These tasty shrimp spring rolls are light, crunchy, and packed with fresh veggies. They’re fun to make and perfect for sharing with friends!
And let’s be real, that spicy almond dipping sauce takes it to the next level! 😋 I love making extra sauce for a delicious snack anytime. It’s easy and super satisfying!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice Paper Wrappers: These are essential for wrapping your spring rolls. If you can’t find them, however, you can use lettuce leaves as a low-carb alternative, but the texture will differ.
Shrimp: Fresh shrimp is great, but frozen and thawed shrimp work just as well. For a vegetarian option, consider using marinated tofu or chickpeas instead.
Lettuce: Butter or romaine lettuce add crispness. If you’re looking for a crunchy alternative, try using green cabbage leaves.
Carrot and Cucumber: These add freshness and crunch. You can swap them for bell peppers or radishes if you’re in the mood for something different.
Almond Butter: It’s creamy and flavorful, but sunflower seed butter is a great nut-free substitute. Peanut butter can also work if you’re a peanut fan.
How Can I Make Sure My Shrimp Is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking shrimp can be tricky. To ensure they’re perfectly cooked, keep these tips in mind:
- Heat your skillet to a medium temperature; high heat can make them tough.
- Cook shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque—about 2-3 minutes on each side. They’ll continue to cook a bit after you remove them from the heat.
- Season lightly with salt and pepper before cooking to enhance their flavor.
How Do I Properly Roll the Spring Rolls?
Rolling spring rolls might seem challenging, but it’s easy with practice! Here’s how to do it right:
- Soak one rice paper wrapper in warm water for 10-15 seconds until soft, then place it on a clean surface.
- Place your fillings in the center, leaving space on the sides for folding.
- Fold the sides in first, then start rolling from the bottom up. Keep the fillings snug but not too tight to avoid tearing.
With patience and a little practice, you’ll be rolling like a pro in no time!
How to Make Shrimp Spring Rolls with Spicy Almond Dipping Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Spring Rolls:
- 8-10 rice paper wrappers
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup lettuce (such as butter or romaine), leaves separated
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1 cucumber, julienned
- Fresh herbs (such as mint or cilantro)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Spicy Almond Dipping Sauce:
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1-2 tsp sriracha (adjust based on spice preference)
- 1-2 tbsp water (to thin, if necessary)
- 1 tsp lime juice (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend around 10 minutes cooking the shrimp and prepping the veggies, and about 20 minutes assembling the spring rolls. It’s a fun activity that results in a fresh and healthy dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp:
Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. While the oil is heating up, season the shrimp with a little salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn a lovely pink and are opaque all the way through. Once cooked, take them off the heat and let them cool slightly while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
2. Prepare the Vegetables:
While the shrimp are cooling, take a moment to prepare your vegetables. Julienne the carrot and cucumber, making sure they are cut into thin matchstick shapes. Rinse and separate the lettuce leaves; they will add a nice crunch to your spring rolls. Set all the veggies aside for easy access.
3. Make the Dipping Sauce:
In a medium bowl, mix together the almond butter, soy sauce, and honey (or maple syrup). If you like a bit of heat, add the sriracha. For an extra zing, include lime juice if you have it on hand. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth. If the sauce is too thick for your liking, you can add a bit of water to reach your desired consistency. Taste the sauce and adjust the spice level to your preference—more sriracha if you want it hotter!
4. Assemble the Spring Rolls:
To start making your spring rolls, fill a large shallow dish (like a pie dish) with warm water. Take one rice paper wrapper and dip it into the water for about 10-15 seconds, or until it becomes flexible. Carefully pull it out of the water and lay it flat on a clean surface or a cutting board.
5. Add Fillings:
In the center of the rice paper wrapper, layer a few cooked shrimp, followed by some lettuce, a pinch of julienned carrot and cucumber, and a few sprigs of fresh herbs. This combo gives your spring rolls flavor and color!
6. Roll Up the Spring Rolls:
Now it’s time to roll! Start by folding the sides of the wrapper over the fillings. Then, from the bottom edge, roll the wrapper up tightly, keeping all the tasty fillings secure inside. Repeat this process for all the remaining rice paper wrappers and fillings until you have a plate full of spring rolls.
7. Serve:
Beautiful! Place the spring rolls on a serving platter and add a small bowl of your spicy almond dipping sauce alongside. Enjoy your vibrant and fresh shrimp spring rolls with family and friends!
Can I Use Cooked Shrimp Instead?
Absolutely! If you have leftover cooked shrimp, feel free to use them. Just ensure they are peeled and deveined. You can skip the cooking step and assemble your spring rolls directly, making this recipe even quicker!
What Can I Substitute for Almond Butter?
If you don’t have almond butter, you can use peanut butter or cashew butter instead, but this will alter the flavor slightly. If nut allergies are a concern, tahini is a great nut-free alternative that still provides a creamy texture!
How to Store Leftover Spring Rolls?
Store any leftover spring rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To keep them fresh, place a damp paper towel between layers. However, note that the rice paper may soften and lose some crunch. It’s best to enjoy them fresh!
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to customize your spring rolls by adding other veggies like bell peppers, avocado, or even cooked vermicelli noodles for extra texture and flavor. Just make sure to keep the filling balanced so they roll up nicely!
