Fresh spring rolls, also known as Vietnamese spring rolls or summer rolls, are a delightful and refreshing dish that is perfect for any occasion. Made with a combination of fresh vegetables, herbs, rice noodles, and protein, these rolls are not only healthy but also bursting with flavor. In this article, we’ll explore Chef John’s recipe for fresh spring rolls, which is simple, easy-to-follow, and guaranteed to impress your friends and family.

Ingredients:

1. Rice paper wrappers
2. Rice vermicelli noodles
3. Lettuce leaves
4. Carrots, julienned
5. Cucumber, julienned
6. Red bell pepper, thinly sliced
7. Fresh mint leaves
8. Fresh cilantro leaves
9. Cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined (optional)
10. Cooked chicken breast, shredded (optional)
11. Peanut dipping sauce (for serving)

Preparation:

1. Prepare the rice vermicelli noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside to cool.
2. Julienne the carrots and cucumber, and thinly slice the red bell pepper. Wash and dry the lettuce leaves, mint leaves, and cilantro leaves.
3. If using shrimp or chicken, ensure they are cooked and prepared accordingly.
4. Fill a shallow dish with warm water. Dip one rice paper wrapper into the water for about 15-20 seconds until it becomes soft and pliable.
5. Place the softened rice paper wrapper onto a clean, damp kitchen towel.
6. Layer a lettuce leaf on the bottom third of the rice paper wrapper, leaving about an inch of space on either side.
7. Add a small handful of rice vermicelli noodles on top of the lettuce leaf, followed by the julienned carrots, cucumber, red bell pepper, and any optional protein (shrimp or chicken).
8. Place a few fresh mint leaves and cilantro leaves on top of the vegetables.
9. Fold the bottom edge of the rice paper wrapper over the filling, then fold in the sides, and roll tightly to enclose the filling completely.
10. Repeat the process with the remaining ingredients until all the filling is used.

Serve:

Arrange the fresh spring rolls on a serving platter and serve immediately with peanut dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy these delicious rolls as an appetizer, light lunch, or a healthy snack!

Conclusion:

Chef John’s fresh spring rolls are a perfect combination of crunchy vegetables, fragrant herbs, and tender protein, all wrapped up in a delicate rice paper wrapper. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a healthy lunch option, or simply craving a light and refreshing snack, these spring rolls are sure to satisfy your taste buds. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can whip up a batch of these delightful rolls in no time. So why wait? Give Chef John’s recipe a try today and indulge in the goodness of fresh spring rolls!