Description
These Easy Fresh Vegan Spring Rolls are light, colorful, and packed with vibrant vegetables and plant-based protein. Wrapped in delicate rice paper and served with a creamy peanut dipping sauce, they’re perfect as a healthy appetizer or snack. Ready in just 20 minutes, they bring fresh flavors and satisfying textures to your table with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Spring Rolls
- 8 rice paper wrappers
- 1 medium carrot, thinly sliced
- ½ cup shredded red cabbage
- ½ red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- ½ yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 4-inch piece cucumber, thinly sliced
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 cup spinach or lettuce leaves, shredded
- Handful mint leaves, shredded
- ½ pack (approximately 90g) smoked tofu, thinly sliced (can also use crispy tofu or cooked tempeh)
Peanut Dipping Sauce
- 2 tbsp peanut butter
- ½ tbsp soy sauce, tamari, or coconut aminos
- ½ tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp unflavored oil or sesame oil
- 1 tbsp water
- 1 tsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Make the Peanut Dipping Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos), maple syrup, unflavored or sesame oil, water, and vinegar until smooth and well combined. Set aside for dipping.
- Prepare Ingredients: Thinly slice and shred all the vegetables as indicated. Slice the smoked tofu or your choice of tofu/tempeh thinly. Arrange all prepared ingredients in separate bowls close to your rolling area for easy access.
- Soften Rice Paper Wrappers: Pour warm water onto a large plate or wide shallow bowl. Submerge the first rice paper wrapper in the water for about 5 seconds, then flip and dip the other side for a few seconds until pliable. Remove and carefully place on a cutting board or clean flat surface.
- Assemble the Rolls: On the lower section of the softened rice paper wrapper, layer the sliced vegetables, mint leaves, and tofu. Leave about 1 inch space from the edge of the wrapper to avoid overfilling.
- Roll the Spring Rolls: Fold the bottom edge of the wrapper up to cover the fillings, then fold in the left and right sides tightly over the center. Continue rolling from the bottom until the roll is completely sealed and firm.
- Repeat and Serve: Repeat the process with the remaining wrappers and fillings. Optionally, slice each roll in half diagonally to showcase the colorful vegetable fillings. Arrange on a large platter and serve with the prepared peanut dipping sauce.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, ensure to use tamari instead of soy sauce and verify that rice paper wrappers contain no gluten.
- You can substitute smoked tofu with crispy tofu or cooked tempeh for varied texture and flavor.
- Adjust the peanut dipping sauce ingredients to taste, for example, add more maple syrup for sweetness or more vinegar for tang.
- Serve immediately after rolling to prevent rice papers from drying out, or cover with a damp kitchen towel if preparing ahead.
- Customize the filling with your favorite fresh herbs such as cilantro or basil for additional flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
