Fresh spring rolls are a delightful and healthy dish that everyone can enjoy. They are light, refreshing, and packed with vibrant vegetables, making them an excellent choice for a snack or a light meal. Therefore, eating healthy doesn’t have to be boring, and this fresh spring roll recipe showcase that perfectly. Not only are they easy to prepare, but they also encourage creativity with the fillings you choose.
You can customize them with your favorite ingredients, whether it’s crunchy carrots, crisp cucumbers, or tasty herbs. Plus, they go great with homemade sauces that truly enhance the taste.
Discovering Fresh Spring Rolls
Years ago, I discovered fresh spring rolls at a Thai restaurant and instantly fell in love with their simple, fresh taste. Since then, they have become one of my favorite dishes, packed with healthy vegetables and served with delicious dipping sauces.
Later, I found a recipe inspired by Minimalist Baker that captured the same flavors I enjoyed at the restaurant. I also discovered a simple sweet sauce recipe from ifoodreal.com that takes these fresh spring rolls to the next level.
What really makes these fresh spring rolls special are the delicious peanut and sweet sauces. These sauces not only boost the flavor but also add a bit of indulgence. They are also easy to eat and can be customized with a variety of ingredients.
Therefore, having a recipe to make them at home has been a game-changer for me. It allows me to customize my fresh spring rolls with whatever ingredients I prefer.
Guilt-Free Snack for Every Gathering
In addition, the versatility of fresh spring rolls makes them a guilt-free option for quick snacks or a satisfying meal whenever I crave something delicious. Whether I’m in the mood for a light bite or a healthy dish, these rolls consistently deliver a burst of freshness and flavor.
At potluck events, having a recipe for fresh spring rolls has become my secret weapon. Their bright colors and tasty filling instantly catch the attention of friends and family. Additionally, they add a special touch of healthy indulgence to any gathering.
The best part is that I can make them ahead of time, which lets me present a crowd-pleasing dish without the stress of last-minute cooking. Each time I share these rolls with my loved ones, they always ask for the recipes, especially for the peanut butter and sweet sauces.
Tips for Making Homemade Sauces
1. Peanut Sauce
For the peanut sauce, I highly recommend using fresh peanut butter. I’ve tried both store-bought and freshly made peanut butters, and the taste difference is huge. So, here are a couple of options for making fresh peanut butter if you’re interested:
- Health Stores: Many health-focused grocery stores, like Whole Foods, have nut butter machines you can use.
- Homemade Peanut Butter: If that’s not available, you can easily make your own peanut butter, just like I do. Not only does homemade peanut butter taste better, but it’s also more cost-effective.
How to Make Peanut Butter:
Making your own peanut butter is quick and simple. All you need are unsalted fresh peanuts. Just put them in a blender, like a Vitamix, or a food processor, and blend until they turn soft and creamy. The longer you blend, the creamier it will get. Seriously, it’s really that easy!
2. Sweet Sauce
Now, let’s talk about the sweet sauce. I used to buy sweet sauces, thinking they were complicated to make or needed special ingredients. However, everything changed when I found a super easy recipe for sweet sauce. This recipe doesn’t use refined sugar or any unhealthy ingredients, and it tastes better than any store-bought sauce I’ve tried.
Fresh Spring Rolls Recipe
Ingredients
Rolls:
- 7-8 rice spring roll papers
- 1 cup of red cabbage (chopped)
- 1 avocado, cut into long slices
- 1 small carrot, thinly sliced into strips
- 2 small cucumbers, cut into long thin strips
- 1/2 bunch cilantro
- 1/2 bunch mint
- Basil (optional)
- 1/2 red or yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 mango, thinly sliced
- 8 strips of firm tofu
- 1 cup of cooked sweet potato noodles or any desired kind
- 1/2 cup of cooked shrimp (if not vegan)
Peanut Sauce:
- 1/2 cup salted peanut butter
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp maple syrup
- Juice of 1/2 medium lime
- 1/2 tsp chili garlic sauce
- 1/2 tsp fresh grated ginger
- Hot water (to thin)
Sweet Sauce:
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 Tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 small clove garlic, grated or minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp red chili pepper flakes
Optional Tools:
- Spring roll water bowl or a large tray
- Rice paper wrapper tray
Instructions
Making Healthy Spring Rolls
Making fresh spring rolls is a fun and rewarding experience. While it may take some time to prepare the ingredients, you can save time by prepping everything ahead of time, especially on weekends. When it’s mealtime, you can quickly roll them up and enjoy a delicious, healthy snack or meal.
Just remember that the texture of the rice papers can change if they are refrigerated, making them stiff. Therefore, I recommend enjoying these fresh spring rolls right after you roll them. They taste amazing when eaten fresh!
Don’t forget to check out my recipe for Korean kimbap rolls with fresh vegetables—they’re just as delicious!
