Best Summer Rolls Recipes

CRAB SUMMER ROLLS

Steps:

• For the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, tamari, chili paste, ginger and 1 tablespoon water. Set aside to let the flavors marry for about 10 minutes.
• For the rolls: Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, toss the rice noodles with the sesame oil.
• Fill a pie pan with warm tap water. Working with one wrapper at a time, soak the rice paper in the warm water for about 30 seconds or until pliable. Lay a few pieces of cilantro and basil across the center of the wrapper. Top the herbs with some crab, followed by some of the red pepper and cucumber. Top with approximately 1/3 cup of the dressed rice noodles. Roll the edge closest to you over the filling, pulling tightly. Fold in the ends and continue to roll to seal. Store on a tray with a damp paper towel. Continue with the remaining wrappers and filling. Serve with the dipping sauce.

SHRIMP AND MANGO SUMMER ROLLS

Steps:

• For the shrimp and mango summer rolls: Fill a large bowl with water and add ice cubes. Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil, add the shrimp and blanch until just cooked through, 3 to 5 minutes. Drain and transfer to the bowl with ice water to stop the cooking. Let the shrimp sit in the ice bath for 2 minutes, then drain and pat dry the shrimp, slice horizontally in half and transfer to a medium bowl. Add the mangoes, lime juice, fish sauce and sambal, season with pepper and stir to combine.
• Fill a dish with hot tap water. Add a wrapper for 2 seconds only and transfer the wrapper to a lint-free towel to drain, top with a second towel and blot dry. Flip over the stack of towels and peel off the top towel. Top the wrapper with 2 to 3 Thai basil leaves and the shrimp and mango filling. Fold up the bottom and force the filling downwards to form a log. Then fold in both sides then continue rolling. Store under a damp towel to keep moist. Repeat with remaining rolls. Halve each roll on the diagonal and serve immediately.
• Make the lime dipping sauce: Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and serve with the rolls.

CHICKEN SALAD SUMMER ROLLS

Steps:

• Mix chicken, red onion, celery, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, cumin, and mayonnaise until well blended. Cover and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled, at least 30 minutes.
• Dip a rice paper into cold water and let soak just until it starts to become flexible. Shake off most of the excess water and lay on a work surface. Place 2 slices of avocado in the center of the wrapper, about 1 inch in from the edge closest to you. Layer with bell pepper, cucumber, and carrot, spread about 1/4 cup chicken salad over top, and cover with lettuce.
• Grab the end of the wrapper closest to you and roll it up, gently stretching the flexible rice paper while tucking in the sides. Wet a second wrapper and wrap it around the first. Wrap the summer roll in barely damp paper towels and cover with plastic while you make the remaining 5 rolls.
• Mix mayonnaise, lemon juice, tarragon, basil, garlic, salt, and pepper together for dipping sauce.
• Serve summer rolls with dipping sauce on the side.

ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH SALAD AND KALE SUMMER ROLLS WITH FETA CHEESE AND AVOCADO GREEN GODDESS DRESSING

Steps:

• For the squash: Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Place the squash in a mixing bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with the chile flakes and a good amount of salt. Place on a parchment-lined baking tray and roast until golden brown, about 10 minutes. Remove and refrigerate until needed.
• For the dressing: Combine the anchovies, avocado, garlic, parsley, scallions, cilantro and 1/8 cup water in food processor or blender and puree. Add the mayo, chile juice, lemon juice and salt and puree again until combined. This can be done the day before.
• For the kale salad: Place the kale into a mixing bowl with 2 tablespoons of the dressing and squeeze lightly with your hands to soften the tough leaves. Add the arugula, feta, half the pumpkin seeds and half the pomegranate seeds and taste for seasoning, adding salt if needed.
• To serve: Fill a mixing bowl with warm water and soak 1 piece of rice paper until pliable, but not entirely soft (10 to 15 seconds). Lay it flat on a clean work surface, ensuring that it sticks to the surface. Continue until you have 4 to 6 wrappers stuck to the surface.
• Place a strip of roasted butternut squash across each wrapper, 2 inches from the bottom of each wrapper. On top of the strips, lay some of the dressed kale salad, using your hands to form a log-shaped pile. Fold the bottom edge of the wrapper up and the sides in against the filling. Roll up to the top edge, pulling back to tighten the roll as you make them (this is the reason you want the wrapper actually stuck to the surface, it will allow you to get more tension while rolling). Place a damp towel over the rolls (this will keep them moist and soft) and repeat until you have 16 rolls made. These can be assembled up to 1 hour before the guests arrive.
• Slice the rolls into 3 to 4 pieces so that they look like sushi and arrange on a serving platter. Sprinkle with the remaining pumpkin seeds and pomegranate seeds and serve with a ramekin of the avocado green goddess dressing as a dipping sauce.

