Plump Shrimp Spring Rolls
Delicious and Healthy Vietnamese-Style Shrimp Spring Rolls Recipe
Making your own Vietnamese-style spring rolls with shrimp means you can enjoy them to your heart’s content! These are a healthy, delicious option perfect for a light meal or diet. Here’s how to make these refreshing shrimp spring rolls.
Spring Roll Fillings
- 1/3 Onion
- 1 Cucumber
- 2/3 Carrot
- 1 Bell Pepper (use various colors for visual appeal)
- 180g Imitation Crab Sticks (e.g., surimi sticks)
- A handful of Kale leaves
- 1 bunch of Perilla leaves (Shiso)
- 1 bag of Cooked Cocktail Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2/3 can of Pineapple chunks in syrup (drained)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Start by preparing the vegetables. Thinly slice 1/3 of an onion. This will add a nice crispness to your rolls.
Step 2
Wash the cucumber thoroughly. You can peel it if desired, then slice it into thin matchsticks. Removing the seedy core will help prevent excess moisture.
Step 3
Peel and thinly julienne 2/3 of a carrot. These vibrant orange sticks will add color and a touch of sweetness.
Step 4
Core and thinly slice 1 bell pepper. You can use any color you like for a beautiful presentation.
Step 5
Gently separate the imitation crab sticks lengthwise or slice them into thin strips, similar in length to your julienned vegetables. Look how colorful and inviting the prepared ingredients are!
Step 6
Wash the kale and perilla leaves well. Pat them dry and cut them in half so they fit nicely within the spring roll wrapper.
Step 7
Prepare the shrimp. Rinse the cocktail shrimp under cold water. Bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch the shrimp for just 1-2 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become tough.
Step 8
Immediately transfer the blanched shrimp to a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking process and cool them down. This helps maintain their firm, plump texture.
Step 9
(Optional) For a more substantial roll, you can also prepare some thinly sliced grilled beef (like bulgogi) or other cooked meats to include. Prepare any additional ingredients you plan to use.
Step 10
All the ingredients for your spring rolls are now ready! They look so appetizing, don’t they? Let’s start rolling!
Step 11
It’s time to work with the rice paper wrappers. Prepare a shallow dish of warm water. Dip one rice paper wrapper into the warm water for about 10-15 seconds, just until it becomes pliable but not soggy. Carefully remove it and lay it flat on a clean surface or plate.
Step 12
Arrange the halved kale and perilla leaves on the softened rice paper, leaving a small border around the edges. These will form the first layer.
Step 13
Neatly layer the julienned carrots, cucumber, imitation crab sticks, onion, bell pepper, shrimp, and drained pineapple over the leaves. Avoid overfilling, as this can make it difficult to roll neatly.
Step 14
Now, let’s roll! Fold the bottom edge of the rice paper up and over the filling. Then, fold in the sides. Finally, roll the entire package up tightly towards the top edge, ensuring a neat and secure wrap. Aim for a firm roll that won’t unravel.
Step 15
(Optional) Adding ingredients like the pre-cooked grilled beef can create a delicious variation. Personally, I found the shrimp rolls to be cleaner and more refreshing, allowing the natural flavors of the vegetables and shrimp to shine through.
Step 16
By following these steps, you’ll wrap all the fresh ingredients in the rice paper to create beautiful and delicious spring rolls.
Step 17
Cut the finished spring rolls in half for easier eating. This also showcases the colorful ingredients inside.
Step 18
Your fresh and vibrant Vietnamese-style shrimp spring rolls are complete! Each bite is filled with the delightful crunch of vegetables and the succulent texture of shrimp, bringing pure happiness.
Step 19
Dip these wonderful spring rolls into the sweet and savory peanut sauce or the zesty chili sauce for an even more delightful taste experience! Making Vietnamese spring rolls at home is surprisingly easy. Give it a try for a healthy and incredibly delicious meal!
