Delightfully light, colorful, and bursting with fresh flavors, Fresh Shrimp Spring Rolls with Peanut Dip are a Vietnamese classic that celebrate simplicity and balance. Wrapped in delicate rice paper, these rolls combine plump shrimp, crisp vegetables, fresh herbs, and thin rice noodles to create a perfect harmony of texture and taste. Served with a rich, nutty peanut dipping sauce, each bite is refreshing, savory, and deeply satisfying.

Unlike fried spring rolls, these are fresh and healthy, making them an ideal appetizer, lunch, or light dinner. They’re a fun dish to make at home — vibrant, customizable, and full of flavor — the kind of meal that’s as beautiful to look at as it is delicious to eat.

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it’s the perfect blend of freshness, flavor, and texture. The combination of tender shrimp, crunchy veggies, fragrant herbs, and creamy peanut sauce feels like a celebration in every bite.

Plus, it’s a nutritional powerhouse — protein-packed shrimp, fiber-rich vegetables, and heart-healthy peanuts make it as nourishing as it is delicious.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

You must try these Fresh Shrimp Spring Rolls because:
They’re vibrant and fresh, offering a burst of flavor in every bite.
They’re healthy yet indulgent, with lean protein and fresh produce.
They’re customizable — great for vegetarians or seafood lovers alike.
They make a beautiful appetizer or meal for any gathering.
The peanut sauce is so creamy and addictive, you’ll want to dip everything in it!

This dish perfectly captures the essence of Vietnamese cuisine — light, balanced, and full of life.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4 (makes 8–10 rolls)
• Calories: ~290 kcal per serving (2 rolls + sauce)
• Course: Appetizer / Main Dish
• Cuisine: Vietnamese / Asian Fusion

Ingredients

For the Spring Rolls:

• 8–10 rice paper wrappers (8-inch diameter)
• 250 g (about ½ lb) medium shrimp, peeled, deveined, and cooked
• 1 cup rice vermicelli noodles
• 1 cup shredded lettuce or baby spinach
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 cucumber, julienned
• ½ red bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional)
• ½ cup fresh mint leaves
• ½ cup fresh cilantro or Thai basil leaves
• Warm water (for softening rice paper)

For the Peanut Dipping Sauce:

• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ½–¾ cup warm water (to thin sauce as desired)
• ½ tsp chili paste or sriracha (optional, for heat)
• Crushed peanuts, for garnish

Cooking Directions (Overview)

1. Cook shrimp and rice noodles.
2. Prepare all vegetables and herbs.
3. Soften rice paper wrappers.
4. Assemble the rolls.
5. Make the peanut dipping sauce.
6. Serve immediately with sauce.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

1. Bring a small pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes, until pink and opaque.
3. Drain, cool, and slice each shrimp in half lengthwise. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Rice Noodles

1. Cook rice vermicelli noodles according to package directions (usually 3–5 minutes).
2. Drain and rinse under cold water to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Prep the Vegetables and Herbs

1. Julienne the carrots, cucumber, and bell pepper.
2. Wash and dry the herbs and lettuce thoroughly.
3. Arrange everything in separate bowls or on a platter for easy rolling.

Step 4: Soften the Rice Paper Wrappers

1. Fill a large shallow bowl or dish with warm water.
2. Dip one rice paper wrapper in the water for 5–7 seconds, just until pliable (don’t over-soak).
3. Lay it flat on a damp kitchen towel or clean surface.

Step 5: Assemble the Rolls

1. Place a few mint or basil leaves near the center of the wrapper.
2. Add lettuce, a small handful of noodles, carrots, cucumber, and a few shrimp halves on top.
3. Fold the bottom edge over the filling, then fold in the sides, and roll tightly (like a burrito).
4. Repeat with remaining wrappers.

Step 6: Make the Peanut Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and garlic.
2. Add warm water gradually until smooth and creamy.
3. Stir in chili paste if desired, and top with crushed peanuts.

Step 7: Serve

• Arrange the rolls on a platter.
• Serve immediately with a small bowl of peanut sauce for dipping.

How to Serve This Recipe

Serve these fresh spring rolls as an appetizer, light lunch, or side dish. They pair perfectly with:

• A side of cold noodle salad or Asian slaw.
• Iced green tea, lemongrass lemonade, or a chilled white wine.
• For a complete meal, serve alongside grilled chicken skewers or steamed dumplings.

Presentation Tip: Slice the rolls diagonally for a restaurant-style look and display the colorful filling.

Recipe Tips

• Don’t overfill the rolls — this makes them hard to wrap.
• Work with one wrapper at a time to prevent sticking.
• Keep a damp towel over finished rolls to keep them moist.
• Use fresh herbs generously for authentic flavor.
• Adjust sauce consistency with water — thick for dipping, thin for drizzling.

Variations

1. Vegetarian Rolls: Replace shrimp with tofu, avocado, or mushrooms.
2. Mango Shrimp Rolls: Add thin slices of mango for sweetness.
3. Spicy Rolls: Mix a bit of sriracha or chili oil into the peanut sauce.
4. Chicken or Beef Version: Use grilled meat slices instead of shrimp.
5. Low-Carb Rolls: Skip noodles and use more veggies for a lighter version.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Best enjoyed fresh. Store leftovers tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or airtight container for up to 1 day in the refrigerator.
• Freezing: Not recommended — rice paper becomes brittle when frozen and thawed.
• Peanut Sauce: Can be refrigerated for up to 5 days; thin with a splash of water before serving.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large shallow dish or bowl (for soaking wrappers)
• Sharp knife for slicing vegetables
• Cutting board
• Small saucepan or bowl (for sauce preparation)

FAQ

1. Can I make the rolls ahead of time?
Yes — make them a few hours in advance, cover with a damp towel, and refrigerate until serving.

2. What can I use instead of peanut butter?
You can use almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version.

3. Can I serve them without sauce?
While the peanut sauce adds richness, you can also serve with sweet chili sauce or nuoc cham (Vietnamese fish sauce dip).

4. How do I prevent rice paper from tearing?
Avoid over-soaking and handle gently; a slightly firm wrapper is easier to roll.

5. Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in the peanut sauce.

Conclusion

Fresh Shrimp Spring Rolls with Peanut Dip are a celebration of freshness and flavor — a dish that’s light, healthy, and irresistibly delicious. Each roll combines crisp vegetables, succulent shrimp, and fragrant herbs, wrapped together and paired with the most luscious peanut sauce.

Perfect for summer gatherings, light lunches, or elegant appetizers, this recipe is all about balance — in texture, taste, and nutrition. Once you try them, you’ll fall in love with how easy and rewarding they are to make.