How to Make Shrimp and Pork Spring Rolls

Spring rolls, known as “Gỏi Cuốn” in Vietnamese, are a delightful combination of fresh ingredients wrapped in rice paper. This recipe will guide you through making the perfect shrimp and pork spring rolls that are not only delicious but also healthy and refreshing.

Ingredients

For the Filling

• 200g shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 200g pork tenderloin, thinly sliced
• 1 cup vermicelli noodles, cooked and drained
• 1 cup lettuce leaves, washed and dried
• 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
• 1/2 cucumber, julienned
• 1 carrot, julienned

For the Dipping Sauce

• 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Chopped peanuts (for garnish)
• Sriracha (optional, for heat)

For Wrapping

• Rice paper sheets

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by cooking the pork and shrimp. Boil or steam the shrimp until they turn pink and are cooked through. For the pork, you can grill or pan-fry it until fully cooked. Allow both to cool before slicing the pork into thin strips.

Step 2: Cook the Vermicelli Noodles

Follow the package instructions to cook the vermicelli noodles. Once cooked, rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process and drain thoroughly.

Step 3: Make the Dipping Sauce

In a bowl, mix hoisin sauce, peanut butter, and lime juice until smooth. Adjust the ingredients to taste and sprinkle chopped peanuts on top for extra crunch. Add Sriracha if you like a spicy kick.

Step 4: Assemble the Spring Rolls

1. Soften the Rice Paper: Fill a shallow dish with warm water. Dip one rice paper sheet in the water for about 10-15 seconds until soft but not overly mushy.
2. Layer the Ingredients: Place the softened rice paper on a clean surface. Lay down a lettuce leaf, followed by a small portion of vermicelli noodles, shrimp, pork, cucumber, carrot, mint, and cilantro.
3. Roll It Up: Start rolling the rice paper from the bottom, tucking in the sides as you go to create a tight roll. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.

Step 5: Serve

Arrange the spring rolls on a platter. Serve them fresh with the dipping sauce on the side.

Tips for Perfect Spring Rolls

• Fresh Ingredients: Use the freshest vegetables and herbs for the best flavor.
• Avoid Overstuffing: Less is more when it comes to filling; overstuffed rolls can be hard to wrap.
• Practice Makes Perfect: Don’t be discouraged if your first few rolls aren’t perfect. It takes practice to get the technique right!

Conclusion

Shrimp and pork spring rolls are a fun and healthy dish to prepare at home. With fresh ingredients and a flavorful dipping sauce, they make an excellent appetizer or light meal. Enjoy this Vietnamese classic with friends and family for a delightful culinary experience!