Vietnamese vegetable rolls, also known as “goi cuon” or Vietnamese fresh spring rolls, embody Vietnamese cuisine and are a must-try during your Vietnam travel. It is often served with a savory dip made with hoisin sauce, peanut butter, garlic, and chili for a delightful blend of flavors. Whether enjoyed as a snack or main course, Vietnamese vegetable rolls exemplify the culinary elegance and rich cultural heritage of Vietnam.
1. The appealing flavor of Vietnamese fresh spring rolls
Vietnamese fresh spring rolls offer a burst of refreshing flavors. The combination of crisp vegetables, like lettuce, cucumber, and bean sprouts, along with succulent shrimp or pork creates a delightful contrast in textures. Fragrant herbs like mint, basil, and cilantro infuse the rolls with an aromatic essence. The flavors are further elevated by the dipping sauce, which adds a sweet, nutty, and slightly spicy element, enhancing the overall taste experience. The rice paper itself is neutral in taste, allowing the ingredients to shine and meld together in a harmonious symphony of flavors. The balance of sweet, salty, savory, and herbal notes makes Vietnamese vegetable spring rolls a true culinary delight, perfect for savoring during any time of the year.
Whether you are strolling through a bustling street market in Vietnam or dining in a Vietnamese restaurant, indulging in Vietnamese rolls is a culinary experience that showcases the country's dedication to fresh, flavorful, and wholesome cuisine.
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2. The BEST Vietnamese fresh spring rolls’ recipes
2.1. Vietnamese fresh spring rolls with shrimp and pork (Goi cuon tom thit)
Ingredients
- 500g of shrimp
- 700g of pork belly
- 500g of rice vermicelli
- Rice paper wrappers
- Fresh vegetables and herbs (lettuce, mint, coriander, etc.)
- Pickled vegetables
- Crushed roasted peanuts
Instructions
Here is a step-by-step guide to prepare these delicious Vietnamese summer rolls:
Step 1: Prepare the fresh vegetables
- Clean and soak the fresh vegetables and herbs in saltwater, then rinse them thoroughly. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the shrimp
- Wash the shrimp and marinate with 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 tablespoon of rice wine, and 1 teaspoon of sugar to enhance the flavor.
- Heat a pan, add the shrimp, cover, and cook until they turn red. Remember to flip them for even cooking.
- Remove the shrimp and let them drain. Peel and devein the shrimp, then cut in half lengthwise. Arrange them on a plate for the next step.
Step 3: Prepare the pork
- Clean the pork belly, remove the hair, and wash thoroughly. Boil water in a pot, add a crushed onion, and boil the pork for about 20 minutes. Once cooked, remove and soak in a bowl of cold water to make the meat firm and white. Slice the pork into thin pieces and place them in a separate dish.
Step 4: Roll
- Prepare a clean space to assemble the rolls. After wetting the rice paper, layer the lettuce, herbs, vermicelli, shrimp, and pork. Add a sprig of cilantro and mint for garnish. Roll tightly and repeat until you've used all the ingredients.
- Serve the shrimp and pork fresh spring rolls with dipping sauce. You can also sprinkle some crushed peanuts and pickled vegetables for added flavor.
2.2. Vietnamese fresh spring rolls with pork (Goi cuon thit heo)
Ingredients
- 400g of pork belly
- Rice paper wrappers
- Star fruit, green banana, pineapple
- 1 bowl of fermented anchovy sauce
- Rice vermicelli
- Cucumbers, carrots
- Lettuce, mint, coriander, etc.
- Salt, seasoning powder, sugar, garlic, lime, chili
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the ingredients
- Clean the pork and boil it in a pot with a pinch of salt until it is cooked. Let it cool and thinly slice the pork.
- Prepare the shrimp by boiling them until they turn pink. Cut them in half lengthwise after cooking.
- Julienne the carrots and cucumbers into thin strips.
- Soak the vermicelli in warm water until soft, then drain.
Step 2: Make the dipping sauce
- In a bowl, mix hoisin sauce with ground peanuts to create the dipping sauce. Adjust the sweetness and thickness according to your preference.
- In another bowl, mix fish sauce with minced garlic, chili, sugar, and lime juice to make a flavorful dipping sauce.
Step 3: Assemble the rolls
- Fill a shallow pan with warm water.
