Fresh Spring Rolls are a popular Vietnamese dish known for their light, refreshing, and healthy qualities. They typically consist of fresh vegetables, herbs, and often shrimp or pork, all wrapped in rice paper. Here’s a basic recipe for Fresh Spring Rolls along with a delicious dipping sauce.

Fresh Spring Rolls Recipe

Ingredients:

For the rolls:

• 8 rice paper wrappers
• 1 cup cooked shrimp, sliced in half lengthwise (or cooked pork)
• 1 cup cooked rice noodles
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1/2 cup julienned carrots
• 1/2 cup julienned cucumbers
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves

For the sauce:

• 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon sriracha sauce (optional, for heat)
• 1-2 tablespoons water (to thin the sauce to desired consistency)
• Chopped peanuts for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
   • Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
   • Prepare the shrimp (or pork) by cooking and slicing as needed.
   • Julienne the carrots and cucumbers.
   • Wash and dry the lettuce, mint, cilantro, and basil leaves.
2. Assemble the Spring Rolls:
   • Fill a large bowl with warm water. Dip one rice paper wrapper into the water for about 5 seconds to soften.
   • Lay the softened wrapper flat on a clean surface.
   • In the center of the wrapper, layer a few pieces of shrimp (or pork), a small handful of rice noodles, lettuce, carrots, cucumbers, and a few leaves of mint, cilantro, and basil.
   • Fold the bottom of the wrapper over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll tightly. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and fillings.
3. Make the Sauce:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and sriracha (if using).
   • Add water, one tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
   • Garnish with chopped peanuts if desired.
4. Serve:
   • Arrange the spring rolls on a platter and serve with the dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy!

These fresh spring rolls are perfect for a light lunch, appetizer, or snack, and the combination of flavors and textures makes them a crowd-pleaser.