Chewy Duck Spring Rolls with Rhubarb-Cherry and Zesty Peanut Dipping Sauces
These delightful Duck Spring Rolls are a refreshing twist on traditional Vietnamese fresh spring rolls, offering a perfect blend of flavors and textures. Each roll is a vibrant explosion of fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and tender slices of savory duck, all lovingly wrapped in soft rice paper. The addition of zesty steamed zucchini and sweet potato rounds out the filling, making every bite a delightful experience. Accompanied by two contrasting dipping sauces – a sweet and tangy rhubarb-cherry sauce and a creamy, spicy peanut sauce – these rolls are not only ideal for summer gatherings but also serve as a light meal or a stunning hors d'oeuvre. Gather your friends or family for a fun culinary session, where everyone can customize their rolls with the ingredients they enjoy the most. Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a casual lunch!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
spring roll wrappers
6 (soaked in warm water until pliable)
sage leaves
6 (fresh)
basil leaves
6 (fresh)
cilantro leaves
6 (fresh)
zucchini
6 slices (thinly sliced, steamed until tender)
sweet potatoes
6 slices (thinly sliced, steamed until tender)
cooked duck
2-3 ounces (sliced thinly)
balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon (for sauce)
rhubarb
1/4 cup (chopped)
cherry preserves
1/4 cup (for sauce)
orange zest
1 teaspoon (freshly grated)
sliced scallion
1 teaspoon (for garnish)
water
1 tablespoon (for sauce)
peanut butter
1 tablespoon (for sauce)
soy sauce or fish sauce
1 teaspoon (for sauce)
sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon (for sauce)
chili pepper flakes
1 pinch (for sauce)
Thai peppers
1 (diced finely (to taste))
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Chewy Duck Spring Rolls?
They are a refreshing Vietnamese-style fresh spring roll filled with savory duck, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs wrapped in soft rice paper.
What type of meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe specifically uses 2-3 ounces of cooked duck, sliced thinly.
Are these spring rolls fried or fresh?
These are fresh spring rolls, meaning they are served raw and chewy after the rice paper is soaked, not deep-fried.
How do I prepare the spring roll wrappers?
The wrappers should be soaked in warm water until they become soft and pliable before assembly.
Which vegetables are included in the filling?
The filling includes thinly sliced zucchini and sweet potatoes that have been steamed until tender.
What fresh herbs are recommended for these rolls?
The recipe calls for a combination of fresh sage, basil, and cilantro leaves.
How should the zucchini and sweet potatoes be cooked?
They should be sliced thinly and then steamed until they are tender.
What are the two dipping sauces provided with this recipe?
The rolls are served with a sweet and tangy rhubarb-cherry sauce and a creamy, spicy zesty peanut sauce.
What ingredients are in the rhubarb-cherry sauce?
This sauce consists of chopped rhubarb, cherry preserves, balsamic vinegar, orange zest, and water.
How do I make the zesty peanut dipping sauce?
The peanut sauce is made by combining peanut butter, soy or fish sauce, sesame oil, chili pepper flakes, and finely diced Thai peppers.
Does the duck need to be cooked beforehand?
Yes, the recipe requires pre-cooked duck that is then sliced thinly for the filling.
Can I substitute the duck with another protein?
While the recipe specifies duck, you could customize it with other cooked proteins like chicken or shrimp if desired.
How much duck is required for 6 spring rolls?
You will need approximately 2 to 3 ounces of cooked duck.
What adds the citrus flavor to the rhubarb-cherry sauce?
Freshly grated orange zest is used to provide a bright citrus note to the sauce.
How is the spice level controlled in the peanut sauce?
The spice is adjusted using a pinch of chili pepper flakes and one finely diced Thai pepper added to taste.
Is there a recommended garnish for the dish?
Sliced scallions are suggested as a garnish for the dipping sauces.
Can I use fish sauce instead of soy sauce?
Yes, the recipe allows for either soy sauce or fish sauce depending on your preference.
What gives the spring rolls their 'chewy' texture?
The chewiness comes from the rice paper wrappers once they have been hydrated in warm water.
Is this recipe suitable for summer gatherings?
Yes, these fresh rolls are described as an ideal light meal or hors d'oeuvre for summer events.
How many spring rolls does this recipe make?
The ingredient amounts listed, specifically the 6 wrappers, are designed to make 6 individual rolls.
What kind of cherry preserves should I use?
Any standard cherry preserves will work to provide the sweet base for the rhubarb-cherry sauce.
Do I need to cook the rhubarb?
While the instructions are summarized, typically the rhubarb is simmered with the other sauce ingredients to soften and release its flavor.
Can I make these spring rolls ahead of time?
Fresh spring rolls are best enjoyed shortly after assembly, as the rice paper can become tough or sticky if left in the fridge too long.
What is the purpose of the balsamic vinegar?
The balsamic vinegar adds acidity and depth to the rhubarb-cherry sauce.
Are these rolls gluten-free?
They can be gluten-free if you use a certified gluten-free soy sauce or fish sauce and ensure your rice paper is 100% rice-based.
What is the role of sesame oil in the recipe?
Sesame oil is used in the zesty peanut sauce to provide a rich, nutty aroma and flavor.
How many Thai peppers are used?
The recipe calls for one Thai pepper, diced finely to taste, for the peanut sauce.
Is there a specific amount of water needed for the sauce?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of water to help reach the desired consistency for the rhubarb-cherry sauce.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh ones?
Fresh herbs are highly recommended for this recipe to achieve the intended aromatic profile and texture of fresh rolls.
What makes this recipe a fun culinary session?
The assembly process is interactive, allowing friends and family to customize their own rolls with the prepared ingredients.