Best Vegetarian Vietnamese Spring Roll Recipe for Beginners

Vietnamese spring rolls are a fresh, vibrant, and healthy dish that captures the essence of Southeast Asian cuisine. Loaded with crisp vegetables, fragrant herbs, and delicate rice paper wrappers, these rolls offer a delightful combination of textures and flavors.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or simply looking to add more plant-based meals to your diet, this best vegetarian Vietnamese spring roll recipe is perfect for any occasion. They make an excellent appetizer, snack, or light meal that’s easy to prepare and customize.

What makes these spring rolls truly special is their balance of fresh ingredients paired with a zesty dipping sauce, delivering a refreshing bite every time. Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free, low in calories, and packed with nutrients.

If you’re intrigued by Asian-inspired cooking or want to impress your friends with an authentic yet simple dish, keep reading to discover why this recipe deserves a spot in your culinary repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegetarian Vietnamese spring roll recipe is a crowd-pleaser for several reasons. First, it uses fresh, wholesome ingredients that make it both nutritious and delicious.

The combination of crunchy vegetables, aromatic herbs, and silky tofu creates a mouthwatering harmony of flavors.

Second, these rolls are incredibly versatile. You can easily swap ingredients according to your preferences or what’s in season.

They’re also perfect for meal prepping and can be made ahead of time for quick lunches or snacks.

Finally, the recipe includes a tangy and slightly sweet dipping sauce that complements the spring rolls beautifully, elevating every bite. This dish is not only a healthier alternative to fried appetizers but also a fun, hands-on meal to share with family and friends.

Ingredients

• Rice paper wrappers – 12 sheets
• Firm tofu – 200g, pressed and sliced into strips
• Carrot – 1 large, julienned
• Cucumber – 1 medium, julienned (seeds removed)
• Red bell pepper – 1, thinly sliced
• Fresh mint leaves – 1/4 cup
• Fresh cilantro leaves – 1/4 cup
• Fresh Thai basil leaves – 1/4 cup
• Rice vermicelli noodles – 100g, cooked according to package instructions
• Green onion – 2, thinly sliced
• Chopped peanuts – 1/4 cup, for garnish
• For the dipping sauce:
• 3 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 2 tbsp peanut butter
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tsp sriracha (optional, for heat)
• 2-3 tbsp warm water (to thin)

Equipment

• Large shallow bowl (for soaking rice paper)
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Mixing bowls
• Pot for boiling vermicelli noodles
• Plate or tray for rolling spring rolls
• Small bowl for dipping sauce
• Pan or skillet (optional, for pan-frying tofu)

Instructions

1. Prepare the tofu: Press the tofu to remove excess moisture, then slice into thin strips. For extra flavor and texture, pan-fry the tofu in a little oil over medium heat until golden on all sides. Set aside to cool.
2. Cook the vermicelli noodles: Follow package instructions to cook the rice vermicelli noodles. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
3. Prepare the vegetables and herbs: Julienne the carrot, cucumber, and red bell pepper. Rinse and dry the mint, cilantro, and Thai basil leaves carefully to avoid bruising.
4. Make the dipping sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, and sriracha if using. Add warm water gradually until you reach your desired consistency. Adjust seasoning to taste.
5. Soften rice paper wrappers: Fill a large shallow bowl with warm water. Dip one rice paper wrapper in the water for about 10-15 seconds until pliable but not too soft. Lay the wrapper flat on a clean plate or surface.
6. Assemble the spring rolls: On the lower third of the rice paper, layer a small handful of vermicelli noodles, carrot, cucumber, red bell pepper, green onion, a few tofu strips, and a generous amount of herbs.
7. Roll tightly: Fold the sides inward, then roll the wrapper tightly from the bottom up to encase the filling securely. Repeat with remaining wrappers and ingredients.
8. Serve: Arrange the spring rolls on a platter and sprinkle chopped peanuts over the top for added crunch. Serve immediately with the peanut dipping sauce.

Tips & Variations

“If you want extra flavor, try marinating the tofu in soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of sesame oil for 30 minutes before cooking.”

For a crunchier texture, add shredded jicama or thinly sliced radishes to the filling. You can also include avocado slices for creaminess or swap tofu for tempeh or cooked shiitake mushrooms for a different protein source.

If you prefer, serve the spring rolls with a traditional Vietnamese nước chấm dipping sauce made from lime juice, sugar, garlic, chili, and fish sauce (use a vegetarian substitute if needed).

To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure your hoisin sauce and soy sauce are certified gluten-free or substitute with tamari.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

These vegetarian Vietnamese spring rolls are best enjoyed fresh with the peanut dipping sauce provided. Pair them with a light Asian-inspired salad or a bowl of hot soup for a complete meal.

If you love dipping sauces, try serving them alongside a tangy tamarind sauce or a spicy chili garlic sauce for variety.

For a party or gathering, arrange the rolls on a large platter with bowls of dipping sauces to let guests customize their flavors. You can also serve these spring rolls as finger food alongside other delicious recipes such as Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe pasta or a sweet treat like Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe for dessert.

Conclusion

This best vegetarian Vietnamese spring roll recipe is a delightful introduction to fresh, healthy Asian cooking. It’s easy to prepare, packed with nutrients, and highly customizable to suit your taste preferences.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or entertaining guests, these spring rolls offer a light yet satisfying option that everyone can enjoy.

Don’t be intimidated by the rolling process—once you get the hang of it, it becomes a fun and rewarding kitchen activity. Plus, the combination of crunchy vegetables, fresh herbs, and savory tofu wrapped in delicate rice paper creates a mouthwatering experience that’s both colorful and nutritious.

Give it a try today and see why this recipe is quickly becoming a fan favorite!

For more fresh and creative recipes, check out our delicious Chicken Bruschetta Recipe Stove Top Stuffing or indulge your sweet tooth with the decadent Chocolate Heaven Cake Recipe.

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