CHICKEN SUMMER ROLLS

Steps:

• Whisk 1/4 cup rice vinegar with 2 teaspoons sugar in a medium bowl until the sugar dissolves. Add the chicken and carrot, season with salt to taste and set aside.
• Fill a large bowl with warm water. Working with 2 sheets of rice paper at a time (keep the others covered with a barely damp cloth to prevent curling), immerse the papers in the warm water until slightly softened (about 15 seconds). Remove and spread out on a clean surface or cutting board. Pat dry with a towel to remove excess water.
• Lay 2 pieces of lettuce over the bottom third of the rice paper, leaving about 1/2 inch clear on the edges. Place about 1/3 cup of the chicken-and-carrot mixture on the lettuce, top with 4 to 5 pieces of cucumber and scallion, several mint leaves and about 1 heaping tablespoon of rice.
• Roll up the paper halfway into a cylinder. Fold both edges in to tuck while continuing to roll the paper to seal. Place the rolls on a plate covered with a damp towel so they stay moist as you prepare the remaining rolls. Cut the rolls in half.
• Whisk the peanut butter, soy sauce, 3 tablespoons of water and the remaining 1 to 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar and 2 teaspoons sugar in a medium bowl until smooth. Serve the rolls with the dipping sauce immediately.

SOFT ASIAN SUMMER ROLLS WITH SWEET AND SAVORY DIPPING SAUCE

Steps:

• Bring water to a boil and cook rice noodles according to package directions. Drain, rinse and cool (makes about 2 cups).
• Line up ingredients in small bowls before beginning to make rolls. Fill a large bowl or saucepan with very warm water. Place a rice paper round in the hot water. Soak for between 30 seconds and 1 minute, or until rice round is pliable and pattern on the round is barely visible. Remove and place on a clean, slightly damp kitchen towel.
• Place 2 basil leaves on the inner edge of the rice round, about 1-inch from the edge and leaving about 1-inch on each side. Top with approximately 1/4 cup cooked rice noodles. Place 2 shrimp halves on top. Top with about 2 tablespoons carrots, then 2 leaves of mint. Fold 1 piece of lettuce leaf and place on top of pile. Bring the edge over filling and tuck underneath. As you continue to roll, fold in the sides. Finish rolling, repeat with the other rolls, and reserve under a damp cloth or paper towel. When ready to serve, slice in half and serve, cut ends up, with dipping sauce.
• Dissolve sugar in warm water, combine with other ingredients, and chill until ready to use.

SPICY SUMMER ROLLS WITH PEANUT DIPPING SAUCE

Steps:

• For the sauce:
• Whisk together sauce ingredients in a bowl until smooth. Set aside.
• For the summer rolls:
• Put noodles in a heat-proof bowl and cover with boiling-hot water. Soak noodles for 10 minutes then drain and pat dry. Toss noodles with 1 tablespoon lime juice. Cut noodles with kitchen shears or knife in 5 or 6 places.
• Stir together sugar and remaining tablespoon lime juice in another bowl until sugar is dissolved, then toss with carrots and chiles.
• Gently immerse 1 rice-paper round in a large bowl of hot tap water and let stand until soft and pliable, 15 to 20 seconds. Lift out, letting excess water drip off, then lay round on a work surface, smoothing it out. If round is still very wet, gently blot top with kitchen towel.
• Arrange about 1/4 cup cabbage across center of round, leaving about 1 1/2 inches uncovered on both sides. Top cabbage evenly with 3 tablespoons carrot mixture, then sprinkle with 1 generous tablespoon peanuts. Cover mound of vegetables with a layer each of mint and basil leaves. Top evenly with about 2 tablespoons noodles.
• Fold edge of wrapper nearest you over filling, tucking in filling as tightly as possible, until it touches other side of wrapper, then fold in sides and continue to tightly roll until sealed.
• Put roll on a rimmed baking sheet lined with a damp towel and cover with another damp towel. Make 11 more rolls in same manner, storing them on baking sheet without touching.

