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Vietnamese Fresh Spring Rolls (Gỏi Cuốn): A Burst of Freshness

Vietnamese fresh spring rolls, or Gỏi Cuốn, are a delightful culinary experience that combines fresh ingredients with bold, vibrant flavors. These rolls are perfect for those seeking a healthy, light, and visually appealing dish that’s easy to customize.

What Are Vietnamese Fresh Spring Rolls?

Gỏi Cuốn translates to “salad rolls,” and they’re aptly named. These rolls consist of:

Rice paper (bánh tráng): Soft, translucent wrappers that encase the ingredients.
Fillings: Typically shrimp, pork, rice vermicelli, lettuce, fresh herbs (mint, cilantro, Thai basil), and sometimes julienned vegetables like carrots or cucumbers.
Dipping Sauce: Often served with a hoisin-peanut sauce, nước chấm (a tangy fish sauce-based dip), or green sauces like scallion oil or herb-infused dips.

The result is a dish that’s as delicious as it is nutritious, making it a favorite appetizer or light meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of common ingredients to make Vietnamese fresh spring rolls:

For the Rolls:
- Rice paper wrappers
- Cooked shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Cooked pork belly or lean pork slices
- Rice vermicelli noodles (boiled and drained)
- Lettuce leaves (romaine or butter lettuce)
- Fresh herbs (mint, cilantro, Thai basil)
- Optional: Julienned vegetables (carrots, cucumbers, or bell peppers)
For the Hoisin-Peanut Sauce:
- Hoisin sauce (3 tablespoons)
- Peanut butter (2 tablespoons)
- Warm water (2 tablespoons)
- Garlic (minced, 1 clove)
- Crushed peanuts (for garnish)
For Green Sauces:
- Scallion Oil Sauce (Mỡ Hành):
  - Scallions (finely chopped, 1/4 cup)
  - Neutral cooking oil (2 tablespoons)
  - A pinch of salt
- Herb Dipping Sauce:
  - Cilantro or mint (1 cup, packed)
  - Lime juice (2-3 tablespoons)
  - Garlic (1 clove)
  - Fish sauce (1 tablespoon)
  - Sugar (1-2 teaspoons)
  - Green chili (optional, for heat)
  - Water (to adjust consistency)
- Avocado-Based Dipping Sauce:
  - Ripe avocado (1 small)
  - Lime juice (2 tablespoons)
  - Fish sauce or soy sauce (1 tablespoon)
  - Garlic (minced, 1 clove)
  - Cilantro (a handful)
  - Water (to thin, if needed)

How to Make Vietnamese Fresh Spring Rolls

Prepare the Ingredients:
- Cook the shrimp and pork if they aren’t pre-cooked. Slice them thinly.
- Boil the rice vermicelli noodles until tender, then drain and rinse with cold water.
- Wash and dry the lettuce and herbs.
- Prepare julienned vegetables if using.
Set Up Your Rolling Station:
- Fill a shallow dish with warm water to soften the rice paper.
- Lay out all your ingredients within easy reach.
Assemble the Rolls:
- Dip one rice paper wrapper into the warm water for about 5 seconds, then lay it flat on a clean surface.
- Place a small amount of lettuce, noodles, herbs, and optional vegetables in the center.
- Add 2-3 shrimp and a slice or two of pork on top.
- Fold the sides of the rice paper inward, then roll tightly from the bottom to the top.
Make the Dipping Sauces:
- Hoisin-Peanut Sauce: Mix hoisin sauce, peanut butter, warm water, and minced garlic until smooth. Garnish with crushed peanuts.
- Scallion Oil Sauce: Heat the oil until just smoking, then pour over the chopped scallions and salt. Stir and let cool.
- Herb Dipping Sauce: Blend all ingredients until smooth and adjust the seasoning to taste.
- Avocado-Based Dipping Sauce: Blend avocado, lime juice, fish sauce or soy sauce, garlic, cilantro, and water until creamy and smooth.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Arrange the rolls on a platter and serve with your choice of dipping sauces.

Tips for Success

Work Quickly: Rice paper becomes sticky as it dries, so roll promptly after softening.
Customize: Swap shrimp and pork for tofu, chicken, or even smoked salmon for a unique twist.
Keep Moist: Cover completed rolls with a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out.

Why You’ll Love These Rolls

Vietnamese fresh spring rolls are a great addition to any meal plan. They’re:

Healthy: Packed with fresh vegetables and lean protein.
Versatile: Easily adaptable to different dietary preferences.
Fun to Make: Perfect for involving family or guests in the kitchen.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a dish that’s light, flavorful, and full of fresh ingredients, Vietnamese fresh spring rolls are the answer. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, snack, or light meal, they’re sure to impress. Pair them with hoisin-peanut sauce, scallion oil, or a vibrant green herb dip for a variety of delicious flavors. Try them out and enjoy a taste of Vietnam in your own kitchen!

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