Frequently Asked Questions
What are Goi Cuon?
Goi Cuon are fresh Vietnamese spring rolls made with tender shrimp, savory pork, and crisp vegetables wrapped in delicate rice paper.
What ingredients are needed for the dipping sauce?
The dipping sauce consists of hoisin sauce, coconut milk, rice vinegar, and chopped onion, garnished with roasted peanuts.
How do you prepare the rice paper sheets?
Quickly dip each rice paper sheet in warm water for a few seconds until it softens, then place it on a clean, damp surface.
What kind of meat is used in these spring rolls?
This recipe uses lean pork loin that has been cooked and julienned into thin strips.
How should the shrimp be prepared for the filling?
The shrimp should be cooked and then chopped into 1/2-inch pieces.
How long should the rice vermicelli be cooked?
The rice vermicelli is typically boiled for 2-3 minutes, then rinsed under cold water and drained.
What herbs are included in the Goi Cuon?
This recipe uses fresh cilantro sprigs and firmly packed basil leaves.
Are the bean sprouts raw or cooked?
The bean sprouts used in this recipe should be blanched before assembly.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 24 servings.
How many calories are in one Vietnamese spring roll?
There are approximately 50 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 2.5 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in each roll?
Each serving contains 6 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 2.1 grams of protein per serving.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, based on the ingredients and tags, this recipe is considered gluten-free.
How do you prevent the rolls from drying out?
As you finish each roll, place them on a plate and cover them with a damp paper towel to keep them moist.
How do you make the dipping sauce smooth?
Combine the hoisin, coconut milk, vinegar, and onion in a blender and blend until the mixture is smooth before simmering.
How long should the dipping sauce simmer?
The sauce should simmer for about 5 minutes over low heat after being brought to a boil.
What should I do if the dipping sauce is too thick?
If the sauce is too thick, gradually add water until you reach your desired consistency.
In what order should the ingredients be layered?
Layer a small amount of vermicelli, then pork, shrimp, lettuce, bean sprouts, basil leaves, and cilantro sprigs.
How do you fold the rice paper?
Fold the sides of the rice paper over the filling, then roll from the top down to create a tight envelope shape.
What kind of lettuce is recommended?
The recipe calls for one head of shredded lettuce.
Can I add heat to this dish?
Yes, you can serve these rolls with a side of hot chili sauce for added heat.
What type of vinegar is used for the sauce?
The recipe specifies using 1/4 cup of rice vinegar.
Is the onion cooked before blending?
No, the onion is chopped and blended with the other sauce ingredients, then cooked during the simmering process.
What is the purpose of the coconut milk in the sauce?
Coconut milk adds a luscious, creamy texture and flavor to the hoisin-based dipping sauce.
Are the peanuts salted or roasted?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of chopped roasted peanuts for garnish.
How much pork loin is needed?
You will need 1/2 lb of lean pork loin.
How much shrimp is required?
The recipe requires 1/2 lb of shrimp.
What tags define this recipe's category?
Tags include Vietnamese, spring rolls, fresh rolls, healthy, and appetizer.
Can these be served at room temperature?
Yes, Goi Cuon are typically served fresh at room temperature with the dipping sauce.