Thai Fresh Spring Rolls Recipe (Rice Paper Rolls)
Thai fresh spring rolls recipe served with a spicy dipping sauce that you’ll want to dip till the last drop. These vegan rice paper rolls are filled with a blend of crunchy vegetables, rice noodles, and your favorite fresh herbs. They’re so easy and undeniably irresistible for a healthy snack or light lunch!
Switch things up with my Thai shrimp rolls with peanut sauce for a protein-rich variation!
Thai fresh spring rolls
These vegan spring rolls are the perfect refreshing snack on a hot summer’s day.
They’re light, they’re fresh, and they can be served all day round. Once you get the hang of rolling them, you’ll be whipping them up in no time. It’s easier than you think!
Thai fresh rolls are ideal for prepping everything ahead and rolling right before serving.
The rice paper rolls can be found at Asian grocery stores. Just fill ’em up with whatever you love. Crunchy carrots? Absolutely. Fresh cilantro? You bet!
Here’s the best part: they’re so easy to tweak! Whether you’re in the mood for spicy, meaty, fishy, or savory, you can customize each roll and make everyone happy.
They’re a joy to make, too. It’s so fun to prep your fillings, soak the rice paper, and then roll everything up into a little bundle of deliciousness.
Why try this recipe
- Fresh spring rolls are healthy: They’re packed with fresh vegetables and herbs for a hefty dose of vitamins and fiber. Low in calories yet high in nutritional value, they’re a great choice for those watching their calorie intake.
- Fresh rolls are low calories: A standard-sized fresh spring roll made with vegetables and rice noodles can range between 70–100 calories, depending on the fillings and size.
- Perfect for parties: Talk about a conversation starter. Make and share them to turn any party into a fun meal.
- Easy and fun: This is the perfect recipe to prepare with the kids! It’s fun and super easy once you get the hang of rolling.
- Easy to customize: Whether you’re vegan, meat-lover, or seafood only, these rolls are for anyone. Pack them with fillings of your choice and make them yours. It’s all about homemade deliciousness here.
These Thai egg rolls and shrimp in a blanket are the perfect deep-fried appetizer for your next party!
Dipping sauce for Thai rolls
- Thai sweet chili sauce: For a balance of sweet and spicy, this homemade sweet chili sauce is a must-try. It’s sticky, sweet, and so good you’ll want to put it on everything.
- Thai peanut sauce: Opt for the classic sweet peanut sauce. It’s a traditional choice for vegan fresh spring rolls that balances richness with a gentle sweetness, perfect for those who enjoy a mild dip.
- Nam jim seafood: This spicy Thai dipping sauce is full of bold flavors, with fiery spice, peanuts, and garlic. It’s the perfect blend of sweet, sour, and salty that gives these Thai rice paper rolls a serious kick.
Ingredients
Ingredients can be sourced at Asian grocery stores and Asian markets.
The exact measurements are in the recipe card at the end of this post.
- Ripe paper wrappers – These are thin, round sheets made from a mixture of rice flour, water, and salt. Once soaked in warm water, they become soft and translucent. The key is to give them a quick soak, not too long. They come in different sizes, I usually pick the larger ones, but feel free to switch it up.
- Rice noodles – Rice noodles are the go-to for fresh spring rolls, with a chewy texture and ability to soak up flavors. They provide contrast and balance out the crunch of the vegetables.
- Fresh vegetables – Add colorful vegetables like lettuce, cabbage, bean sprouts, radishes, carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers. You can even add fresh fruits like shredded mango or avocado.
- Fresh herbs – Add herbs like cilantro, mint, sweet basil, holy basil, or Thai basil.
- Protein (optional) – You can add cooked, shredded chicken, shrimp, or even tofu. Got some leftovers? Throw them in!
- Warm water – You’ll need a bowl of warm water by your side for softening the rice paper wrappers.
- Dipping sauces – For serving.
- A flat rolling surface
How to make Thai rice paper rolls
Prep vegetables
• Spring onions: Cut them into large pieces for a refreshing crunch.
• Coriander: Pluck the leaves to add a fresh note.