- Dip a rice paper wrapper into the warm water for a few seconds to soften it. Lay it flat on a clean surface.
- Arrange a few shrimp halves, slices of pork, vermicelli, lettuce, herbs, carrots, and cucumbers in the center of the wrapper.
- Fold the sides of the wrapper over the filling, then fold the bottom and roll tightly to form a Vietnamese fresh spring roll.
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2.3. Vietnamese vegetable rolls (Goi cuon chay)
Ingredients
- 2 tofu sheets
- 200g of fresh vermicelli
- 100g of straw mushrooms
- Carrots, beets, cucumbers
- Rice paper wrappers
- Peanut butter, soy sauce, chili
- Lettuce, bean sprouts, and various herbs
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the ingredients
- Fry the tofu until golden, then slice into thin pieces.
- Peel and cut the carrots and beets into thin strips and blanch them. Slice the straw mushrooms.
- Julienne the cucumbers.
Step 2: Stir-fry the filling
- Sauté the carrots, mushrooms, and beets with a bit of oil, 1/2 tablespoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. Mix well and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the wrappers
- Soften the rice paper wrappers in warm water, then lay them flat.
- Arrange the tofu, vegetables, and sautéed mix in the center of the wrapper.
Step 4: Roll
- Fold the sides over the filling, then fold the bottom and roll tightly to form a spring roll.
- Mix 1 tablespoon of peanut butter and 4 tablespoons of soy sauce in a hot pan. Add 100 ml of water, stir until the mixture thickens. Optionally, add shredded carrots and crushed peanuts.
Vietnamese vegetarian rolls are a vegetarian Vietnamese food that showcases the richness of plant-based ingredients in Vietnamese cuisine.
3. How to make Vietnamese fresh spring roll dipping sauces?
3.1. Dipping sauce made from fermented anchovy
Ingredients
- 7 tablespoons of fermented anchovy
- 1 tablespoon of lime juice
- 3 tablespoons of finely chopped shallots
- 3 tablespoons of coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon of minced chili
- 1 tablespoon of minced garlic
- 5 tablespoons of sugar
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine 7 tablespoons of fish sauce and 5 tablespoons of sugar.
- Add 4 tablespoons of coconut milk and 1 tablespoon of lime juice to the mixture. Stir well to dissolve the sugar.
- Incorporate the shallots, chili, and garlic into the bowl. Mix thoroughly.
- Taste and adjust the flavor according to your preference. You can add more sugar, fish sauce, or lime juice to balance the taste.
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3.2. Vietnamese fresh spring rolls’ peanut sauce
Ingredients
- 5 tablespoons of hoisin sauce
- 1.5 tablespoons of peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon of roasted peanuts
- 1 tablespoon of minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon of minced chili
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 2 tablespoons of cooking oil
Instructions
- Put 5 tablespoons of hoisin sauce in a blender. Add 8 tablespoons of water and blend until smooth.
- Heat a pan over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of cooking oil, wait for the oil to heat up, then sauté the minced garlic until golden and fragrant.
- Once done, pour the blended hoisin sauce into the pan.
- Add peanut butter and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Stir until the sauce thickens a bit. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Turn off the heat.
- To serve, pour the sauce into a bowl. Add roasted peanuts and minced chili for enhanced flavor.
Vietnamese peanut sauce is a beloved and versatile condiment in Vietnamese cuisine. Its smooth and creamy texture, coupled with a perfect balance of nutty and savory flavors, makes it a delightful addition to numerous dishes.
These Vietnamese spring roll sauces, with their enticing blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, further elevate the taste of Vietnamese fresh spring rolls.
Exploring Vietnam is a journey through diverse experiences - from rich culture, breathtaking nature, and delectable cuisine to the warmth of its people. Vietnamese food, an integral part of this adventure, offers a tapestry of flavors and textures that will captivate your taste buds.
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Vietnamese vegetable rolls are a testament to the vibrant culinary traditions of Vietnam. These healthy and flavorful rolls not only delight taste buds but also offer a nutritious dining experience. So, whether you are a seasoned food enthusiast or a newcomer to Vietnamese fare, these rolls are a must-try. They offer a taste of Vietnam's culinary excellence and commitment to wholesome ingredients.
