Easy Homemade Vegetarian Spring Rolls Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful snack or appetizer that bursts with flavor and freshness, look no further than this easy Vegetarian Spring Rolls Recipe. These crunchy, refreshing rolls are not only a staple in Asian cuisine but also offer endless opportunities for customization, making them suitable for any dietary preference. Originating from Southeast Asia, particularly Vietnam, these delightful morsels are typically wrapped in rice paper and stuffed with a variety of vegetables and proteins. In this version, we’ll create homemade Vegetarian spring rolls from scratch– perfect for a light meal, party appetizers, or a healthy snack. You’ll love the contrast of crispy, fresh vegetables wrapped in soft rice paper, served with a dipping sauce of your choice.

This recipe is also entirely vegan, making it a versatile option for friends and family who follow plant-based diets. With a prep time of just 30 minutes and a cook time of only 10 minutes, these Vegetarian Spring Rolls are an ideal choice for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. Let’s dive into the vibrant colors and exhilarating flavors of these versatile rolls!

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Serving Size: 4 servings

Ingredients

For the Spring Roll Filling:

1 cup thinly sliced red cabbage
1 cup shredded carrots
1 cup bell pepper, julienned (any color)
1 cup cucumber, julienned
1 cup bean sprouts
½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
½ cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
1 avocado, sliced
Optional: ½ cup sliced tofu or tempeh (for added protein)

For the Rice Paper Wrappers:

10-12 sheets of rice paper (available at Asian grocery stores)

For the Dipping Sauce:

½ cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (for vegan option)
Optional: 1 teaspoon sriracha for spice

Ingredient Swaps and Substitutions:

Use almond milk instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
Substitute the tofu with grilled chicken or shrimp for non-vegetarian variants.
Experiment with additional vegetables like zucchini, asparagus, or shredded beetroot.
Swap rice vinegar with apple cider vinegar if preferred.

Equipment List

Large mixing bowl
Cutting board
Sharp knife
Bowl or plate for soaking rice paper
Non-stick frying pan (optional for toasting)
Whisk for mixing sauce ingredients
Serving platter

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the red cabbage, shredded carrots, bell pepper, cucumber, bean sprouts, cilantro, mint, and sliced avocado. If you’re using tofu or tempeh, add it to the mixture. The colors should be vibrant, and the aroma of fresh vegetables should waft up, filling your kitchen.
Mix the Dipping Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey (or maple syrup), and sriracha if you want some heat. The sauce should blend into a smooth, slightly thick consistency with a sweet and savory aroma that invites taste.
Soak the Rice Paper: Fill a large bowl or plate with warm water. Take a rice paper sheet and dip it into the water for about 10-15 seconds, or until it becomes soft but still firm enough to handle (you don’t want it too mushy!). Remove the sheet and place it on a clean surface or damp cutting board.
Assemble the Spring Rolls: Place a generous amount of the vegetable filling on the lower third of the rice paper. Leave about an inch of space on the sides. Fold the sides in over the filling, then roll from the bottom upward, tucking gently yet securely, until you have a tidy roll. Repeat this process until all your filling and rice paper are used. You’ll want each roll to be firm, yet not overstuffed; otherwise, they might burst open.
Cook (Optional): If desired, heat a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Place the rolls seam-side down and toast for about 2-3 minutes on each side to give them a bit of a crispy exterior.
Serve: Arrange the rolls on a serving platter and drizzle them lightly with your prepared dipping sauce. The vibrant colors of the fresh rolls contrasted with the savory dipping sauce should be an inviting sight! Serve immediately.

Special Notes

Storing: If you have leftover spring rolls, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, the rice paper will lose its crispiness. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until heated through.

Troubleshooting: If the spring rolls are falling apart, ensure that you didn’t oversoak the rice paper. If the sauce is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of water or additional rice vinegar until you reach your desired consistency.

Variations and Customizations

Gluten-Free: Ensure that you are using gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in the dipping sauce. Rice paper is inherently gluten-free, making this recipe accessible for those with gluten sensitivities.
Low-Carb: For a lower-carb option, replace some of the vegetables with leafy greens like spinach or kale. You can also use zucchini noodles as a filling.
Extra Crispy: For an extra crunchy texture, consider adding crushed nuts like peanuts or cashews to the filling. They will provide a delightful contrast to the vegetables.

Nutritional Information

Estimated per serving: Calories: 250 | Protein: 7g | Fat: 9g | Carbohydrates: 40g | Fiber: 5g. This is an approximate value and will vary based on ingredients used.

Engaging Visual Details

The finished Vegetarian Spring Rolls should be a sight to behold: crisp, translucent rice paper wrapped around a colorful medley of vegetables, with the lush green of mint and cilantro peeking through. As you dip them into the sauce, the tangy aroma and bright colors will spark anticipation. When you bite into one, the crunch of the fresh veggies contrasts beautifully with the chewy softness of the rice paper, delivering an explosion of flavors – fresh, sweet, and savory all at once!

Conclusion

Now that you’ve learned how to make these delicious and easy Vegetarian Spring Rolls, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get started. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them as a wholesome snack, these homemade spring rolls are sure to impress. Don’t forget to leave a comment below if you tried this recipe, and share your version on Instagram by tagging us with MyDeliciousDish. Happy cooking!