• Carrots: Grate them for a sweet, crunchy texture.
• Lettuce: Chop it into thin pieces for a crisp, refreshing layer.
• Your choice of veggies: Repeat the prep steps for any additional vegetables you’d like to include.
Prep rice noodles
1. Cook: Boil water over medium heat, add the noodles and cook according to package instructions. Don’t overcook.
2. Drain: Once soft, drain using a colander.
3. Stir in crispy fried garlic (optional): For a garlicky crunch, stir a few tablespoons of crispy fried garlic and its oil into the cooked noodles.
Prep bowl with water
1. Softening: Prepare a large bowl with lukewarm water. Before rolling, dip a rice paper into the water until it’s soft yet slightly firm for rolling.
How to roll spring rolls
1. Soften rice paper: Before rolling, dip a rice paper into a bowl of lukewarm water until it’s soft yet slightly firm for rolling. Place the softened rice paper on a flat surface.
2. Layer: Add a layer of vegetables, rice noodles, and optionally protein on the rice paper. Don’t overstuff.
3. Fold and roll: Fold the bottom part over the ingredients, tuck in the sides, and roll upwards tightly.
4. Serve: Serve with a dipping sauce like peanut sauce.
How to serve
Serve Thai fresh spring rolls right after rolling them and complement with:
- Dipping sauces: Add dipping sauces like sweet and spicy chili, peanut sauce, or a zesty lime based sauce.
- Side dishes: A side of spicy Thai salad, grilled meats or seafood, or fresh fruit like mango or pineapple adds a refreshing touch.
- Garnishes: Sprinkle chopped peanuts, fried garlic, or sesame seeds on top.
How to store
Cover them with a damp cloth to prevent the rice paper from drying out. Optionally, store them in the refrigerator if you’re planning on storing them for longer, up to a day.
Store them in an airtight container with some space in between to prevent sticking.
Fresh spring rolls will last up to 24 hours, any longer and the rice paper might become tough, and the fillings lose their crunch.
More vegetarian appetizer recipes you’ll love
- Khao taen recipe (Thai crispy rice cakes)
- Khanom tom recipe (Thai coconut balls)
- Deep fried enoki mushrooms recipe
- Thai fried bananas recipe
- Thai fried banana chips
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Thai Fresh Spring Rolls Recipe (Rice Paper Rolls)
Ingredients
- 1 package of Vietnamese rice paper
- 2 handfuls of rice noodles pre-soaked in water
- 1 carrot shredded
- 1 lettuce chopped
- 4 spring onions sliced
- coriander
- mint
- a large bowl lukewarm water
Instructions
PREP VEGETABLES
- Spring onions: Cut them into large pieces for a refreshing crunch.
- Coriander: Pluck the leaves to add a fresh note.
- Carrots: Grate them for a sweet, crunchy texture.
- Lettuce: Chop it into thin pieces for a crisp, refreshing layer.
- Your choice of veggies: Repeat the prep steps for any additional vegetables you'd like to include.
PREP RICE NOODLES
- Boil water over medium heat, add the noodles and cook according to package instructions. Don't overcook.
- Once soft, drain using a colander
- For a garlicky crunch, stir a few tablespoons of crispy fried garlic and its oil into the cooked noodles.
PREP BOWL WITH WATER
- Prepare a large bowl with lukewarm water. Before rolling, dip a rice paper into the water until it's soft yet slightly firm for rolling.
HOW TO ROLL SPRING ROLLS
- Before rolling, dip a rice paper into a bowl of lukewarm water until it's soft yet slightly firm for rolling. Place the softened rice paper on a flat surface.
- Add a layer of vegetables, rice noodles, and optionally protein on the rice paper. Don't overstuff.
- Fold the bottom part over the ingredients, tuck in the sides, and roll upwards tightly.
- Serve with a dipping sauce like peanut sauce.
Notes
- Use the nutrition card in this recipe as a guideline.
- Dipping sauces: Thai sweet chili sauce, nam jim seafood, or Thai peanut sauce.
- Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables, protein, and fresh herbs.