Cooking, Lifestyle

Vietnamese Spring Rolls (Gỏi Cuốn)

Vietnamese Spring Rolls, also known as Gỏi Cuốn, are fresh, healthy, and relatively easy to make. Here’s a basic recipe for you:

Ingredients:

  • Rice paper wrappers (bánh tráng)
  • Vermicelli noodles (bún)
  • Cooked shrimp (peeled, deveined, and halved lengthwise)
  • Cooked pork (thinly sliced; optional)
  • Fresh herbs (mint, cilantro, and Thai basil)
  • Leafy greens (lettuce leaves or perilla leaves)
  • Cucumber (julienned)
  • Chives (optional)

For Dipping Sauce:

  • Peanut hoisin sauce:
    • 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
    • 1 tablespoon peanut butter
    • 1 teaspoon sugar
    • 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce
    • 1/4 cup water
    • Crushed peanuts and chili sauce for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Ingredients:
    • Cook the vermicelli noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
    • Cook the shrimp and pork (if using), and slice them thinly.
    • Wash and prepare the vegetables and herbs.
  2. Make the Dipping Sauce:
    • In a small saucepan, combine hoisin sauce, peanut butter, sugar, soy sauce, and water.
    • Heat over medium heat, stirring until smooth. Adjust consistency with more water if needed.
    • Pour the sauce into a small bowl and top with crushed peanuts and a dash of chili sauce if desired.
  3. Assemble the Spring Rolls:
    • Fill a large bowl with warm water. Dip one rice paper wrapper into the water for about 2-3 seconds until it softens. Be careful not to over-soak, as the wrapper can become too soft and tear.
    • Lay the softened wrapper flat on a clean surface.
    • Place a small handful of vermicelli noodles, a few slices of shrimp, pork, and some vegetables (cucumber, lettuce, herbs) on the lower third of the wrapper.
    • Fold the bottom of the wrapper over the filling, then fold in the sides, and continue to roll tightly like a burrito.
    • If desired, place a chive on the top end of the roll before completing the wrap for a traditional look.
  4. Serve:
    • Serve the spring rolls with the peanut hoisin dipping sauce on the side.

Tips:

  • You can also use other protein sources like tofu, chicken, or beef.
  • Serve immediately to keep the rolls fresh and avoid the wrappers becoming sticky.

Enjoy your homemade Vietnamese Spring Rolls!

-Thanh Thuỷ–