Rice Paper Salad Rolls with Ginger Dipping Sauce

Rice Paper Salad Rolls with Ginger Dipping Sauce Recipe | Vegetarian Food from Vietnam

Region / culture: Vietnam | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Rice Paper Salad Rolls with Ginger Dipping Sauce is a refreshing and healthy dish that is perfect for a light lunch or appetizer. These rolls are filled with fresh vegetables, rice vermicelli, and aromatic mint leaves, all wrapped in a delicate rice paper wrapper. The ginger dipping sauce adds a zesty kick to the rolls, making them a flavorful and satisfying dish.

History

Rice paper rolls originated in Vietnam and are a popular dish in Southeast Asian cuisine. Traditionally, they are filled with a combination of fresh vegetables, herbs, and sometimes protein like shrimp or pork. The rolls are often served as a light and healthy snack or appetizer.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) thin asparagus, bottoms trimmed and discarded, with 4- to 5-inch tips remaining
1 tsp sea salt
1 tsp canola oil
2 oz (57 g) rice vermicelli
2 carrots, peeled and sliced into long strips, 0.13 inch wide
1 Japanese cucumber, peeled and sliced into long strips, 0.13 inch wide
0.5 cup large fresh mint leaves
1 small head red-leaf lettuce, leaves separated and washed
8 to 10 (8.5 inches-round) rice paper wrappers
ginger Dipping Sauce

How to prepare

Bring a saucepan of water and sea salt to a boil over high heat.
Blanch the asparagus for 1 minute.
Remove the asparagus from the water, rinse it under cold water, and set it aside.
Add oil to the water and cook the vermicelli for about 2 minutes, or until tender.
Drain and rinse the vermicelli under cold water.
Leave the noodles in cool water to prevent them from sticking together.
Just before wrapping, drain the noodles and place them on a cookie sheet, loosely covered with a damp paper towel.
Repeat the process with the prepared vegetables, mint leaves, and lettuce.
Fill a large mixing bowl with very hot water.
Keep boiling water handy in case the temperature drops.
Dip a rice paper wrapper into the water for several seconds; they will soften after moistening.
Remove the wrapper from the water and lay it flat on a work surface.
Place 2 mint leaves on the bottom half of the wrapper.
Layer a small lettuce leaf, 2 asparagus spears, and pieces of cucumber and carrot on top of the mint.
Top with 1 tbsp of the noodles.
Start rolling the wrapper up tightly, folding the right and left sides in over the filling after the first roll.
Continue rolling the rice paper and pressing in the ingredients, keeping the edges folded in, until the packet is complete.
Repeat the procedure with the remaining rice papers until all the filling is used.
Cut each roll in half, arrange them attractively on a platter, and serve with Ginger Dipping Sauce.

Variations

Add cooked shrimp, chicken, or tofu to the filling for added protein.
Use different vegetables like bell peppers, avocado, or bean sprouts in the rolls.
Experiment with different herbs like cilantro or basil for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to blanch the vegetables briefly to soften them slightly before wrapping them in the rice paper.

- Keep a bowl of hot water handy to soften the rice paper wrappers quickly before filling and rolling them.

- Be sure to roll the rice paper tightly to prevent the filling from falling out.

- Serve the rolls with the ginger dipping sauce on the side for dipping.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Rice Paper Salad Rolls with Ginger Dipping Sauce as a light lunch or appetizer. They pair well with a side of steamed rice or a fresh salad.

Cooking Techniques

Blanching, rolling, and assembling are the key cooking techniques for making Rice Paper Salad Rolls with Ginger Dipping Sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any type of noodles like rice noodles or glass noodles instead of rice vermicelli.

- Substitute any crunchy vegetables like bell peppers or radishes for the carrots and cucumber.

