These Shrimp Pork Spring Rolls are bursting with flavor and crunch! Filled with juicy shrimp and tender pork, they make a tasty treat anytime. Plus, they can be enjoyed fresh or fried!
You’ll love the delightful mix of textures in every bite. I usually whip up a batch for parties, and they disappear faster than you can say “spring roll”! 🍤🥢
Making them at home is a breeze! Just wrap, roll, and enjoy. Serve them with a sweet dipping sauce, and watch everyone come back for more!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice Paper Wrappers: These are essential for wrapping your spring rolls. If you can’t find round ones, square rice paper works too. Alternatively, you can use lettuce leaves for a low-carb option!
Shrimp: Cooked shrimp brings a lovely flavor. If you prefer, you can substitute with cooked chicken or tofu for a different taste or to suit dietary needs.
Pork: Roast pork or pork belly provides rich flavor. If you’re looking for a leaner option, use cooked turkey or chicken breast instead.
Fresh Herbs: Basil, mint, and cilantro are crucial for freshness. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, parsley is a great substitute. For added zing, try using Thai basil if you can find it!
Rice Vermicelli Noodles: These noodles give a nice texture. If you can’t buy them, glass noodles or even thinly sliced zucchini could work well.
How Do You Get the Rice Paper Right?
Softening rice paper is key to making perfect spring rolls. You want them pliable, not overly wet. Here’s how to do it:
- Use warm water in a large dish that’s shallow enough for dipping.
- Dip one rice paper wrapper for only about 5 seconds. Don’t leave it too long, or it’ll become too fragile.
- After dipping, lay it flat on a damp kitchen towel or cutting board. This helps prevent sticking.
Practice makes perfect! If they tear, don’t worry. You can overlap pieces to fix them or just enjoy the mess!
What’s the Best Way to Roll the Spring Rolls?
Rolling can be tricky but follows these simple steps for success:
- Place your fillings towards the bottom of the rice paper, keeping them together but not overcrowded.
- Start rolling the bottom flap over the fillings, tucking it under to secure everything as you go.
- Fold the sides in, almost like wrapping a gift, then continue rolling up tightly until sealed.
With a bit of practice, you’ll find your rhythm, and your spring rolls will be beautiful and ready for dipping! Enjoy making these delicious rolls!
How to Make Shrimp Pork Spring Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Spring Rolls:
- 12 rice paper wrappers (round)
- 1/2 lb (225g) cooked shrimp, peeled, deveined, and halved lengthwise
- 1/2 lb (225g) cooked pork (roast pork or pork belly), thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded lettuce or iceberg lettuce
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup shredded daikon radish or cucumber strips
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 4 oz rice vermicelli noodles, cooked and drained
- Optional: bean sprouts
For the Dipping Sauce:
- 3 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 2 tbsp peanut butter (optional)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp sugar or honey
- 1/4 cup water
- Crushed peanuts for garnish (optional)
For the Chili Dipping Sauce (alternative):
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp water
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp chili flakes or chopped fresh chili
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes to prepare, including the time to gather and chop ingredients, as well as for assembly. Enjoy the fresh flavors and the fun of putting these spring rolls together!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Ingredients:
Start by cooking and cooling the shrimp and pork if not already done. Slice the pork thinly and cut the shrimp in half lengthwise. Then, shred the lettuce and carrots, prepare the daikon or cucumber, and rinse your fresh herbs. Cook the rice vermicelli according to the package instructions, then rinse under cold water and drain well.
2. Soften Rice Paper Wrappers:
In a large shallow dish or pie plate, fill it with warm water. Dip one rice paper wrapper into the water for about 5 seconds, just until it becomes soft but not overly flimsy. Carefully remove it and lay it flat on a clean, damp kitchen towel or cutting board to prepare for filling.
3. Assemble Spring Rolls:
On the bottom edge of the softened rice paper wrapper, place a few shrimp halves (cut side down), a slice of pork, a handful of shredded lettuce, some shredded carrots, daikon or cucumber, a small portion of rice vermicelli noodles, and a few leaves of basil, mint, and cilantro. Be careful not to overfill the wrapper to prevent tearing.
4. Roll the Spring Rolls:
Begin by folding the bottom edge of the rice paper over the filling. Then, fold in the sides of the wrapper towards the center and tightly roll it up until it’s fully sealed. Repeat this process with the remaining wrappers and ingredients to create more spring rolls.
5. Make the Dipping Sauce:
For the peanut-hoisin dipping sauce, combine the hoisin sauce, peanut butter (if using), soy sauce, lime juice, minced garlic, sugar, and water in a bowl. Whisk these ingredients together until smooth. If you prefer the chili dipping sauce, mix together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, water, sugar, minced garlic, and chili flakes in a separate bowl.
6. Serve:
Arrange your freshly made spring rolls on a serving platter. Serve them with the dipping sauce on the side, adding crushed peanuts as a garnish if desired for extra flavor and crunch.
7. Optional:
If you want to enjoy crispy spring rolls, you can choose to deep-fry or pan-fry the fresh rolls in a bit of oil until golden brown and crispy. Otherwise, serving them as fresh rolls is just as delightful!
Enjoy the refreshing taste of the Shrimp Pork Spring Rolls with your choice of flavorful dipping sauce!
Can I Use Fresh Shrimp Instead of Cooked Shrimp?
Yes, you can use fresh shrimp! Just make sure to cook them thoroughly before assembling the spring rolls. Boil or sauté them until they turn pink and opaque, which usually takes just a few minutes.
What Can I Substitute for Rice Paper Wrappers?
If you can’t find rice paper wrappers, consider using large lettuce leaves for a low-carb option. Alternatively, thinly sliced tortillas can also work, though the texture and flavor will be different!
How Do I Store Leftover Spring Rolls?
Store any leftover spring rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To keep them from sticking together, you can separate layers with parchment paper. Fresh spring rolls are best eaten cold, but you can reheat them in a pan if you prefer them warm.
Can I Make the Dipping Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare both dipping sauces up to 2 days in advance. Just store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Stir well before serving if they separate.
