Authentic Vietnamese Fresh Spring Rolls
Learn to make these delightful Vietnamese Fresh Spring Rolls, known as Goi Cuon, which are a light, refreshing appetizer perfect for any occasion. Taught to me by my dear friend Lan, these rolls are packed with vibrant flavors and textures from fresh herbs, crisp vegetables, and your choice of cooked meat or shrimp. Unlike their fried counterparts, these spring rolls are served cold, making them a healthier option that retains all the nutritional goodness of their ingredients. While rolling may take a bit of practice, the result is a visually appealing dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Perfect for gatherings, parties, or a light meal, you'll impress your friends and family with your culinary skills. Just remember to have extra rice papers on hand for any mishaps. Don't forget to pair them with a delicious dipping sauce for a complete experience!
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Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Clear edible rice paper sheets
1 package
Cooked chicken
0.5 lb (chilled and sliced)
Cooked small shrimp
0.5 lb (peeled, deveined, and halved)
Fresh cilantro leaves
1 bunch (washed and picked)
Fresh mint leaves
1 bunch (washed and picked)
Leafy lettuce
1 head (washed and separated into leaves)
Cucumber
1 (peeled and cut into very thin strips)
Fresh bean sprouts
1 cup (optional)
Vermicelli rice noodles
1 package (prepared per package instructions)
Hoisin sauce
to taste (for dipping sauce)
Chopped peanuts
to taste (for dipping sauce)
Nuoc Mam (Vietnamese fish sauce)
to taste (for dipping (optional))
Instructions
1
Prepare all ingredients in advance: ensure the meats are precooked and chilled, the vermicelli noodles are cooked according to package instructions and at room temperature, and all vegetables and herbs are cleaned, dried, and laid out for easy access.
2
Fill a shallow bowl with warm water. Briefly dip a rice paper sheet into the water for about 1-2 seconds until just softened. Lay it flat on a clean work surface.
3
On one edge of the rice paper, place a small handful of the prepared noodles followed by a few strips of cooked chicken, shrimp halves, fresh cilantro and mint leaves, a lettuce leaf, cucumber strips, and bean sprouts if using. Be cautious not to overstuff to avoid tearing.
4
Begin rolling the rice paper tightly but gently, tucking in the sides as you go, similar to making a burrito. Ensure the roll is secure, but leave enough space to prevent splitting.
5
Repeat the process for the remaining rice papers and fillings. Roll each spring roll slightly thicker than a typical fried eggroll to maintain structure.
6
For the dipping sauce, mix hoisin sauce with chopped peanuts in a small bowl (or serve with prepared Nuoc Mam for a traditional flavor).
7
Serve the spring rolls immediately as they are best enjoyed fresh. Any leftover filling can be refrigerated for future rolling, but the assembled rolls should be consumed right away for optimal texture.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Authentic Vietnamese Fresh Spring Rolls?
Also known as Goi Cuon, these are light, refreshing appetizers made with fresh herbs, crisp vegetables, and cooked meat or shrimp wrapped in rice paper.
How do Vietnamese fresh spring rolls differ from fried spring rolls?
Unlike their fried counterparts, fresh spring rolls are served cold and are not deep-fried, making them a healthier, lower-calorie option.
How long should I dip the rice paper in water?
Briefly dip the rice paper sheet into warm water for about 1-2 seconds until it is just softened.
What temperature should the water be for the rice paper?
You should use warm water to ensure the rice paper softens effectively without becoming too fragile.
What kind of protein is used in this recipe?
This recipe uses a combination of chilled sliced chicken and cooked small shrimp that have been peeled, deveined, and halved.
Which fresh herbs are included in Goi Cuon?
Fresh cilantro and mint leaves are the primary herbs used to provide vibrant flavor and aroma.
What type of noodles are required for fresh spring rolls?
Vermicelli rice noodles are used, prepared according to package instructions and served at room temperature.
How should the cucumber be prepared?
The cucumber should be peeled and cut into very thin strips for the best texture inside the roll.
Can I make these rolls in advance?
While you can prepare the ingredients in advance, the assembled rolls should be consumed immediately for the best texture.
How do I prevent the rice paper from tearing?
Avoid overstuffing the rolls and ensure you roll them tightly but gently to maintain structure.
What should I serve with Vietnamese fresh spring rolls?
They are traditionally paired with a dipping sauce like hoisin sauce with peanuts or Nuoc Mam (Vietnamese fish sauce).
How do I make the hoisin dipping sauce?
Simply mix hoisin sauce with chopped peanuts in a small bowl to your desired taste.
Are bean sprouts necessary for this recipe?
Fresh bean sprouts are optional and can be included if you want extra crunch.
What is the best way to roll the rice paper?
Roll it like a burrito, tucking in the sides as you go to ensure the filling is secure.
Should the meat be warm when added to the roll?
No, the meats should be precooked and chilled before being added to the spring rolls.
Can I store leftovers?
Leftover filling can be refrigerated for future rolling, but the assembled rice paper rolls do not store well and should be eaten fresh.
What kind of lettuce is recommended?
Leafy lettuce is best, washed and separated into individual leaves for wrapping.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients including the rice paper, meats, vegetables, noodles, and dipping sauce components.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is a healthy option as it uses fresh ingredients and is not fried, retaining the nutritional goodness of the vegetables and herbs.
How thick should the spring rolls be?
They should be rolled slightly thicker than a typical fried eggroll to help maintain their structure.
What is Nuoc Mam?
Nuoc Mam is a traditional Vietnamese fish sauce often used as a savory dipping sauce for spring rolls.
What should I do if I have a mishap while rolling?
It is recommended to have extra rice papers on hand because rolling can take some practice.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to prepare all ingredients in advance, ensuring meats are cooked and chilled, and vegetables are cleaned.
How do you prepare the shrimp for the roll?
Shrimp should be cooked, peeled, deveined, and then halved before being placed in the roll.
What type of rice paper is used?
Clear edible rice paper sheets are used for these fresh rolls.
Are fresh spring rolls gluten-free?
Generally yes, as they use rice paper and rice noodles, but you should check the hoisin sauce as some brands contain gluten.
What makes the rolls visually appealing?
The clear rice paper allows the vibrant colors of the fresh herbs, shrimp, and vegetables to show through.
Can I use different meats?
Yes, you can use your choice of cooked meat or shrimp based on your preference.
Is the cilantro used as a whole bunch?
The cilantro should be washed and the leaves picked from the bunch before being added to the roll.
How should the vermicelli noodles be served?
They should be cooked according to the package and then brought to room temperature before rolling.