Name: Shrimp Spring Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 35 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Vietnamese-inspired
Ingredients: 12–15 rice paper wrappers; 1 head romaine lettuce, leaves separated and largest leaves cut in half; 4 oz uncooked vermicelli noodles (cooked as per package directions); 1 lb cooked shrimp, shells and tails removed (whole or sliced in half); ½ cucumber, chopped into matchsticks; 1 large carrot, chopped into matchsticks; 1 avocado, sliced (optional); Fresh basil or mint leaves; ¼ cup peanut butter; 1-2 tablespoons regular or light coconut milk; 1 clove garlic, chopped; 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, chopped; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons low sodium tamari soy sauce or coconut aminos; 2 tablespoons maple syrup; 1-2 teaspoons sambal oelek (chili paste)

Jump to Recipe·5 from 20 reviews

If you love fresh, vibrant flavors and crave a light but satisfying bite, these Shrimp Spring Rolls are sure to become your new go-to recipe. Bursting with crisp vegetables, fragrant herbs, tender shrimp, and delicate rice noodles wrapped in translucent rice paper, they offer a delightful combination of textures and tastes that feels both refreshing and indulgent. Paired with a creamy, tangy peanut dipping sauce, these rolls are perfect for any occasion, whether as a colorful appetizer or a light meal that feels special but never heavy.

Shrimp Spring Rolls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You'll Need

With just a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients, you can create these stunning Shrimp Spring Rolls that look impressive but are surprisingly easy to prepare. Each component adds its own touch — crunchy veggies for texture, fresh herbs for brightness, and shrimp for a tender, protein-packed bite.

Rice paper wrappers: These delicate sheets are the vessel for all the fresh fillings and soften beautifully when dipped in warm water.
Romaine lettuce leaves: Large, crisp leaves add a refreshing crunch and help keep ingredients together inside the roll.
Cooked vermicelli noodles: Soft and light, they create a comforting base that balances the crunch of the vegetables.
Cooked shrimp: Fully cooked with shells and tails removed for easy eating, shrimp bring a sweet seafood flavor that’s mild and perfectly suited to spring rolls.
Cucumber and carrot matchsticks: Thin, crisp, and colorful, these veggies provide that signature fresh snap in every bite.
Avocado slices (optional): Creamy and rich, avocado adds a luscious contrast to the crunchy ingredients.
Fresh basil or mint: Aromatic herbs infuse each roll with bright, fragrant notes that elevate the entire dish.
Peanut sauce ingredients: Peanut butter, coconut milk, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, soy sauce, maple syrup, and sambal oelek come together to create a spicy, sweet, and tangy sauce that complements the rolls perfectly.

How to Make Shrimp Spring Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Noodles and Sauce

Begin by cooking the vermicelli noodles according to the package instructions. Rinse them under cold water once cooked to stop the cooking process and avoid clumping. While the noodles cool, blend all the peanut sauce ingredients together, starting with less coconut milk and adding more until you reach the perfect creamy consistency. This sauce is the magic touch that brings the rolls to life.

Step 2: Soften the Rice Paper Wrappers

Fill a bowl or shallow pan with warm water — not boiling but comfortably warm to touch. Gently dip one rice paper wrapper into the water for about 15 to 20 seconds until it softens but is still sturdy enough to roll without tearing. Work quickly, as over-soaked wrappers become floppy and difficult to handle. Lay each softened wrapper flat on a hard surface, such as a plate, ready to fill.

Step 3: Assemble the Rolls

On the left edge of the wrapper, place a romaine lettuce leaf as the base. Add a small handful of vermicelli noodles, then layer 3 to 4 shrimp pieces, a few matchsticks of cucumber and carrot, a slice of avocado if using, and some fresh basil or mint leaves. These ingredients create not only a harmonious flavor profile but also a beautiful color contrast that makes each roll a feast for the eyes.

Step 4: Roll It Up

Start rolling the wrapper from the left edge over the fillings, folding the top and bottom edges inward about halfway through so the filling stays snug and secure. Continue rolling tightly until completely sealed. Repeat this process with each rice paper wrapper until you've used all your ingredients. The result should be neat, tender rolls with a lovely combination of textures in every bite.

How to Serve Shrimp Spring Rolls

Garnishes

Fresh chopped peanuts sprinkled on top add an irresistible crunch and nutty flavor. A few extra leaves of basil or mint alongside the presentation plate give the dish a fresh, garden-like aroma that invites you in. A wedge of lime on the side offers a zesty squeeze that brightens each bite and complements the peanut sauce perfectly.

Side Dishes

Shrimp Spring Rolls are fantastic on their own, but serving them alongside a light Asian cucumber salad or a bowl of fragrant jasmine rice makes for a well-rounded meal. For a heartier option, try pairing them with a simple miso soup or a chilled glass of white wine to balance the flavors effortlessly.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging the rolls vertically in a clear glass or bamboo steamer basket to showcase their colorful cross-sections. You can also slice each roll in half diagonally and fan them out on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of peanut sauce scattered between. This inviting presentation makes sharing with friends even more fun and appealing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Shrimp Spring Rolls, store them in an airtight container lined with damp paper towels to keep the wrappers from drying out. Place fresh paper towels between the rolls if stacking. Refrigerate, and try to consume within 24 hours for best freshness and texture.

Freezing

Freezing fresh Shrimp Spring Rolls is not recommended because the rice paper tends to become brittle and the fresh vegetables lose their crispness. For the best texture, enjoy the rolls fresh or store refrigerated as mentioned.

Reheating

Since these rolls are best served fresh and cold, reheating is not ideal. If you prefer warm fillings, consider preparing the shrimp and noodles warm before assembling or enjoy the dipping sauce at room temperature. Otherwise, the fresh, cool nature is what makes Shrimp Spring Rolls so delightful.

FAQs

Can I use raw shrimp in Shrimp Spring Rolls?

It's safest to use cooked shrimp when making Shrimp Spring Rolls. Raw shrimp requires cooking to the proper temperature to ensure food safety and the ideal texture. Using pre-cooked shrimp saves time and guarantees a delicious end result.

What can I substitute for peanut butter in the dipping sauce?

If you have a peanut allergy or prefer a different flavor, try almond butter or sunflower seed butter as alternatives. They offer a similar creaminess, though you may want to adjust other sauce ingredients slightly to balance the taste.

How long do Shrimp Spring Rolls keep in the refrigerator?

When stored properly in an airtight container with damp paper towels, Shrimp Spring Rolls remain fresh for up to 24 hours. Beyond that, the rice paper can dry out, and vegetables may lose their crispness.

Can I add other proteins to the rolls?

Absolutely! These rolls are versatile. Try substituting shrimp with cooked chicken, tofu, or even thinly sliced beef. Just keep in mind each protein's cooking time and flavor to maintain balance.

What if I can't find rice paper wrappers?

Rice paper wrappers are essential for authentic Shrimp Spring Rolls due to their unique texture and ability to soften into translucent wraps. If you can’t find them, spring roll wrappers or lettuce leaves might work in a pinch for a different but still tasty experience.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about Shrimp Spring Rolls — fresh, vibrant, and bursting with contrasting textures that feel both elegant and comforting. Once you try making these at home, you’ll see how simple ingredients come together to create a dish that's perfect for sharing with friends or treating yourself to something light and delicious. So grab those rice paper wrappers and get rolling — your taste buds are in for a wonderful adventure!