Vietnamese Rolls

Vietnamese Rolls Recipe - Authentic Vietnamese cuisine with pork, crab, rice noodles, and more

Region / culture: Vietnam | Servings: 10

Introduction

Vietnamese rolls, also known as nem cuon or summer rolls, are a popular dish in Vietnamese cuisine. These fresh and healthy rolls are filled with a combination of meats, vegetables, and herbs, and are typically served with a dipping sauce.

History

Vietnamese rolls have been a staple in Vietnamese cuisine for centuries. The rolls are believed to have originated in northern Vietnam, where they were traditionally made with pork, shrimp, and various vegetables. Over time, the recipe has evolved to include a variety of fillings, making it a versatile and customizable dish.

Ingredients

40 pieces of edible rice paper with a diameter of 15 cm
500 g of hashed pork (slightly fatty) or chicken
100 g of crab meat or shrimp, well mashed
1 tbsp of chopped onion
50 g of chopped wood ear mushrooms
200 g of minced pachyrhizus (or jícama)
1 tsp of salt
0.25 tsp of black or white pepper
500 g of fresh rice noodles
Some lettuce, basil, and mint
A few garlic cloves, red chiles, sugar, lemon juice, fish sauce, and water

How to prepare

Combine pork and crab meat, wood ears, onion, salt, pachyrhizus, pepper, and a few sugar in a bowl.
Wipe each piece of rice paper with a wet cloth.
Take one tablespoon of stuffing and place it on a rice paper.
Roll up the sides.
Deep fry them in oil with medium heat until they are done, then drain them on a paper towel.
Prepare an extra sauce by combining fish sauce, lemon juice, hashed garlic, red chili, sugar, and water.

Variations

Vegetarian Vietnamese rolls: Replace the meat with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version of the rolls.
Seafood Vietnamese rolls: Use a combination of shrimp, crab, and fish for a seafood twist on the traditional recipe.
Spicy Vietnamese rolls: Add sliced chili peppers or hot sauce to the filling for a spicy kick.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to wet the rice paper before filling and rolling to prevent it from tearing.

- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor and texture.

- Customize the filling to suit your preferences, such as adding tofu or different types of vegetables.

- Serve the rolls with a flavorful dipping sauce for added taste.

Serving Suggestions

Vietnamese rolls can be served as an appetizer, snack, or light meal. They pair well with a variety of dipping sauces, such as hoisin sauce, peanut sauce, or sweet chili sauce.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making perfect Vietnamese rolls is to assemble them carefully and roll them tightly to prevent the filling from falling out. Use fresh ingredients and take your time to create beautiful and delicious rolls.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find certain ingredients for the filling, feel free to substitute them with similar vegetables or proteins. Get creative and customize the rolls to suit your taste preferences.

Make Ahead Tips

Vietnamese rolls can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Keep them covered with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the Vietnamese rolls on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs, such as mint or cilantro, for a beautiful presentation. Serve them with a colorful dipping sauce for added visual appeal.

Pairing Recommendations

Vietnamese rolls pair well with a variety of dishes, such as pho, banh mi sandwiches, or Vietnamese salads. They also go well with refreshing beverages like iced tea or coconut water.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Vietnamese rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, steam the rolls for a few minutes or microwave them for a quick and easy meal.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Vietnamese rolls contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Vietnamese rolls contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Vietnamese rolls contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Vietnamese rolls contains approximately 15 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Vietnamese rolls are rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

Vietnamese rolls may contain allergens such as shellfish, gluten, and soy. Please check the ingredients carefully if you have any allergies.

Summary

Vietnamese rolls are a nutritious and balanced dish that provides a good source of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. They are also rich in vitamins and minerals, making them a healthy choice for a meal or snack.

Summary

Vietnamese rolls are a delicious and healthy dish that is easy to make at home. With a combination of fresh ingredients and flavorful fillings, these rolls are sure to be a hit at your next meal or gathering. Enjoy the rolls with a tasty dipping sauce and pair them with your favorite Vietnamese dishes for a complete and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I discovered this recipe is a cherished memory. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting a friend who had just returned from a trip to Vietnam. She had brought back with her the most incredible flavors and spices, and I was immediately captivated by the fragrant smells wafting from her kitchen.

As we sat down to lunch, she unveiled a platter of beautiful Vietnamese rolls. I had never seen anything like them before - delicate rice paper filled with fresh herbs, vegetables, and shrimp, all served with a tangy dipping sauce. The colors were vibrant, and the flavors were a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and spicy.

I watched as my friend expertly rolled the ingredients together, creating a perfect little package that was bursting with flavor. I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make these Vietnamese rolls myself.

My friend was more than happy to teach me her recipe, and we spent the afternoon in her kitchen, rolling and wrapping and laughing together. She shared with me the importance of using fresh, high-quality ingredients, and the art of balancing flavors to create a truly memorable dish.

Over the years, I have made these Vietnamese rolls countless times, each time adding my own twist and flair to the recipe. I have shared them with friends and family, who always ask for the recipe so they can try to recreate the magic at home.

One of the secrets to making the perfect Vietnamese rolls is in the preparation. I always make sure to have all of my ingredients laid out and ready to go before I start assembling. The rice paper needs to be softened in warm water for just the right amount of time - too long and it will become too soft and tear easily, too short and it will be too stiff to roll properly.

The filling is where you can really get creative. I typically use a combination of shrimp, fresh herbs like mint and cilantro, crunchy vegetables like cucumber and carrot, and sometimes even a bit of vermicelli noodles for added texture. The key is to not overfill the rice paper - a little goes a long way, and you want to make sure you can roll it up tightly without everything spilling out.

Once the rolls are assembled, it's time to make the dipping sauce. This is where you can really tailor the flavors to your liking. I typically use a mixture of fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and chili for a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and spicy. I always make sure to taste and adjust as needed - everyone's palate is different, so it's important to find the right balance for you.

When it comes time to serve the Vietnamese rolls, I always make sure to present them beautifully on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs and a sprinkling of crushed peanuts for added crunch. They make the perfect appetizer or light meal, and are always a hit at parties and gatherings.

I am forever grateful to my friend for introducing me to this wonderful recipe, and for inspiring me to continue exploring new flavors and cuisines. Cooking is a true passion of mine, and I love nothing more than sharing my creations with those I love.

So the next time you're looking to impress your guests or simply treat yourself to something special, consider making a batch of these delicious Vietnamese rolls. I promise you won't be disappointed.