Do Share Recipe

Deliciously Fresh Spring Rolls with Shrimp Recipe

After making these fresh shrimp spring rolls last weekend, I can’t believe I didn’t try them sooner! They were an absolute sensation with my family, disappearing from the platter in minutes.

The mix of crisp vegetables, tender shrimp, and fresh herbs wrapped in delicate rice paper is just incredible. If you enjoy this, you might also want to explore our guide to making a fantastic Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Phyllo Cups Recipe for another delicious meal idea.

What You’ll Need for Your Spring Rolls

To create these vibrant and flavorful spring rolls, you’ll need a handful of fresh ingredients. The quality of these components is what truly makes the dish shine.

12 rice paper wrappers – These are the thin, translucent sheets that will hold all your delicious fillings together.
24 medium shrimp, peeled and deveined – The star of the show! Use fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor.
1 cup of thinly sliced lettuce – Butter lettuce is a great choice for its soft, tender leaves that won’t tear the wrapper.
1 cup of vermicelli noodles – These thin rice noodles add a soft texture and substance to the rolls.
1/2 cup of fresh mint leaves – Provides a cool, refreshing flavor that cuts through the richness.
1/2 cup of fresh cilantro leaves – Adds a bright, citrusy, and herbaceous note.
1/2 cup of fresh Thai basil leaves – Lends a unique, slightly spicy, and anise-like flavor.
1 medium carrot, julienned – Adds a sweet crunch and a pop of color.
1 cucumber, julienned – Gives the rolls a refreshing, crisp texture.
1/4 cup of hoisin sauce – A classic, savory dipping sauce.
1/4 cup of peanut sauce – A creamy and nutty alternative for dipping.

Note: The quantities listed will yield approximately 12 spring rolls, perfect for a light lunch or appetizer for 4-6 people.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Equipment You Need

You don’t need any fancy gadgets for this recipe, just some basic kitchen tools.

Large Pot: For boiling water to cook the shrimp and vermicelli noodles.
Large Shallow Bowl or Pie Plate: To hold the warm water for softening the rice paper wrappers.
Cutting Board and Knife: For julienning the carrots and cucumber and slicing the shrimp.
Damp Kitchen Towel: Provides a non-stick surface for rolling the spring rolls.

How to Make Fresh Spring Rolls with Shrimp

Assembling these spring rolls is a fun and rewarding process. While the rolling might take a bit of practice, you’ll get the hang of it quickly. Just take your time and enjoy creating these beautiful, edible packages.

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

First, get all your components ready. Cook the shrimp in boiling water for about 2-3 minutes, just until they turn pink and firm. Immediately drain them and set them aside to cool. Once cooled, slice each shrimp in half lengthwise. This makes them easier to roll and creates a beautiful look through the wrapper.

Step 2: Cook the Noodles

Next, cook the vermicelli noodles following the directions on the package. This usually involves a quick boil or soak in hot water. Once they are tender, drain them and rinse them under cold water. This stops the cooking process and prevents them from sticking together, making them easier to handle.

Step 3: Soften the Rice Paper

Prepare a large, shallow bowl with warm water. Take one rice paper wrapper and submerge it in the water for just a few seconds until it becomes soft and pliable. Be careful not to soak it for too long, or it will become too delicate and tear easily. Lay the softened wrapper flat on a clean, damp surface like a kitchen towel.

Step 4: Fill and Roll Your Spring Rolls

On the bottom third of the wrapper, layer a small amount of vermicelli noodles, lettuce, carrot, cucumber, and a few leaves of mint, cilantro, and basil. Place two shrimp halves on top, with the pink side facing down. Fold the sides of the rice paper over the filling, then tightly roll it up from the bottom to create a snug cylinder. Repeat this process until all your ingredients are used.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

Having made these a few times now, I’ve picked up a few tricks to make the process smoother and the rolls even more delicious.

I find that preparing all the fillings and arranging them in an assembly line on my counter makes rolling much more efficient.
Don’t overstuff the rolls! It’s tempting, I know, but using a smaller amount of filling makes them much easier to roll tightly and prevents the wrapper from tearing.
For an extra layer of flavor, I sometimes marinate the cooked shrimp in a little lime juice and fish sauce for about 10 minutes before assembling.
If your rice paper keeps sticking, make sure your work surface (or damp towel) is truly damp, not soaking wet. A light mist of water can help.

Fun Variations to Try

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. You can easily swap ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. It’s a great base for many creative dinner recipes.

Protein Swaps: Not a fan of shrimp? Try using thinly sliced grilled chicken, pork, or even pan-seared tofu for a fantastic vegetarian option.
Vegetable Add-ins: Feel free to add other veggies like sliced bell peppers, bean sprouts, or avocado for extra creaminess and flavor.
Herbaceous Twists: If you can’t find Thai basil, regular basil works, but you can also try other herbs like chives or parsley.
Make it Spicy: Add a few thin slices of jalapeño or bird’s eye chili to the filling for a spicy kick.

How to Serve Fresh Spring Rolls with Shrimp

Presentation makes these rolls even more appealing. Serve them fresh for the best texture and flavor.

Arrange the finished spring rolls on a large platter, leaving a little space between them so they don’t stick together.
Serve with small bowls of peanut sauce and hoisin sauce for dipping.
Garnish the platter with extra mint and cilantro leaves for a beautiful, fresh look.
For a stunning dessert to follow, consider making an Avocado Smoothie with Spinach and Pineapple; it’s a perfect sweet finish.

Calories Count

These spring rolls are a wonderfully light and healthy option. Here is an approximate nutritional breakdown per roll:

Calories: 70 kcal
Protein: 4g
Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Sodium: 150mg

How to Store Fresh Spring Rolls with Shrimp

Fresh spring rolls are best enjoyed immediately, as the rice paper can change texture over time.

Refrigerating: If you have leftovers, wrap each roll individually and tightly in plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out. Store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
Freezing: Freezing is not recommended. The fresh vegetables and rice paper wrapper become mushy and lose their texture upon thawing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to fall in love with making your own fresh spring rolls.

Incredibly Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of fresh herbs, crisp veggies, and savory shrimp is simply unbeatable.
Healthier Than Fried Versions: These rolls are not fried, making them a light, low-fat, and healthy meal or snack.
Completely Customizable: You can easily adjust the fillings to suit your taste or dietary needs.
Fun to Make: Assembling the rolls is a fun, hands-on activity that you can even do with family or friends.

More to Know About Your Rolls

The key to a great spring roll is balance. You want a little bit of everything in each bite: the soft noodles, the crunchy vegetables, the savory shrimp, and the fragrant herbs. When you dip it in the sauce, all those flavors come together in perfect harmony.

Don’t be discouraged if your first few rolls look a little messy. The skill comes with practice, and even the imperfect ones will taste absolutely delicious

Ben Carraoli