Are you craving a light, healthy, and incredibly delicious meal? Look no further! These spring rolls with shrimp are the perfect solution for a quick weeknight dinner or a delightful appetizer for your next gathering. Packed with vibrant vegetables and succulent shrimp, these homemade spring rolls are surprisingly easy to make and bursting with fresh spring flavors. Get ready to elevate your healthy meal game with this simple yet impressive recipe.
Ingredients:
This recipe makes approximately 12 spring rolls.
For the Shrimp Filling:
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1/2 cup bean sprouts
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
For the Spring Rolls:
- 1 package (12 count) rice paper wrappers
- Optional dipping sauce: Hoisin sauce, peanut sauce, sweet chili sauce
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Prepare your workspace. You'll need a large, shallow dish filled with warm water for soaking the rice paper wrappers. Have all your filling ingredients prepped and ready to go. This will make the assembly process much smoother.
Cook the Shrimp:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside to cool slightly. Once cooled, chop into bite-sized pieces.
Assemble the Spring Rolls:
- Dip one rice paper wrapper into the warm water for a few seconds until softened. Don't over soak; it should be pliable but not falling apart.
- Lay the wrapper flat on a clean work surface. Arrange a small amount of the shrimp mixture in the center of the wrapper, leaving about an inch of space on all sides.
- Fold the bottom edge of the wrapper over the filling, then fold in the sides. Tightly roll the spring roll from the bottom up, like a burrito.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Repeat steps 2-3 until all the spring rolls are assembled.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce. Hoisin, peanut, and sweet chili sauces all pair wonderfully with these spring rolls.
Tips for Success:
- Don't overcook the shrimp: Overcooked shrimp will be tough. Aim for pink and opaque.
- Prep your ingredients ahead of time: This will make the assembly process much faster and less stressful.
- Use warm water: This helps to soften the rice paper wrappers without making them too soggy.
- Don't overfill the spring rolls: Too much filling will make them difficult to roll and may cause them to burst.
Variations:
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, or mushrooms.
- Use different protein: Chicken, tofu, or pork would also be delicious in these spring rolls.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the shrimp filling for a spicy kick.
Nutritional Information (per spring roll, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 100-150
- Protein: 8-10g
- Fat: 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
These spring rolls are a healthy and delicious way to enjoy a fresh and flavorful meal. They are perfect for a light lunch, a quick dinner, or a sophisticated appetizer. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and the satisfying crunch of these easy-to-make spring rolls!