If you’re craving a dish that’s as fresh and vibrant as a sunny day, look no further than the Shrimp Summer Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce Recipe. These delightful rolls burst with crisp vegetables, tender shrimp, and fragrant herbs all wrapped in delicate rice paper. Paired with a rich and nutty peanut dipping sauce, every bite is a perfect dance of textures and flavors that’s light, healthy, and utterly addictive. Whether you’re serving them as a snack or a party appetizer, these summer rolls are guaranteed to impress with their simple elegance.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create these Shrimp Summer Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce Recipe, you’ll use a handful of fresh, straightforward ingredients. Each plays a vital role, balancing taste, texture, and color to make your rolls irresistibly delicious and visually stunning.
- Rice paper wrappers: These translucent sheets are the perfect vessel, soft and pliable after soaking, holding everything together without overpowering flavors.
- Cooked shrimp: Tender and juicy, shrimp add a satisfying protein boost and a subtle sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the veggies.
- Vermicelli rice noodles: These delicate noodles bring a soft, chewy texture that complements the crunch in every bite.
- Persian cucumbers: Thinly sliced, their refreshing crispness and mild flavor add brightness to your rolls.
- Mixed greens or lettuce: Providing freshness and a slight crunch, greens are essential for keeping your rolls light and vibrant.
- Fresh herbs (cilantro, mint, chives): These aromatic herbs elevate the flavor profile, adding bursts of freshness and complexity.
- Soy sauce and rice vinegar: These two ingredients form the tangy base of the peanut dipping sauce, creating a punchy contrast to the creamy peanut butter.
- Peanut butter and honey: The peanut butter lends richness and creaminess while the honey adds a subtle touch of sweetness to balance the sauce.
- Sesame seeds and sesame oil: These nutty ingredients add depth and a slight crunch to the dipping sauce, rounding out the flavor perfectly.
How to Make Shrimp Summer Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Cook and Cool the Vermicelli Noodles
Start by cooking the vermicelli rice noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain them thoroughly and run under cold water to cool – this step stops the cooking process and keeps the noodles from sticking together, ensuring every bite is tender but perfectly textured.
Step 2: Prepare Your Assembly Station
Arrange all your ingredients in an assembly line: set out the rice paper wrappers, cooked shrimp, cooled noodles, cucumber slices, mixed greens, and fresh herbs. Prepare a large bowl or shallow dish filled with warm water (make sure it’s pleasantly warm, not boiling) for dipping the rice paper.
Step 3: Soften the Rice Paper
Dip one rice paper into the warm water and count slowly to five. This brief soaking softens it without making it too fragile. Lay the softened rice paper flat on a clean cutting board or surface – this is your canvas for rolling.
Step 4: Load and Roll
Place three shrimp roughly in the center of the rice paper, followed by about a quarter cup of noodles, some mixed greens, a few cucumber slices, and a pinch of fresh herbs. Begin rolling by folding the bottom edge up over the fillings, tuck in the sides, and continue rolling it up tightly like a burrito. Repeat this process with the remaining ingredients until you have a dozen pristine rolls ready to delight.
Step 5: Whisk the Peanut Dipping Sauce
Combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, peanut butter, honey, sesame seeds, and sesame oil in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and creamy, adjusting sweetness or tang to your preference. This dip delivers a luscious, nutty kick that transforms the simple summer rolls into a flavor-packed experience.
How to Serve Shrimp Summer Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation and add an extra pop of color, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds over the rolls or add a few fresh herb leaves like mint or cilantro on top. A wedge of lime on the side also adds a zesty brightness that guests can squeeze as desired.
Side Dishes
Serve these rolls alongside a crisp Asian slaw or a lightly dressed salad for a refreshing, well-rounded meal. You could also offer a bowl of miso soup or fresh fruit to keep the meal light and summer-friendly without stealing the spotlight.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the filled rolls into bite-sized pinwheels for easy party appetizers. Alternatively, wrap each roll individually in parchment paper with a decorative string for picnic-friendly packaging. Using colorful plates or bamboo trays also enhances the vibrant, fresh vibe of the Shrimp Summer Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, wrap the rolls tightly in plastic wrap to prevent drying out and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay best for up to one day before the rice paper starts to toughen.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for these summer rolls as the rice paper becomes brittle and the fresh ingredients lose their texture and flavor upon thawing, which diminishes the overall deliciousness of the dish.
