Vegan Rice Paper Rolls With Yummy Peanut Dipping Sauce

This post for vegan rice paper rolls was first published on the 24th of June 2022.

With the recent taste of summer we had in the UK – finally, I must admit! – we have been looking at changing our lunch and dinner routines. Or even better, switching the dishes which are way too comforting and heavy right now. So these vegan rice paper rolls with a peanut dipping sauce have become easily a quick and tasty favourite around here.

Our vegan flatmate has been the one first making them, after seeing them somewhere on Instagram. I am not sure about you, but we are addicted to watching all the reels on Instagram. All of them, especially if it’s funny animals and food.

And because she and I have been having lunch together pretty much every day recently, I have joined in the fun. Not only the eating fun part but also the making part of these vegan rice paper rolls. Because these are extremely easy to make, believe me. And even to prep for. You’ll be able to use a variety of vegetables and herbs. Because these vegan rice paper rolls are also very much versatile.

The peanut dipping sauce it’s also very similar to what we made before for the Brussels sprouts. And it goes extremely well with the vegetables. It’s umami, crunchy and too good – we fought over it, of course. But then again, we did so when we ate the Brussels sprouts, so it should come as no surprise, right?

Eating when a heatwave is on.

Do you struggle with the heat? I don’t usually do, but this time around I’ve felt like eating was a struggle and I needed something fresh and light. And these vegan rice paper rolls filled with fresh vegetables are the perfect go-to option for lunch on the run. Don’t trust me? Make them yourself and see what the whole deal is about, just do it.

I mean, all I want to push down my throat is cold, icy stuff. And while I know that might not be the healthiest approach to summer food, it’s also clear that a soup won’t cut it. Unless it’s a cold soup, but we will chat about that when the time comes. Until then, I am ready to show you the vegan rice paper rolls.

QUICK Vegan Rice Paper Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce

What is rice paper and where can I get it?

The term rice paper is a bit too vague when it comes to describing one item. And, you might have gathered, it actually includes more than one under its umbrella. It can be made from tree bark and used as decorative paper, or from rice flour and tapioca flour to create the dried sheets that are used to wrap food in. Which is the one we will be talking about in this case.

Rice paper is original to Vietnam and is created from the process of creating rice noodles and Pho, one of the specialities of rice from Vietnamese people. It originates from the southern provinces and is used for making fresh spring rolls like the ones here or fried spring rolls in Vietnamese cuisine. It is usually sold dried in thin, crisp, translucent round sheets that are wrapped in packaging.

The sheets are individually dipped briefly for a few seconds in warm or cool water to soften. They are then wrapped around savoury or sweet ingredients alike. We have of course gone for savoury for these vegan rice paper rolls.

So think of these rice paper wraps as your new best friend. And call them as you wish: spring roll wrappers, rice papers, rice wraps, vegetarian rice paper. You name it, we love it. And when it comes to recipes, don’t be fooled: they are as versatile as they look.

You will be able to purchase rice paper from your local supermarket, in their food of the world’s aisle. Otherwise, your local Vietnamese or Chinese marts and shops will be definitely carrying these. And if all else fails, check Amazon and online retailers like Ocado.

What does rice paper taste and feel like?

You will be surprised to know – or maybe not? – that rice paper does not taste like anything in itself. These vegan rice paper rolls are tasty, but not thanks to their wrapper! The vegetables and herbs you pick, plus the peanut dipping sauce are what make this dish the tasty summer dish you will want to get more and more of. Or at the very least, the plain ones are the ones we get here on the Western side of the world. I have been reading that in Asia, you will be able to shop for flavoured rice paper, whether savoury or sweet. And I am now ever so slightly jealous!

When it comes to how the rice paper feels, well, this is a bit of a different story. While you don’t need to soak or cook them to eat them, that is possibly the best way to do it. They are crunchy and translucent in their initial stage. And once soaked – or cooked, or fried, or toasted even – their texture changes completely. When dipped in water, they will turn chewy and see-through (still).

You can also fry it, toast it or cook it over the fire. And of course, the texture and feel of it will be completely different. Such a great, versatile ingredient, right? And did I mention yet these rice paper wrappers are also gluten-free and vegan? Best of both worlds, yes!

