– **Title**: Vegan Rice Paper Rolls with Spicy Peanut Sauce
– **Ingredients**:
– **For the Rice Paper Rolls**:
– 8 rice paper wrappers
– 1 cup vermicelli rice noodles
– 1 medium carrot, julienned
– 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), julienned
– 1 cucumber, julienned
– 1 cup green lettuce or spinach leaves
– 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
– 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
– 1 avocado, sliced
– **For the Spicy Peanut Sauce**:
– 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
– 1 tablespoon maple syrup or agave nectar
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon sriracha or to taste
– 1-2 tablespoons warm water (to thin the sauce if necessary)
– **Instructions**:
1. **Prepare the Noodles**: Cook the vermicelli rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
2. **Make the Spicy Peanut Sauce**: In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, and sriracha. Add warm water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Adjust seasoning to taste.
3. **Prepare the Rice Paper Wrappers**: Fill a shallow dish with warm water. Quickly dip one rice paper wrapper into the water until it softens (about 10-15 seconds). Remove and lay flat on a clean surface or cutting board.
4. **Assemble the Rolls**: On the lower third of the rice paper, place a small amount of noodles, followed by a few pieces of carrot, bell pepper, cucumber, lettuce, mint, cilantro, and a couple of slices of avocado. Be careful not to overfill.
5. **Roll the Rice Paper**: Fold the bottom of the rice paper over the filling, then fold in the sides, and roll tightly to form a spring roll. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
6. **Serve**: Arrange the rice paper rolls on a plate and serve with the spicy peanut sauce for dipping.
Enjoy this fresh, vibrant dish that combines a mix of textures and flavors!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice Paper Wrappers: These are essential for making rice paper rolls. If you can’t find rice paper, consider using lettuce leaves for a fresh twist, though the texture will be different.
Rice Noodles: I like using thin rice noodles for their light texture. You can substitute with vermicelli or even quinoa for a gluten-free option, or use cooked spaghetti if that’s what you have on hand.
Vegetables: The mix of veggies adds color and crunch. Feel free to swap in any crunchy vegetables you like — bell peppers can be replaced with radishes or snap peas, and shredded carrots can be subbed with zucchini.
Cilantro: Fresh herbs brighten up the rolls. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, parsley or mint can be good alternatives, giving a different but delightful flavor.
Peanut Butter: Natural peanut butter is great for the sauce, but any nut butter like almond or sunflower can work as a substitute. Just ensure they’re smooth for easy mixing.
Soy Sauce: For gluten-free needs, tamari is a perfect substitute here. You can also try coconut aminos for a slightly different taste.
How Do You Get the Rice Paper Wrappers Just Right?
Getting the rice paper wrappers soft and pliable is key. Too much time in the water can make them overly sticky and hard to work with. Here’s how to do it:
- Fill a shallow dish with warm water.
- Dip one wrapper in the water for about 10-15 seconds or until it feels soft. Don’t leave it in the water too long.
- Remove it gently and let it rest on a clean surface, the moisture is enough to make it usable.
Always keep your filling compact so it rolls up easily. Practice makes perfect — your first few might not look perfect, but they’ll still taste amazing!
How to Make Vegan Rice Paper Rolls with Spicy Peanut Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Rice Paper Rolls:
- 10 rice paper wrappers
- 1 cup rice noodles, cooked and drained
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
- 1 cup cucumber, julienned
- 1 cup bell pepper (red or yellow), julienned
- 1 cup avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup purple cabbage, shredded
- 1/4 cup scallions, chopped
- Fresh cilantro (a handful)
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds (for garnish)
For the Spicy Peanut Sauce:
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust for spice level)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Water (as needed, to thin the sauce)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes of prep time. You’ll spend a little time chopping vegetables, cooking noodles, and making the spicy peanut sauce. The good news is that the rice paper rolls come together quickly once everything is ready!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Ingredients:
Start by washing all your fresh vegetables. Then, cut them into thin strips or slices. This includes julienning the carrots, cucumber, and bell pepper, slicing the avocado, shredding the purple cabbage, and chopping the scallions. Prepare everything so it’s ready to go!
2. Cook the Rice Noodles:
Follow the package instructions to cook the rice noodles. Once cooked, drain them in a colander and set aside to cool. They will be a delicious filling for your rolls!
3. Make the Spicy Peanut Sauce:
In a bowl, mix together the natural peanut butter, soy sauce (or tamari), maple syrup, sriracha sauce, and lime juice. Start with 1-2 tablespoons of water and stir until you have a smooth sauce. If it’s too thick, add more water little by little until you get the consistency you like. Taste and adjust the spice level if needed!
4. Prepare the Rice Paper Wrappers:
Fill a shallow dish with warm water. Take one rice paper wrapper and dip it into the water for about 10-15 seconds, or until it becomes soft and pliable. Carefully remove it and lay it flat on a clean surface.
5. Fill and Roll the Wrappers:
At the lower end of the rice paper wrapper, place a small amount of rice noodles, followed by a bit of each vegetable: carrots, cucumber, bell pepper, avocado, purple cabbage, scallions, and a few sprigs of cilantro. Don’t overfill it; you want to be able to roll it up without tearing!
6. Roll it Up:
Fold the sides of the rice paper wrapper over the filling. Then, starting from the bottom, gently but tightly roll it up. Repeat this process with the remaining wrappers and fillings. You’ll have a colorful platter of rice paper rolls in no time!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Arrange your beautiful rice paper rolls on a serving plate and sprinkle some sesame seeds on top for a lovely garnish. Serve them fresh with the spicy peanut sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your tasty and healthy vegan rice paper rolls!
Can I Use Different Vegetables in the Rolls?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute any vegetables you prefer or have on hand. Other great options include red cabbage, bean sprouts, or even cooked tofu for added protein. Just make sure to keep the veggies thinly sliced for easy rolling!
How Do I Store Leftover Rice Paper Rolls?
To store leftover rolls, place them in a single layer in an airtight container. If you’re stacking them, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just keep in mind that they taste best when fresh!
Can I Make the Peanut Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, the spicy peanut sauce can be made ahead of time! Store it in a sealed container in the fridge for up to a week. If the sauce thickens while sitting, just mix in a little warm water to reach your desired consistency before serving.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level in the Sauce?
If you prefer a milder sauce, start with just a small amount of sriracha and taste it before adding more. You can also substitute it with a milder chili sauce or omit it entirely for a non-spicy version. Always feel free to modify to suit your taste!
