These fresh Vegan Rice Paper Rolls are packed with veggies and served with a zesty spicy peanut sauce. They are light, crunchy, and perfect for a quick snack or lunch!
Rolling these up is half the fun! I love how I get to pick my favorite fillings. Plus, that spicy peanut sauce? Totally drool-worthy! 🥜
Making these rolls is super simple! Just soak the rice paper, fill it up, roll, and dip. It’s a tasty way to enjoy healthy ingredients without any fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice Paper Sheets: These are essential for wrapping your rolls. If unavailable, try using large lettuce leaves or nori sheets for a different texture and flavor.
Vermicelli Rice Noodles: They add a lovely chew to the rolls. If you’re looking for a low-carb option, spiralized vegetables like zucchini or cucumber work well as substitutes.
Fresh Herbs: Mint and cilantro bring brightness. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute it with basil or omit it entirely. Fresh herbs are key to flavor, so don’t skip them!
Peanut Butter: Smooth peanut butter provides creaminess. For a nut-free option, sunflower seed butter works great. You can also use almond butter for a different taste.
Maple Syrup: This sweetens the sauce. Alternatively, agave syrup or honey can be used if you’re not strictly vegan.
How Do You Roll Rice Paper Perfectly?
Rolling rice paper can be tricky, but with a few tips, you’ll get the hang of it! First, make sure the rice paper is pliable but not too soft. Here’s how to do it:
- Fill a shallow dish with warm water. Dip one rice paper sheet for 10-15 seconds until soft yet firm.
- Lay the softened sheet flat on a clean surface. Make sure it’s not touching anything else to avoid sticking.
- Layer your fillings towards the bottom third of the paper. Don’t overfill; this will make rolling easier!
- Fold the sides in first, then roll tightly from the bottom up. Practice makes perfect, so don’t worry if they’re not perfect right away!
Enjoy the process, and remember, even imperfect rolls taste delicious!
Easy Vegan Rice Paper Rolls with Spicy Peanut Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Rice Paper Rolls:
- 8-10 rice paper sheets
- 1 cup cooked vermicelli rice noodles
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup cucumber, julienned
- 1 cup bell peppers (red or yellow), julienned
- 1/2 cup purple cabbage, shredded
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/2 cup edamame, shelled
- Sesame seeds for garnish
For the Spicy Peanut Sauce:
- 1/4 cup smooth peanut butter
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1-2 tbsp maple syrup (to taste)
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1-2 tsp sriracha or chili paste (to taste)
- Water to thin (as needed)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend 10 minutes getting your veggies and sauce ready, and then about 20 minutes assembling the rolls. It’s a great way to enjoy fresh, healthy ingredients!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Ingredients:
Start by julienning (cutting into thin strips) the cucumbers and bell peppers, and shredding the carrots and purple cabbage. Measure out the fresh mint, cilantro, and shelled edamame. Having everything ready makes the rolling process quick and easy!
2. Make the Spicy Peanut Sauce:
In a bowl, combine the peanut butter, soy sauce, maple syrup, lime juice, and sriracha. Use a whisk or a fork to mix everything together until it’s smooth. If it’s too thick, add a little water, mixing until you achieve a nice, drizzlable consistency. Set this yummy sauce aside for later.
3. Soften the Rice Paper:
Fill a large shallow dish with warm water. Take one rice paper sheet and dip it into the water for about 10-15 seconds. You want it soft but not too mushy! Once it’s ready, carefully take it out and lay it flat on a clean surface, ready for filling.
4. Assemble the Rolls:
At the bottom third of the rice paper, start layering your fillings. Add a small amount of vermicelli noodles first, then pile on the shredded carrots, cucumber, bell peppers, cabbage, edamame, and a few mint and cilantro leaves. Be careful not to overfill, or the rolls will be hard to close!
5. Roll It Up:
Now, it’s time to wrap! Fold the sides of the rice paper inwards first. Then, starting from the bottom, roll it up tightly to secure all the delicious filling inside. Wrap as snugly as you can without tearing the paper. Repeat this process with the remaining sheets and fillings.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Place your beautifully rolled rice papers on a platter. Sprinkle some sesame seeds on top for a lovely finishing touch. Serve them alongside your spicy peanut sauce for dipping. Enjoy your fresh and tasty vegan rice paper rolls!
Can I Make Rice Paper Rolls Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling ingredients ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, it’s best to assemble the rice paper rolls fresh, as they can dry out and become sticky if made too early. If you need to make them in advance, keep them covered with a damp cloth until serving.
What Can I Use Instead of Rice Paper?
If you can’t find rice paper, you can use thin lettuce leaves, such as romaine or butter lettuce, as a fresh alternative. Just keep in mind that the wrapping process will be different; you’ll need to carefully wrap the ingredients without tearing the leaves.
How to Store Leftover Rolls?
If you have leftover rice paper rolls, store them in an airtight container with a damp paper towel to keep them moist. They can be kept in the fridge for up to 24 hours. For best quality, try to eat them the same day they are made!
Can I Adjust the Spiciness of the Peanut Sauce?
Absolutely! The spice level in the sauce can easily be adjusted by adding more or less sriracha or chili paste according to your preference. If you want a milder sauce, start with just a small amount and taste as you go. You can also balance the heat by adding a little more maple syrup for sweetness!
