noodles, the crunchy vegetables, and the savory protein. Here are the key components of our vegan spring rolls.
- The Wrapper: We use thin, dried rice paper wrappers. You can find these in the international aisle of most supermarkets.
- The Noodles: Thin vermicelli rice noodles provide a soft, chewy texture.
- The Protein: We will use pan-fried, golden-brown tofu. It provides a satisfying and hearty element.
- The Fresh Veggies & Herbs: This is where the crunch and bright flavors come from. We will use crisp lettuce, shredded carrots, and sliced cucumber. Fresh mint and cilantro are absolutely essential.
๐ฅฃ How Do You Make the Best Vegan Spring Rolls?
The secret to stress-free rolling is preparation. Have all of your fillings cooked, chopped, and ready to go before you start. This is called "mise en place." It makes the assembly process smooth and fun.
What Ingredients Do You Need?
For the Rolls:
- 1 package of rice paper wrappers
- 4 oz rice vermicelli noodles
- 1 block of extra-firm tofu, pressed and sliced
- 1 large carrot, shredded
- 1 cucumber, cut into matchsticks
- A handful of fresh mint and cilantro
- Lettuce leaves
For the Peanut Sauce:
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Hot water, to thin
What Are the Instructions?
1. Prepare Your Fillings: Cook the rice noodles according to the package directions. Pan-fry the sliced tofu in a little oil until golden and crispy. Prepare all your vegetables and herbs.
2. Make the Peanut Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, maple syrup, and lime juice. Add a few tablespoons of hot water and whisk until you have a smooth, dippable consistency. ๐ฅ
3. Set Up Your Rolling Station: Fill a wide, shallow dish with warm water. Have a clean, damp surface (like a cutting board) ready for rolling.
4. Soak the Wrapper: Dip one rice paper wrapper into the warm water. Let it soak for about 15-20 seconds. It should be soft and pliable, but not too flimsy.
5. Assemble and Roll: Lay the softened wrapper flat on your damp surface. On the bottom third, layer a piece of lettuce, a small amount of noodles, a few pieces of tofu, some veggies, and a sprig of herbs. Fold in the sides, then roll it up tightly like a small burrito.
6. Repeat and Serve: Continue this process with the remaining ingredients. Serve your fresh vegan spring rolls immediately with the peanut dipping sauce. Enjoy! ๐ฅ