Vietnamese Tropical Fresh Spring Rolls (Gỏi Cuốn)
These vibrant Vietnamese Tropical Fresh Spring Rolls, also known as Gỏi Cuốn, are a delightful, healthy alternative to fried spring rolls. Perfect for any gathering, especially ladies' lunches, these rolls are a burst of flavor and freshness. The combination of juicy prawns, tender rice vermicelli, crisp bean sprouts, and fragrant herbs wrapped in soft rice paper creates a taste sensation that transports you straight to the streets of Vietnam. Not only are they easy to prepare, but the ingredients are widely available in Asian grocery stores, ensuring you can recreate this delicious dish anytime. Serve these rolls with a rich hoisin dipping sauce for an unforgettable culinary experience.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Rice Vermicelli
100 g (ready-to-eat, known as Bun)
Prawns
200 g (medium size, cooked and peeled)
Rice Paper
1 package (50 g)
Fresh Chives
to taste (cut in half)
Bean Sprouts
50 g (fresh)
Fresh Mint
to taste (leaves)
Lean Pork
200 g (optional) (cooked, cooled, and sliced thinly)
Hoisin Sauce
3-4 tbsp (for dipping sauce)
Cooking Oil
1 tbsp (for dipping sauce)
Sugar
to taste (for dipping sauce)
Roasted Peanuts
to taste (finely chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
1
Start by cooking the prawns in boiling water for about 3 minutes until they turn pink. Remove them from the heat, peel, and slice them lengthwise.
2
If using pork, cook it thoroughly, then allow it to cool. Slice it thinly once cooled.
3
Prepare your workstation with a flat surface and a damp cloth. Dip one sheet of rice paper in warm water for a few seconds until it becomes pliable. Lay it flat on the surface.
4
In the lower third of the rice paper, place a small clump of rice vermicelli, followed by 3-4 mint leaves and a pinch of bean sprouts.
5
Fold the bottom of the rice paper over the filling, then fold in the sides, and roll up tightly until you have 2/3 of the roll completed.
6
Carefully arrange 2-3 prawn halves on top of the filling, with their cut sides facing outwards for presentation. Place half of a chive leaf beside them.
7
Continue rolling tightly until the edges seal together, ensuring no filling escapes.
8
Repeat the process with the remaining ingredients, placing the finished rolls under a damp towel to keep them from drying out until ready to serve.
9
For the dipping sauce, combine 3-4 tablespoons of hoisin sauce with 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a small saucepan. Warm over low heat and sweeten with sugar to taste, being careful not to boil.
10
Before serving, sprinkle finely chopped roasted peanuts over the rolls for an added crunch.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Vietnamese Tropical Fresh Spring Rolls?
These are vibrant, healthy rolls known as Gỏi Cuốn, featuring juicy prawns, rice vermicelli, fresh herbs, and vegetables wrapped in soft rice paper.
What is the Vietnamese name for this dish?
This dish is traditionally known as Gỏi Cuốn.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to produce 6 servings.
What is the main protein used in these spring rolls?
The main protein is 200g of medium-sized prawns, though lean pork can also be added.
How long should the prawns be cooked?
Prawns should be boiled for about 3 minutes until they turn pink.
How do I prepare the prawns for rolling?
After boiling, remove the heat, peel them, and slice them lengthwise.
Is pork included in this recipe?
Lean pork is listed as an optional ingredient; if used, it should be cooked, cooled, and sliced thinly.
What type of noodles are used in Gỏi Cuốn?
The recipe uses 100g of ready-to-eat Rice Vermicelli, also known as Bun.
How do I soften the rice paper?
Dip one sheet of rice paper in warm water for a few seconds until it becomes pliable.
What vegetables are included in the filling?
The rolls include fresh bean sprouts and fresh chives cut in half.
Which herbs provide the fragrance in these rolls?
Fresh mint leaves are used to provide a fragrant and refreshing flavor.
What is the correct order for layering the ingredients?
Place a clump of rice vermicelli in the lower third of the rice paper, followed by mint leaves and bean sprouts before starting to roll.
When do I add the prawns during the rolling process?
Arrange 2-3 prawn halves on top of the filling once you have completed 2/3 of the roll.
How do I ensure the spring rolls look professional?
Place the prawns with their cut sides facing outwards so they are visible through the translucent rice paper.
How do I prevent the rice paper from sticking to the surface?
Prepare your workstation with a flat surface and a damp cloth to handle the rice paper.
How do I keep the finished rolls from drying out?
Place the finished rolls under a damp towel until you are ready to serve them.
What ingredients are needed for the dipping sauce?
The sauce is made from hoisin sauce, cooking oil, and sugar.
How much hoisin sauce is required?
You will need 3 to 4 tablespoons of hoisin sauce for the dipping mixture.
What is the preparation method for the dipping sauce?
Combine hoisin sauce and oil in a small saucepan, warm over low heat, and add sugar to taste.
Should the dipping sauce be boiled?
No, you should warm the sauce over low heat but be careful not to let it boil.
What garnish is added to the rolls before serving?
Finely chopped roasted peanuts are sprinkled over the rolls for added crunch.
Are these spring rolls fried?
No, these are fresh spring rolls and serve as a healthy alternative to fried versions.
Where can I find rice paper and vermicelli?
These ingredients are widely available in most Asian grocery stores.
Is this recipe suitable for lunch?
Yes, they are described as perfect for gatherings and especially ladies' lunches.
What is the role of chives in this recipe?
Half of a chive leaf is placed beside the prawns during rolling for flavor and presentation.
How many grams of rice paper are needed?
One 50g package of rice paper is required.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?
Yes, the recipe suggests adding sugar to the hoisin mixture to your personal taste.
What is the texture of the rice paper once prepared?
Once dipped in warm water, the rice paper becomes soft and pliable.
How do I seal the spring rolls?
Continue rolling tightly until the edges of the rice paper seal together naturally.
What makes this recipe 'tropical'?
The use of fresh herbs, crisp sprouts, and light seafood gives it a bright, tropical flavor profile.