Can I make summer rolls ahead of time?

Honestly? They're best made fresh. But if you must prep early, store components separately and roll within an hour of serving. Wrappers turn gummy when refrigerated—trust me, I've wept over sad, sticky rolls before!

What can I use instead of shrimp?

Oh, so many options! Thin-sliced grilled pork, cooked chicken, or crispy tofu all work beautifully. My vegetarian friends love adding avocado or mango slices for creaminess. Just keep pieces small so they roll neatly.

Help—my rice paper keeps sticking!

First, don't panic! Make sure your work surface is damp (not wet) and work quickly. If wrappers cling stubbornly, try adding a teaspoon of rice vinegar to your dipping water—it's my secret weapon for easy peeling.

How do I keep them from drying out?

Drape finished rolls with a damp kitchen towel until serving—not touching them directly, or they'll get soggy. Think "lightly humid," not "soaked."

Make Vietnamese Summer Rolls for Epic Freshness

Name: Make Vietnamese Summer Rolls for Epic Freshness
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Ingredients: 12 rice paper wrappers; 1 cup cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 cup cooked rice vermicelli noodles; 1 cup shredded lettuce; 1 cup bean sprouts; 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves; 1/2 cup fresh cilantro; 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves; 1 cucumber, julienned; 1 carrot, julienned

Description

Fresh and light Vietnamese summer rolls filled with vegetables, herbs, and protein, wrapped in rice paper. Perfect for a healthy appetizer or light meal.

Ingredients

12 rice paper wrappers
1 cup cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup cooked rice vermicelli noodles
1 cup shredded lettuce
1 cup bean sprouts
1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
1/2 cup fresh cilantro
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
1 cucumber, julienned
1 carrot, julienned

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Instructions

Prepare all ingredients and arrange them on a clean surface.
Fill a shallow dish with warm water. Dip one rice paper wrapper into the water for 5-10 seconds until soft.
Lay the wrapper flat on a damp towel. Place a small amount of each ingredient in the center, leaving space at the edges.
Fold the sides of the wrapper inward, then roll tightly from the bottom to the top.
Repeat with remaining wrappers and ingredients.
Serve fresh with dipping sauce.

Notes

Keep rice paper wrappers moist to prevent cracking.
Use fresh herbs for the best flavor.
Serve immediately or cover with a damp towel to keep fresh.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: Vietnamese