on Aug 12, 2023, Updated Sep 12, 2023
Why You’ll Love Shrimp Spring Rolls
What makes this Shrimp Spring Rolls recipe so beautiful and nutritious is the variety of fillings that work here. Any colorful vegetable can be used: sprouts or micro-greens, sliced avocado 🥑, strips of bell pepper, crunchy lettuce leaves, shredded radishes, and so much more. The vegetables included in the recipe make some of my favorite combinations but are just a suggested starting point. The creamy peanut-soy dipping sauce is so simple. Just stir together a few condiments and add a bit of water 💦 to thin the dip to your desired consistency. The smooth, salty dip is a must alongside the fresh, crunchy rolls. Everything is best enjoyed fresh, served right after you finish assembling the shrimp spring rolls.
How to Prepare
🔪 Start by using a sharp knife to julienne your veggies as thinly as possible. You can use a julienne peeler as well. Then, set aside. 🫧 Next, add about 4 cups of water to a large pot. Add the bay leaves, squeeze in the lemon juice and the squeezed lemon half, and a big pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat. 🦐 Once the water boils, turn off the heat and add the raw shrimp. Cover the pot with a lid and cook for about 3 minutes or until the shrimp curl into themselves and turn pink. 🧊 Meanwhile, prepare a large bowl of ice water for the shrimp. ⏲️ After 3 minutes, transfer the shrimp with a spider (or small strainer) to the ice water. Let the shrimp chill for 1 to 2 minutes, then transfer to a plate and set aside. 🥣 To a small bowl, add the peanut butter, soy sauce, sweet Thai chili sauce, and rice vinegar. ♨️ Gradually add hot water, stirring, until you reach your desired consistency. Set aside. 💧 Take one sheet of rice paper, submerge it in warm water for 15 to 20 seconds, and then lay it onto a plate or a clean, damp kitchen towel. 🥕 Add the vegetables in the bottom third of the wrapper. Roll halfway up into a cylinder, then fold in the sides. Lay two pieces of shrimp on top. Roll into a tight cylinder to seal. 😋 Repeat the same step for each shrimp spring roll. Serve right away, alongside the peanut dipping sauce, and enjoy!
Variations and Substitutions for Shrimp Spring Rolls
Feel free to customize these Shrimp Spring Rolls to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Explore protein swaps, colorful veggies, dipping sauce tweaks, and more, giving you the freedom to customize these spring rolls to your liking. Here are just a few options:
Crabmeat 🦀 or tofu instead of shrimp Leave out the protein for a veggie-only spring roll Add bean sprouts or thinly sliced mango to your rolls Seed butter instead of peanut butter (for those with a peanut allergy) Large lettuce leaves 🥬 instead of rice paper to wrap the spring rolls
All About Rice Paper Wrappers
A major component of this Shrimp Spring Rolls recipe are specialty Rice paper wrappers. You can find these wrappers at many major grocery stores, as well as Asian grocery shops. These super thin wrappers are generally made from tapioca and rice flour 🌾, making them naturally gluten-free. Once the wrappers are wet, they take on a soft, pliable, sticky texture that makes them ideal for wrapping. When working with rice paper wrappers, avoid over-soaking them or else they’ll tear and will not roll up at all, and work fast so the wrappers don’t get sticky on you. Also, avoid over-stuffing the wrappers which again will cause them to break. Practice makes perfect!
Best Served With
You can make a quick and easy dipping sauce by combining soy sauce and fresh lime juice instead of, or in addition to, the peanut 🥜 dipping sauce. Serve these Shrimp Spring Rolls alongside a simple Asian-inspired slaw: combine a package of coleslaw mix with some of the peanut dipping sauce or a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, chili oil, and lime juice. These Shrimp Spring Rolls pair wonderfully with pickled vegetables 🥕 (you can purchase pre-made from Asian grocery stores or make your own), which add bright acidity and crunch. If you love Asian-inspired rolls, be sure to also check out my Vegetable Egg Rolls.
Common Questions