- Use any type of lettuce or greens for the red-leaf lettuce.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the filling ingredients and the ginger dipping sauce ahead of time and assemble the rolls just before serving to keep them fresh.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the Rice Paper Salad Rolls on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs or edible flowers for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Rice Paper Salad Rolls with Ginger Dipping Sauce with a light and crisp white wine or a refreshing iced tea for a perfect summer meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Rice Paper Salad Rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. To reheat, gently steam the rolls or enjoy them cold.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Rice Paper Salad Rolls with Ginger Dipping Sauce contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Rice Paper Salad Rolls with Ginger Dipping Sauce contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Rice Paper Salad Rolls with Ginger Dipping Sauce contains approximately 2 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Rice Paper Salad Rolls with Ginger Dipping Sauce contains approximately 3 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Rice Paper Salad Rolls with Ginger Dipping Sauce are rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium from the vegetables and herbs.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the rice vermicelli. It may also contain soy if soy sauce is used in the ginger dipping sauce.

Summary

Rice Paper Salad Rolls with Ginger Dipping Sauce are a low-calorie, low-fat, and carbohydrate-rich dish that is packed with vitamins and minerals from the fresh vegetables and herbs.

Summary

Rice Paper Salad Rolls with Ginger Dipping Sauce are a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for a light and refreshing meal. Packed with fresh vegetables, herbs, and rice vermicelli, these rolls are a flavorful and satisfying option for any occasion. Serve them with the zesty ginger dipping sauce for a burst of flavor in every bite.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Rice Paper Salad Rolls with Ginger Dipping Sauce. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Anna at her beach house. Anna and I have been friends since we were young girls, and we've always shared a love for cooking and trying out new recipes.

On this particular day, Anna suggested we make some Rice Paper Salad Rolls with Ginger Dipping Sauce for lunch. I had never heard of this dish before, but I was intrigued by the combination of fresh vegetables, rice paper wraps, and a tangy ginger sauce.

Anna explained that she had learned how to make the dish from her travels to Southeast Asia. She had spent some time in Vietnam and Thailand, where she fell in love with the vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients used in their cuisine. She had picked up the recipe from a local street vendor who showed her how to assemble the rolls and make the dipping sauce from scratch.

As we gathered the ingredients and started prepping the vegetables, Anna shared with me the story of how she came to acquire the recipe. She told me about the bustling markets in Hanoi, where she first tried the Rice Paper Salad Rolls and was blown away by the explosion of flavors in each bite.

I listened intently as Anna walked me through the steps of making the rolls. We sliced up some colorful bell peppers, cucumbers, carrots, and fresh herbs like mint and cilantro. We also cooked up some vermicelli noodles and set up a station with a shallow dish of water to soften the rice paper wraps.

As we assembled the rolls, Anna explained the importance of keeping the ingredients tightly packed and rolling them up carefully to ensure they held together. I struggled a bit at first, but with Anna's guidance, I soon got the hang of it.

Once we had a plate full of beautifully rolled salad wraps, Anna whipped up the ginger dipping sauce. She grated fresh ginger, minced garlic, and mixed it with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a touch of sugar. The sauce was the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and tangy, and it complemented the fresh flavors of the salad rolls perfectly.

As we sat down to enjoy our meal, I couldn't help but marvel at how such simple ingredients could come together to create such a flavorful and satisfying dish. The crunchy vegetables, chewy noodles, and fragrant herbs all wrapped up in a delicate rice paper wrapper were a delight to eat.

I thanked Anna for introducing me to this wonderful recipe and making me feel like I had traveled to Southeast Asia through a single bite. She smiled and said that's the beauty of cooking - it allows us to explore different cultures and flavors without ever leaving our own kitchen.

Since that day, Rice Paper Salad Rolls with Ginger Dipping Sauce has become a staple in my recipe repertoire. I love making them for family gatherings, potlucks, or just a simple lunch at home. Every time I roll up those fresh ingredients and dip them into that tangy sauce, I'm reminded of the day I learned to make this dish with my dear friend Anna and the culinary adventures we shared together.