– **Title**: Shrimp Spring Rolls with Spicy Almond Dipping Sauce
– **Ingredients**:
– **For the Spring Rolls**:
– 8-10 rice paper wrappers
– 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 cup vermicelli noodles, cooked
– 1 cup lettuce leaves, shredded
– 1 cup julienned carrots
– 1 cup cucumber, julienned
– 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
– 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
– Salt and pepper to taste
– **For the Spicy Almond Dipping Sauce**:
– 1/2 cup almond butter
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
– 1-2 tsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
– 1 tbsp rice vinegar
– 1-2 tbsp water (to thin, if necessary)
– Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
– **Instructions**:
1. **Prepare the Shrimp**: In a pot of boiling salted water, add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool.
2. **Prepare the Fillings**: In a bowl, combine the cooked vermicelli noodles, shredded lettuce, julienned carrots, julienned cucumber, mint, and cilantro. Season with a little salt and pepper.
3. **Make the Dipping Sauce**: In a small bowl, whisk together almond butter, soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), sriracha, and rice vinegar. Add water, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached. Adjust spiciness by adding more sriracha if desired. If using, sprinkle sesame seeds for garnish.
4. **Assemble the Spring Rolls**: Fill a shallow dish with warm water. Dip one rice paper wrapper in the water for about 10-15 seconds until it becomes pliable. Lay it flat on a clean surface.
5. In the lower third of the wrapper, place a small amount of the shrimp followed by a handful of the filling mixture. Fold the sides over the filling, then roll tightly from the bottom to the top, like a burrito. Repeat with remaining wrappers and fillings.
6. **Serve**: Arrange the spring rolls on a platter. Serve with the spicy almond dipping sauce on the side for dipping.
Enjoy this fresh and flavorful dish!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice Paper Wrappers: The rice paper provides a delicate wrap for your spring rolls. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, these wrappers are a great choice! Some people prefer using lettuce leaves instead for an even lighter option.
Shrimp: Using cooked shrimp is quick and convenient. You can also swap in cooked chicken or even tofu for a vegetarian take. If you’re using raw shrimp, remember to cook them first!
Vegetables: The freshness of lettuce, carrots, and cucumber adds crunch and nutrients. If you don’t have these on hand, feel free to get creative! Bell peppers or radishes can be great substitutes, too.
Fresh Herbs: Mint is key for that vibrant taste in spring rolls. If you can’t find fresh mint, basil is a wonderful alternative. Cilantro is optional, but it adds a lovely flavor if you enjoy it!
Almond Butter: While almond butter provides a creamy consistency, you could apply peanut butter or sunbutter for a different twist. Adjust sweetening or spice to fit the nut flavor you choose!
How Do You Properly Soak Rice Paper Wrappers Without Breaking Them?
Soaking rice paper wrappers can be tricky if you’re not careful. The goal is to make them soft enough to roll without tearing. Here’s a simple method to get it just right:
- Fill a shallow dish with warm water for soaking.
- Dip the rice paper for 10-15 seconds, just until it begins to soften. Don’t leave it too long!
- Carefully lift the wrapper out and let excess water drip off before laying it flat on a clean surface.
- If you find your wrapper is too sticky after soaking, lightly dust the surface with a bit of cornstarch to help it not stick to itself when rolling.
How to Make Shrimp Spring Rolls with Spicy Almond Dipping Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Spring Rolls:
- 8-10 rice paper wrappers
- 1 lb cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup lettuce leaves, torn (Romaine or Butter lettuce)
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1 cucumber, julienned
- Fresh mint leaves
- Fresh cilantro leaves (optional)
- 1-2 green onions, sliced
For the Spicy Almond Dipping Sauce:
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1-2 tbsp honey (to taste)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1-2 tsp sriracha (adjust for desired spiciness)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Water (to thin, if necessary)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend about 10 minutes making the spicy almond dipping sauce and prepping the ingredients. The remaining time will be for soaking the rice paper wrappers and assembling the spring rolls. Get ready for a fun cooking experience!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dipping Sauce:
Start by making your spicy almond dipping sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the almond butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sriracha, and minced garlic. If you find the sauce too thick, simply add a little water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Set this delicious sauce aside for later.
2. Prepare Vegetables and Shrimp:
Next, it’s time to get your veggies ready! Julienne the carrot and cucumber into thin strips. Now, set them aside along with the torn lettuce leaves, fresh mint, optional cilantro, and the cooked shrimp. Make sure everything is ready for easy assembly!
3. Soak Rice Paper Wrappers:
Grab a shallow dish and fill it with warm water. One at a time, gently dip a rice paper wrapper into the water for about 10-15 seconds, or until it becomes soft and pliable. Carefully remove the wrapper and lay it flat on a clean surface. You’ll be using this for your spring rolls, so take your time!
4. Assemble the Spring Rolls:
It’s time to fill those wrappers! On the lower third of the soaked rice paper, layer 1-2 shrimp, a few pieces of lettuce, some julienned carrots, cucumber, and a couple of mint and cilantro leaves. Remember not to overfill—keeping it neat will make rolling easier!
5. Roll the Wrapper:
Now, let’s roll! Fold the bottom of the wrapper over the filling, then tuck in the sides. Carefully roll the wrapper tightly away from you to encase the filling completely. Repeat this process with the remaining wrappers and ingredients until you have a delicious stack of spring rolls!
6. Serve:
Arrange your beautiful spring rolls on a platter. Serve them alongside the spicy almond dipping sauce you’ve prepared. Enjoy this fresh and vibrant dish with friends or family—it’s perfect for sharing!
Can I Substitute the Shrimp with Another Protein?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of shrimp or have dietary restrictions, you can use cooked chicken, tofu, or even shredded vegetables for a plant-based option. Make sure to adjust the cooking method accordingly (e.g., cook tofu until crispy) and season to your liking.
How Do I Store Leftover Spring Rolls?
To store leftover spring rolls, place them in an airtight container with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out. They can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. For best results, enjoy them fresh, as the rice paper can become tough when stored.
Can I Make the Dipping Sauce in Advance?
Yes, the spicy almond dipping sauce can be made ahead of time! Simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before serving, and if it’s too thick, add a splash of water to thin it out as needed.
What Can I Use Instead of Rice Paper Wrappers?
If you can’t find rice paper wrappers, you can use thin, pliable tortillas or even large lettuce leaves as a substitute. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture will be different from traditional spring rolls, but they can still be delicious!
