So, picture this: It’s a Wednesday, and I’m standing in my kitchen, staring into my pantry like it’s going to reveal some hidden culinary masterpiece. All I really want is something fresh, light, and not another leftover-heavy midweek meal. Enter these Gluten Free Vegetarian Spring Rolls. They are like little bundles of joy you can whip up quickly, without trekking to the grocery store for obscure ingredients. And the best part? They come with a Thai-style peanut sauce that you’ll want to smother on everything. Trust me, once you bite into these, with their crunchy veggies and vibrant herbs, you’ll understand why this recipe is worth a permanent spot in your repertoire.
What You’ll Need
Sure, there are a few fresh herbs here, but chances are you have most of what’s needed right in your pantry or fridge. Here’s what’s up:
- 1 package of dry rice vermicelli
- 1 cup of shredded carrots
- 1 cup of shredded cabbage
- 3 green scallions, sliced
- 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup of fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup of peanuts, chopped
- 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons of gluten free soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon of dark sesame seed oil
- 12 gluten free round spring roll wrappers
- Warm water
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 2 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup of coconut milk
- 1 teaspoon of sweet chili paste (adjust to taste)
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
How to Make Gluten Free Vegetarian Spring Rolls With Thai-Style Peanut Sauce
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Once it’s boiling, remove from heat and add the rice noodles. Let them soak for 10 minutes, giving them a stir now and then, until they’re soft and opaque. Drain and rinse under cold water for about 30 seconds, then drain again. Chop them into 1-inch lengths and toss them into a large bowl.
- Add the shredded carrots, cabbage, sliced scallions, basil, mint, cilantro, peanuts, ginger, soy sauce, lime juice, and sesame oil to the noodles. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and looking vibrant.
- Fill a large bowl with warm water. Take one rice paper at a time and dip it in the water until it becomes pliable, around 8-10 seconds, but don’t let it get too soggy.
- Lay the softened rice paper on a flat surface. Quickly place about 1/4 cup of the filling on the lower third of the wrapper. Fold the bottom of the wrapper over the filling, then fold in the sides, and roll it up tightly from bottom to top. Wrap each roll in plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the sugar, peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, lime juice, sweet chili paste, and garlic until smooth and creamy. This is your addictive Thai-style peanut sauce.
Cook’s Notes
Okay, here’s the scoop: If your rice paper tears, don’t worry. Just start over with a new one. They can be delicate, and it’s all part of the learning curve. If you plan ahead, you can make the filling a day early and store it in the fridge, which makes the assembly way quicker when you’re ready. These spring rolls don’t keep well for too long once made because the rice paper can dry out, but if wrapped tightly, you can enjoy them for up to 2 days. Just rehydrate the wrappers a bit before eating.
Make It Your Own
Consider these variations to keep things fresh and exciting:
- Swap the peanuts for cashews to add a different nutty crunch.
- Use crispy tofu instead of rice noodles for a protein-packed twist.
- Add thin slices of avocado for a creamy element that pairs beautifully with the peanut sauce.
- Spice it up by adding a thinly sliced jalapeño to the filling for a little kick.
If you try this, I’d love to hear how it turns out — drop a comment or tag me! These are a great canvas for whatever veggies and herbs you have on hand. Enjoy the delicious chaos of making your own spring rolls and drizzle that peanut sauce to your heart’s content!
Goes Well With
If you want to round out the meal, here’s what I’d pair it with over on meaghanmoineau.com:
Related update: Gluten Free Vegetarian Spring Rolls With Thai-Style Peanut Sauce
