This is my kind of soul food.
The kind that’s fresh, filling, and loaded with flavor. And that doesn’t make you feel like crap afterwards. Now that’s (healthy) livin’.
I’ve made spring rolls before but never with such an abundance of flavorful components and herbs.
Origins of Fresh Spring Rolls
Fresh spring rolls (also known as gỏi cuốn or summer rolls) are a common Vietnamese dish, but the concept is believed to have originated in China. It’s thought that they may be a modification from Chinese egg rolls, but with Vietnamese flavors.
They are typically made with fresh vegetables, herbs, and protein that are wrapped in rehydrated rice paper and served with a dipping sauce.
How to Make These Spring Rolls
Typically I leave my tofu raw, but not this time. I gave it a crispy edge by dredging it in cornstarch and sautéing it sesame oil. Then, I tossed it in my savory almond butter dipping sauce and gave it another flash “fry” in the pan.
The result was a tender, slightly crispy, perfectly seasoned tofu that’s way batter than raw without being too complicated.
Another new component is the dipping sauce.
I love a good peanut sauce for spring rolls, but because peanuts can be a little difficult to digest I went with almond butter as the base. Still so good and perfectly savory and sweet. What’s not to love?
These rolls are simple, fresh and filling. Inside you’ll find:
Super thin rice noodles
Mint
Cilantro
Red pepper
Carrot
Cucumber
& Crispy almond butter tofu
And to take them from tasty to awesome, serve them with a fat serving of almond butter sauce. Who can resist?
You’re going to love these rolls. They’re
Perfect for warmer weather
Fresh
Filling
Customizable by season
Satisfying
Flavorful
Healthy
Vegan / GF
Savory-sweet
Minty
Herby
& Wonderful
Make these rolls, OK? And share them with friends. If you don’t have friends, go make some by sharing these treats with them. They pack up nicely and store in the fridge super well for several days so pack them in your lunch and make all your coworkers jelly. Huzzah!
En-joy.
Vietnamese Spring Rolls with Crispy Tofu
30-minute Vietnamese-inspired spring rolls with fast crispy tofu and a savory-sweet almond butter dipping sauce. Flavorful, crisp, delectable, and so fresh and perfect for spring and summer. Print SAVE SAVED
from votes Prep Time 15 minutes Cook Time 15 minutes Total Time 30 minutes Servings 8 (spring rolls)Course Appetizer, EntreeCuisine Gluten-Free, Vegan, Vietnamese-InspiredFreezer Friendly NoDoes it keep? Best when fresh
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Ingredients
US Customary – Metric
SPRING ROLLS
1 1/2 cups julienned vegetables (such as carrots, red pepper, and cucumber)1 bunch fresh cilantro1 bunch fresh mint4 ounces vermicelli or rice noodles (the thinner the better)8-10 whole spring roll rice papers
ALMOND BUTTER DIPPING SAUCE
1/3 cup salted creamy almond butter1 Tbsp reduced sodium soy sauce (tamari if gluten-free)1-2 Tbsp brown sugar, agave, or honey if not vegan (depending on preferred sweetness)1 Tbsp fresh lime juice1/2 tsp chili garlic sauceHot water (to thin)
CRISPY TOFU
8 ounces extra-firm tofu (drained and thoroughly dried/pressed)4 Tbsp sesame oil (divided)3 Tbsp cornstarch2 1/2 Tbsp almond butter dipping sauce1 Tbsp reduced sodium soy sauce (tamari if gluten-free)1 Tbsp brown sugar or agave nectar
Instructions
Start by preparing rice noodles in boiling hot water for about 10 minutes (read instructions on package), then drain and set aside.Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium heat and cut pressed tofu into small rectangles. Toss in 3 Tbsp cornstarch and flash fry in ~3 Tbsp sesame oil (amounts as original recipe is written // adjust if altering batch size), flipping on all sides to ensure even browning – about 5 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.Prep veggies and prepare almond butter sauce by adding all sauce ingredients except water to a small mixing bowl and whisk to combine. Add enough hot water to thin until a pourable sauce is achieved. Adjust flavors as needed (I often add a little more chili garlic sauce and brown sugar).To add more flavor to the tofu, transfer ~2.5 Tbsp of the sauce to a small bowl and add an additional Tablespoon each of soy sauce, sesame oil and brown sugar or agave (amounts as original recipe is written // adjust if altering batch size) and whisk to combine.Add tofu back to the skillet over medium heat and add “sauce/glaze,” stirring to coat. Cook for several minutes or until all of the sauce is absorbed and the tofu looks glazed, stirring frequently (see photos). Set aside with prepared veggies and vermicelli noodles.To assemble spring rolls, pour very hot water into a shallow dish or skillet and immerse rice paper to soften for about 10-15 seconds.Transfer to a damp cutting board or damp towel and gently spread out edges into a circle. It may take a little practice, so don’t feel bad if your first few attempts are a fail!To the bottom third of the wrapper add a small handful of vermicelli noodles and layer carrots, bell peppers, cucumber, fresh herbs and 2-3 pieces of tofu on top (see photo). Gently fold over once, tuck in edges, and continue rolling until seam is sealed.Place seam-side down on a serving platter and cover with damp warm towel to keep fresh. Repeat until all fillings are used up – about 8-10 spring rolls total (amount as original recipe is written // adjust if altering batch size).Serve with almond butter sauce and sriracha or hot sauce of choice. I like to mix mine and go dip happy.Leftovers store well individually wrapped in plastic wrap, though best when fresh.
Video
Notes
*Inspired by the lovely Heidi at Foodie Crush
*Recipe makes 8 spring rolls.
*Nutrition information is a rough estimate calculated with 1/2 cup each carrots, red bell pepper, and cucumber per 8 rolls, with the lesser amount of sugar, and with all of the dipping sauce.
Nutrition (1 of 8 servings)
Serving: 1 spring roll Calories: 283 Carbohydrates: 32.1 g Protein: 7.8 g Fat: 14.6 g Saturated Fat: 1.8 g Polyunsaturated Fat: 5 g Monounsaturated Fat: 6.5 g Trans Fat: 0 g Cholesterol: 0 mg Sodium: 268 mg Potassium: 259 mg Fiber: 3 g Sugar: 4.1 g Vitamin A: 2200 IU Vitamin C: 14.9 mg Calcium: 130 mg Iron: 1.4 mg