My plan now is to fry it and serve it as crispy spring rolls – which I will fill slightly differently from these vegan rice paper rolls. Maybe even use the air fryer instead of deep-frying them? You can already see I am planning all the things already. Because I just cannot get enough!

How can I use the rice paper?

As I mentioned, when it comes to these vegan rice paper rolls, the way you have to prepare the paper is pretty straightforward. You will be dipping the round (or square, depending on what shape yours comes in!) sheet in water for a few seconds and then move to a flat surface and fill.

But, know that dipped in water is not the only way forward here. You can fry it, making the rice paper crisp and light. Just the perfect, versatile gluten-free ingredient you did not know you needed as a pantry staple. Plus being something you can use both for savoury and sweet cooking, there is not even the need to justify always having some on hand. You never know when the craving strikes!

What ingredients do I need for the vegan rice paper rolls?

These rice paper vegan rolls are extremely versatile, and as such what you put inside is really up to you. We have kept them simple by using vegetables we love, all raw. We have used lettuce, cucumber, red pepper, carrot, avocado, spring onion and mint.

You can of course add or remove to this list. Maybe you have some veggies in your fridge which needs to go – the world is literally your oyster here! From tofu to rice noodles, maybe even some soy sauce tofu. Just anything that piques your interest and fancy, honestly.

The summer roll recipe here is what you need for when you are planning a quick healthy lunch. Or a simple lunch on the go. Place the rolls in your favourite lunch box and take them with you everywhere! From the office to the gym as a snack post-exercise! Or even the park for that lovely picnic you have been planning.

And what ingredients do I need to make the peanut dipping sauce?

The peanut dipping sauce in this recipe for the vegan rice paper rolls is quite similar to the one we have used for the Christmas Brussels sprouts from last year. But some of the ingredients and measurements are definitely different.

First off, the peanut butter – we have used crunchy, but you can go for smooth. Then you will need soy sauce (or tamari, if you are going for the full gluten-free experience), toasted sesame oil, mirin and maple syrup. You will also add water to loosen it up a tad, and you will also add the grated fresh ginger and garlic. Easy peasy, am I right? We have honestly loved this version and pretty much fought for it. With spoons, to the last drop. Do you think I am joking? Well, think again. Food in this household is taken very seriously.

How to roll the vegan rice paper rolls.

As I explain in the recipe card below, these vegan summer rolls are quite easy to make. But to add a bit of visual explanation, we have also added a video to help you out. If you fancy reading, though, see how to roll your vegan rice paper spring rolls.

First off, the soaking. We dipped them in warm-ish water for a few seconds, and have found that waiting for it to go completely soft is not really ideal. You move the rice paper sheet on a surface (like a wooden board, so it doesn’t stick!) and you fill it to your heart’s content.

Then you will be folding the two left and right sides inwards, to create two small pockets towards the middle. You will finally pick the bottom side of the paper, and you will roll it towards the middle, making sure you tighten your roll a bit. Roll it until there is no paper left and seal it. Done, and dusted.

Find the YouTube video (our second ever, so forgive us!) here.

How do I make the peanut dipping sauce for the vegan rice paper rolls?

This peanut dipping sauce is quite different in taste from the spicy peanut sauce of the Brussels sprouts. It’s savoury but kinda sweet at the same time. And has got a kick from the fresh ginger and fresh garlic, but not heat. And it couldn’t be any easier to make: grab a bowl, a whisk and your measuring spoons.

Measure all your ingredients in your bowl, mix well and add some extra water or maple syrup if you feel it needs to. I wouldn’t personally refrigerate the sauce, simply because it will end up being rock solid. Room temperature is the best in this case unless you are doubling or tripling the recipe to keep it for a different day. It’s just such an easy sauce to whip up, you really don’t need to do that. Unless you are always running around, in which case by all means you do you!

