Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce

By Tyla | Last modified on Dec 12, 2025

Featured in: Side Dishes

Spring rolls are a vibrant and fresh appetizer that instantly brighten up any meal with their crisp vegetables and fragrant herbs. These light and healthy rolls wrapped in delicate rice paper bring a lovely balance of textures and flavors that make each bite a delightful experience.

The accompanying creamy peanut sauce turns these fresh rolls into a complete treat, offering a nutty, slightly sweet, and savory dip that perfectly complements the fresh ingredients. Whether served as a starter or a snack, these spring rolls are sure to impress and satisfy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh, crisp vegetables combine with aromatic herbs for vibrant flavor.
The creamy peanut sauce adds a deliciously nutty contrast.
Customizable fillings allow both vegan and non-vegan options.
Quick to prepare and perfect for light, healthy eating.

Ingredients

Rice paper wrappers: Thin, translucent sheets perfect for wrapping fresh ingredients and softening quickly in water.
Rice noodles: Soft, tender noodles that add a delicate chewiness and mild flavor as the base filling.
Carrots, julienned: Fresh, crunchy carrots sliced finely to add vibrant color and subtle sweetness.
Cucumber, julienned: Cool, crisp cucumber strips that bring refreshing moisture and crunch.
Red bell pepper, julienned: Sweet and colorful pepper strips that brighten the roll visually and in taste.
Fresh herbs (mint, cilantro): Fragrant herbs that add a fresh, aromatic lift and authentic Asian flavor.
Shrimp, cooked and sliced (optional): Tender, protein-rich shrimp for added texture and flavor; can be omitted for vegan rolls.
Peanut sauce: Creamy, nutty dipping sauce made from peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, and spices to enhance each bite.

Instructions

Soak the rice noodles: Place the rice noodles in a bowl of hot water for about 10 minutes until they soften and become pliable. This step ensures the noodles are tender and easy to bite through inside the spring rolls.
Prepare the rolling surface: Clear a large, clean, flat surface where you can lay out the rice paper wrappers and assemble the rolls. Having everything organized will make the rolling process smooth and quick.
Soften the rice paper wrappers: Dip each rice paper into warm water for approximately 10 seconds until slightly soft but still firm enough to handle. This softening makes the rice paper pliable and ready for rolling without tearing.
Assemble the spring rolls: Lay the softened rice paper flat on your surface. On the lower third, arrange a small handful of noodles, julienned vegetables, fresh herbs, and shrimp if using. Use moderate amounts to avoid overfilling and make rolling easier.
Fold and roll tightly: Fold the sides of the rice paper inward over the filling, then roll tightly from the bottom up to fully encase the ingredients. A snug roll keeps everything secure and shapes the spring roll neatly.
Repeat for remaining rolls: Continue the process with the remaining rice papers and fillings until all ingredients are used. This systematic approach enables a consistent size and presentation for all rolls.
Serve with peanut sauce: Arrange the spring rolls on a plate and serve chilled or at room temperature with a bowl of creamy peanut sauce for dipping. The sauce adds richness and ties all flavors together.

You Must Know

Keep rice paper moist during rolling to prevent cracking.
Feel free to customize fillings with your favorite vegetables or proteins.
Prepare peanut sauce ahead of time and refrigerate to enhance flavor blending.

Storage Tips

Store leftover spring rolls in an airtight container with a damp paper towel to keep rice papers from drying out. Consume within 1–2 days for best freshness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve spring rolls as an appetizer or light meal alongside a crisp Asian slaw or steamed edamame. Pair with jasmine tea or a light white wine for refreshing balance.

Professional Tips

Use warm water instead of hot to soften rice papers gently and prevent tearing.
Chop all vegetables uniformly for consistent texture and ease of rolling.
Wrap rolls tightly but gently to maintain a neat shape and avoid breaking the rice paper.

FAQs

Can I make spring rolls ahead of time?: Yes, you can prepare spring rolls a few hours in advance. Store them covered in the fridge with a damp cloth to prevent drying.
What can I substitute for shrimp for a vegan option?: Replace shrimp with marinated tofu strips, sliced avocado, or additional herbs to maintain texture and flavor.
How do I prevent rice paper from sticking together?: Place each rolled spring roll on a plate lined with parchment paper and avoid stacking them tightly to keep them separate.
Is it necessary to soak the rice noodles?: Yes, soaking softens the noodles to prevent them from being hard or crunchy inside your rolls.
Can I freeze fresh spring rolls?: It’s not recommended as freezing breaks down the delicate texture of the rice paper and vegetables.
What ingredients can I add for extra crunch?: Add bean sprouts, chopped peanuts, or water chestnuts to introduce a pleasant crunchy texture.
How spicy is the peanut sauce?: The peanut sauce is mild but can be adjusted with added chili flakes or hot sauce to your preference.