Vietnamese Summer Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce: A 1-Hour Dream

Hey there! Clara here from 911Recipes. You know, some recipes just feel like sunshine on a plate, and these Vietnamese Summer Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce are definitely one of them. Growing up in my grandmother’s kitchen, we always loved fresh things, and while she didn’t make these specific rolls, the idea of simple, vibrant food that makes everyone happy really stuck with me.

This recipe is perfect for when you want something light and flavorful without spending hours over a hot stove. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to pull together, fitting right in with our philosophy here at 911Recipes.

Savana and Alara, who help make this site happen, agree that these rolls are a winner. We’ve made them so many times for family get-togethers, picnics, or just a quick, healthy dinner.

Making these Vietnamese Summer Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce brings a little bit of that fresh, feel-good energy into your kitchen. It’s about simple steps, fresh ingredients, and a whole lot of flavor.

Why You’ll Love These Vietnamese Summer Rolls

Okay, so why are these Vietnamese Summer Rolls a total favorite in our house? Let me tell you! They are honestly such a joy to make and eat.

• They are super fresh and light, perfect for a warm day or when you just want something healthy.
• Making them is surprisingly easy! No cooking required for the rolls themselves, just a little prep.
• The combination of fresh herbs, crunchy veggies, and tender shrimp is just amazing.
• That creamy, slightly sweet and salty peanut dipping sauce? It’s absolutely addictive and makes these Vietnamese Summer Rolls sing.
• You can totally customize them with your favorite fillings, making them super versatile.

Seriously, once you make these Vietnamese Summer Rolls, they’ll be on repeat!

Gathering Your Ingredients for Vietnamese Summer Rolls

Getting ready to make these wonderful Vietnamese Summer Rolls starts with gathering your goodies. Fresh ingredients are key here, they really make all the difference in the final taste.

Think bright colors and fragrant herbs!

What You’ll Need for the Rolls

• 1 package rice paper wrappers
• 1 pound cooked shrimp, halved lengthwise
• 1/2 pound vermicelli noodles, cooked
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

Crafting the Creamy Peanut Dipping Sauce Ingredients

Now for the star of the show, that incredible peanut sauce!

• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1-2 tablespoons warm water, as needed

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Vietnamese Summer Rolls

Making these Vietnamese Summer Rolls is a really fun process! It’s like a little assembly line of fresh goodness. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be rolling like a pro in no time.

Don’t worry if your first one isn’t perfect; mine certainly weren’t! They still taste amazing.

Preparing the Filling

First things first, get all your beautiful ingredients ready. This makes the rolling process go so much smoother.

I like to arrange everything on a big platter or cutting board so I can just grab and go.

Make sure your shrimp is cooked and sliced, your noodles are ready, and all your herbs and veggies are washed and chopped.

Having everything laid out feels like you’re halfway there already!

Rolling the Vietnamese Summer Rolls

Okay, now for the rolling! This is where the magic happens for your Vietnamese Summer Rolls.

Grab a shallow dish, like a pie plate, and fill it with warm water.

Take one rice paper wrapper and dip it in the warm water for about 15 to 20 seconds.

You’ll feel it soften and become pliable. Don’t soak it too long, or it might get too sticky!

Carefully lay the softened wrapper flat on a clean, damp surface. A damp cutting board works well to prevent sticking.

Now, near the edge closest to you, layer a small amount of your filling ingredients.

I usually start with a bit of lettuce, then some carrots, noodles, herbs, and finally a few pieces of shrimp.

Don’t overfill it, or it will be hard to roll. Less is more when you’re learning!

Fold the edge closest to you over the filling.

Then, fold in the sides like you’re making a little envelope.

Roll everything up tightly away from you to form a neat cylinder.

Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling until you have a beautiful pile of Vietnamese Summer Rolls.

Perfecting the Peanut Dipping Sauce

The Peanut Dipping Sauce is honestly what takes these rolls to the next level.

In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.

It will be quite thick at first.

Now, add warm water, one tablespoon at a time.

Whisk constantly until the sauce is smooth and reaches the consistency you like.

I like mine creamy but still dippable, not too runny.

Give it a taste and adjust if needed. Maybe a little more soy sauce or hoisin?

Serve this amazing Peanut Dipping Sauce alongside your freshly rolled summer rolls.