Vegan Rice Paper Rolls With Peanut Dipping Sauce

Simona

The easiest vegan and gluten-free rice paper rolls you’ll be eating all day every day this summer! With a peanut dipping sauce to help you satisfy your savoury cravings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Savoury

Cuisine Asian-Inspired

Servings 8 rolls

Ingredients

  

• For the rolls
• 8 rice paper sheets
• 1 carrot
• 1 avocado
• ½ cucumber
• iceberg lettuce
• 1 red pepper
• 2 spring onions
• fresh mint
• For the peanut dipping sauce
• ¼ cup crunchy peanut butter
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
• 2 tbsp mirin
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp cold water
• ½ tsp fresh ginger
• 1-2 cloves fresh garlic

Instructions

 

• Prepare all your vegetables: peel the carrot, then using the peeler just create ribbons until you are unable to slice it anymore. Chop the cucumber in sticks, and do the same for the pepper. Slices your avocado and pick your mint leaves, then slice the spring onions.
• Wash your iceberg lettuce thoroughly and dry it using a salad spinner. If the salad leaves are big, make sure you shred them in chunks so they are easier to fit in the rolls.
• Now prepare your rice paper rolls. Use a shallow bowl and fill it with a finger of warm water, then dip one sheet of rice paper. Soak it until it starts to get soft, usually 30 seconds or so.
• Move the rice paper sheet on a flat surface, then fill it with all your ingredients.
• Once filled, fold the two sides over the middle, and roll from the bottom carefully. Make sure you move your veggies around a little if needed, so that nothing comes undone once you are ready to serve. Roll them tight, so that everything stays in once you slice them!
• Repeat until all your ingredients are used up, and set the rolls aside once ready. You can slice them if you want, but they are ready to be served as they are.
• Prepare the peanut dipping sauce: place all the ingredients in a bowl and mix well. It will take a minute or so for everything to combine, so don’t despair!
• Serve the rolls with the peanut dipping sauce.

Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCJY-xpUZNQ

Keyword vegan rice paper rolls

Shop the vegan rice paper rolls post

Vietnamese Rice Paper, £7.49 / Crunchy Peanut Butter, £6.95 / Potato Peeler, £10.77 / Wooden Chopping Boards, £25.60 / White Dipping Bowls, £10.99 / Waffles Tea Towels, £18.89

Can I make these rolls ahead of time and how do I store them?

While these can be made ahead of time, you need to keep in mind their storage. If you want to make these ahead of time, also, we don’t recommend making these the day before, as they are at their best when made fresh. The vegetables will be wilted and sad and not as crunchy as you had wanted them. But needs must.

So if you were to store these in the fridge, the recommendation is to wrap them in cling film so that they do not dry out. But otherwise, if you are taking them to work and such, a box should do, just make sure to add a wet napkin on top of them so they don’t go dry. The peanut dipping sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container. It will last for

Are these rolls as healthy as they look?

Yes, yes they are indeed! Not only are they vegan, to start, but they are also gluten free and delicious! As mentioned multiple times, you can pretty much put anything your heart might wish, and whatever you can think of. If you fancy, you can add meat and cheese or fish too. But that of course will make them, well, less healthy. And definitely not vegan anymore if you go for the real deal! But with plenty of vegan options on the meat, fish and cheese front, you might even be able to stick to the vegan side of things.

You will not feel groggy or heavy at any point by eating these vegan rice paper rolls. Nor will you feel heavy by having these. They are the perfect summer meal, and you will be wanting more and more for sure!

Tips & Tricks and any other notes.

There would be very little to say at this point when it comes to the vegan rice paper rolls. I believe all the questions I could think of have been answered already, but in case they have not, here is a little summary:

• You can make the vegan rice paper rolls ahead, but be mindful of how you will be storing them and how long in advance you really need to make them;
• Dipping the paper: there are different schools here when it comes to water temperature, but we have found that slightly warm water did the trick, others do recommend cold. You need to try and see what works for you!
• Filling: anything you like can be included in the vegan rice paper rolls, so let your fantasy run wild and act accordingly;
• Rolling: not the easiest at first, but once you get the hang of it you will become a little machine and you will roll paper rolls like there is no tomorrow;
• Sauce: you can spice up the peanut dipping sauce, of course, but remember to balance your flavours so that the heat is not overpowering to the point where you cannot taste your vegetables.

I guess this is it, right now. We hope you have enjoyed the vegan rice paper rolls as much as we did! And if you fancy reading more, why not check out some other lunch ideas like this easy watermelon & feta salad or the fellow Asian Onigirazu!

Pin this!