Reheating
Since this dish is served fresh and cold, reheating isn’t necessary. If you want your dipping sauce a little warmer, simply microwave it for 15 seconds before serving to bring out its nutty aroma.
FAQs
Can I make Shrimp Summer Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce Recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Replace the shrimp with tofu or tempeh and use tamari instead of soy sauce to keep it vegan-friendly while still enjoying all the delicious flavors.
How do I prevent the rice paper from sticking together?
Make sure to place the soaked rice paper on a clean, dry surface and avoid stacking them directly on top of each other. Using parchment paper or a damp kitchen towel in between can help keep them separated.
Can I prepare the rolls ahead of time for a party?
You can prep the ingredients in advance, but it’s best to assemble the rolls close to serving time to maintain the freshest texture and prevent the rice paper from drying out.
What can I substitute for vermicelli rice noodles?
If you can’t find vermicelli, thin glass noodles or even shredded carrots can add a similar texture and subtle sweetness to your rolls.
Is the peanut dipping sauce spicy?
The recipe as provided is mild and nutty, but you can easily add sriracha or chili flakes if you prefer a spicy kick to complement the rolls.
Final Thoughts
Making Shrimp Summer Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce Recipe is like giving yourself a little gift of freshness, flavor, and fun all wrapped into one. It’s a dish that’s as enjoyable to make as it is to eat, perfect for sharing with friends or treating yourself on a warm day. Trust me, once you try these springy, vibrant rolls paired with that luscious peanut sauce, they’ll become a go-to recipe in your kitchen, brightening mealtime every time.
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Shrimp Summer Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 8 minutes
- Yield: 12 summer rolls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Shrimp Summer Rolls are a light and refreshing appetizer featuring cooked shrimp, vermicelli noodles, fresh vegetables, and herbs wrapped in tender rice paper. Served with a tangy and slightly sweet peanut dipping sauce, they are perfect for a healthy snack or a light meal during warm weather.
Ingredients
Wraps & Filling
- 12 (8-inch) round rice paper wrappers
- 24 pieces of cooked shrimp, shelled and tails removed
- 4 ounces vermicelli rice noodles
- 3 small Persian cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 cup mixed greens or lettuce
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
Dipping Sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Instructions
- Cook Noodles: Cook the vermicelli rice noodles according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain and rinse them under cold water to cool, then set aside.
- Set Up Assembly Line: Arrange all your ingredients in an assembly line including rice paper, shrimp, cooked noodles, cucumbers, lettuce, and chopped herbs. Fill a large bowl or circular dish with about an inch of hot water — it should be warm but not boiling.
- Soften Rice Paper Wrappers: Dip one rice paper wrapper into the warm water and count to five to soften it. Carefully remove it and place it on a clean cutting board or surface.
- Assemble Rolls: On the softened rice paper, layer 3 shrimp, a quarter cup of noodles, some lettuce, a few cucumber slices, and a pinch of the chopped herbs. Roll the rice paper like a burrito by folding the bottom up over the ingredients, folding the sides inward, and then rolling tightly to enclose everything. Repeat until all ingredients are used.
- Prepare Dipping Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, peanut butter, honey, sesame seeds, and sesame oil. Whisk the mixture until smooth and well combined.
Notes
- Be careful not to over-soak the rice paper wrappers or they will tear easily.
- You can substitute cooked chicken or tofu for shrimp if preferred.
- The dipping sauce can be adjusted for sweetness or saltiness by adding more honey or soy sauce to taste.
- Serve the rolls immediately for best texture or cover with a damp cloth to prevent drying if preparing ahead.
- Use gluten-free soy sauce if a gluten-free variation is needed.