Tips for Perfect Vietnamese Summer Rolls

Making great Vietnamese Summer Rolls comes with a few little tricks I’ve learned along the way. These tips will help you get those beautiful, tight rolls every time!

First, don’t soak your rice paper wrappers for too long. Just a quick dip, about 15 seconds, is usually enough. They keep softening as you work with them.

Work on a slightly damp surface. This keeps the wrapper from sticking and makes rolling much easier.

Don’t cram too much filling in! It’s tempting, but overstuffed rolls are hard to roll tightly and can tear the wrapper.

Layer your ingredients strategically. Put the shrimp or protein near the edge where you’ll see it through the wrapper after rolling.

Roll them tightly! The tighter you roll, the better they hold their shape and the less likely they are to fall apart.

Practice makes perfect with these Vietnamese Summer Rolls! Don’t get discouraged if your first few aren’t restaurant-perfect.

Ingredient Notes and Variations for Your Rolls

One of the best things about making Vietnamese Summer Rolls at home is how easy it is to switch things up! This recipe is really forgiving and welcomes your personal touch.

If shrimp isn’t your thing, no problem! Cooked chicken, thinly sliced pork, or even firm tofu make fantastic protein substitutes. Just make sure they are cooked and cooled before adding them to your rolls.

Feel free to play with the veggies too. Thinly sliced cucumber adds a lovely crunch, and bell peppers bring a little sweetness and color.

You could even add some avocado for extra creaminess.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs as well. Thai basil has a slightly different flavor than sweet basil but works beautifully in Vietnamese Summer Rolls.

Making these rolls is all about using what you love and what you have on hand!

Serving Suggestions for Vietnamese Summer Rolls

Once you’ve got a beautiful platter of these fresh Vietnamese Summer Rolls, you might wonder what else to serve with them. They are fantastic on their own as a light meal or appetizer, but they also pair wonderfully with a few other things.

I often serve them with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad complements the rolls perfectly.

Sometimes, if I want a heartier meal, I’ll make a small bowl of pho or a light noodle soup to go alongside the Vietnamese Summer Rolls.

They are also great with grilled skewers, like chicken or tofu, for a truly satisfying meal.

Honestly, the star is the roll and that amazing peanut sauce, so keep it simple and let them shine!

Storing and Reheating Your Summer Rolls

Okay, so you’ve made a big batch of these lovely Summer Rolls and somehow have leftovers! It happens, right?

The best way to store them is to wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap to keep them from sticking together and drying out.

Then, place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They are best eaten within a day or two.

Reheating isn’t really a thing with these fresh Summer Rolls; they are meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature.

The rice paper can get tough or gummy if you try to heat them up, so just pull them out of the fridge and let them sit for a few minutes before digging in!

Common Questions About Making Summer Rolls

I get asked a few things often about making Summer Rolls, so I wanted to answer them for you here! Don’t hesitate to ask if you have more questions too.

Can I Make Summer Rolls Ahead of Time?

You can make Summer Rolls a few hours ahead, but they really are best when fresh. The rice paper can dry out or get a little tough if they sit too long. If you do make them ahead, wrap each one tightly!

What if My Rice Paper Wrappers Tear?

Don’t stress if a wrapper tears! It happens to everyone, even me sometimes. You can try carefully patching it with a small piece of another softened wrapper, or just set that one aside for yourself to enjoy right away!

How Can I Make the Peanut Dipping Sauce Spicier?

Adding heat to your Peanut Dipping Sauce is super easy! Just whisk in a little sriracha or chili garlic sauce until it reaches your desired spice level. Start with a tiny bit and add more as needed.

Estimated Nutritional Information

Just a quick note on the nutrition details provided for these summer rolls.

The numbers you see are estimates.

Things like the specific brands you use for ingredients or how much sauce you use can change the final count a bit.

It gives you a good general idea though!

We Hope You Enjoy Your Summer Rolls

Well, there you have it! I really hope you give these fresh Summer Rolls a try in your own kitchen.

They bring so much joy and flavor, and making them is truly a rewarding experience.

If you make them, we’d absolutely love to hear about it!

Leave a comment below and let us know how they turned out or if you made any fun variations.

Sharing your cooking adventures always makes our day here at 911Recipes.

Happy rolling!

Print