SUMMER ROLLS WITH SWEET CHILI DIPPING SAUCE

Steps:

• Put the cellophane noodles, vegetables, cilantro and peanuts in a large bowl; toss with sesame oil and lime juice to give the filling some flavor; season with salt and pepper.
• Pour 3 cups of hot, not boiling water in a large shallow bowl. One at a time, immerse the rice paper wrappers in the hot water for 10 seconds to soften, then place on a slightly damp towel. The rice paper is very delicate, don't soak them any longer or they will break apart. Keep them covered while you work to prevent them from drying out and curling.
• To form the rolls, lay a rice paper wrapper on a flat surface. Grab a small amount of the cellophane and vegetable mixture and lay it across the bottom third. Use less filling than you think you should, if you overstuff the wrapper it will tear. Carefully fold the bottom of the wrapper up to cover the filling. Fold in the left and right sides, then tuck and roll it over once. Lay 2 mint leaves on top, then tuck and roll it over to close the whole thing up like a tight cigar. The mint leaves should show through the transparent rice paper. Arrange the finished rolls on a platter and cover with a damp towel.
• Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce:
• In a blender, puree the rice wine vinegar, fish sauce, hot water, sugar, lime juice, garlic, and chili paste until combined. Pour into a small bowl and serve with the summer rolls.
• Yield: 1 cup

VIETNAMESE PRAWN SUMMER ROLLS

Steps:

• Make the dipping sauce by pounding the garlic, chilli, ginger and sugar together using a pestle and mortar, then stir in the fish sauce and lime juice. Alternatively, just blitz everything together in a mini blender.
• Soak the rice noodles in a bowl of hot water for 15 mins, then drain well. Assemble all the prepared filling ingredients - once you start, you will need everything to hand.
• When you are ready to make the rolls, dip one of the rice papers in a bowl of hot water, moving it around until the whole wrapper is soft - about 10-15 secs - then drain on a tea towel.
• Place a rice paper wrapper on a board and at one edge of the wrapper, add a few mint leaves, then three prawn halves.
• Place some lettuce on top of the prawns, followed by some noodles, a few strips of carrot and cucumber, some more herbs and finally some beansprouts. Don't overfill the pancakes or they will be hard to roll.
• Lift the edge of the rice paper wrapper nearest to you over the filling and, holding the filling in position with your fingers, start rolling up tightly.
• When you're about halfway, fold the ends of the rice paper in and over the filling so that it is completely enclosed.
• Keep on rolling tightly until the whole rice paper wrapper is rolled up. To serve, cut the rolls in half on the diagonal.

VEGETABLE SUMMER ROLLS

Steps:

• Make sauce:
• Cook onion, garlic, and red pepper flakes in oil in a small heavy saucepan over moderate heat, stirring, until pale golden, about 4 minutes. Whisk in remaining sauce ingredients. Simmer, whisking, 1 minute, then cool.
• Make summer rolls:
• Cover noodles with boiling-hot water and soak 15 minutes, then drain well in a sieve. Pat dry between paper towels and toss with vinegar and salt to taste.
• Put a double thickness of paper towel on a work surface and fill a shallow baking pan with warm water. Soak 1 rice-paper round (make sure there are no holes) in warm water until pliable, 30 seconds to 1 minute, then transfer to paper towels.
• Arrange 1 piece of lettuce on bottom half of soaked rice paper, folding or tearing to fit and leaving a 1-inch border along edge. Spread one fourth of peanut sauce over lettuce and top with one fourth each of mint, basil, cabbage, and noodles. Roll up rice paper tightly around filling and, after rolling halfway, arrange one fourth of cilantro and carrot along crease. Then fold in sides and continue rolling. Transfer summer roll to a plate and cover with dampened paper towels.
• Make 3 more rolls in same manner. Serve rolls halved on the diagonal.

VIETNAMESE SUMMER ROLLS WITH SPICY PEANUT SAUCE

Steps:

• Soak vermicelli in water 15 minutes; drain and squeeze out water. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Place vermicelli in sieve and lower into water; remove after 5 seconds. Cool and divide into 12 portions.
• Soak one rice paper in lukewarm water until pliable, about 5 minutes. Work with only 1 paper at a time and blot dry before assembling.
• To assemble: Place 1 paper on a clean kitchen towel, leaving 1-inch of the rice paper uncovered on the edge closest to you. Place 1 lettuce leaf on the sheet. Cover with 1 portion of vermicelli, and top with a portion of the cucumbers, carrots, chicken, scallions, and mint leaves. Fold the paper once over the filling, starting from the bottom, then fold in the sides and continue rolling tightly to the end. Keep rolls covered with a damp towel. Serve with Spicy Peanut Sauce.
• In a medium saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the curry paste and stir-fry until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the shrimp paste and continue to stir until the shrimp paste is broken up and one shade darker, about 1 minute. Add the peanuts and stir, roasting until two shades darker but not burned, 8 to 10 minutes. Add the sugar and continue to cook until the sugar is dissolved and starts to caramelize, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the coconut milk, chicken broth, tamarind concentrate, and hoisin sauce. Reduce the heat to low and simmer the sauce until slightly thickened, about 20 to 30 minutes. The natural oils from the peanuts should have surfaced at this point. Once the sauce has reduced by about 1/3, turn off the heat and add the Thai basil and cilantro. Cover and let cool. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

COLORFUL SUMMER ROLLS WITH PEANUT DIPPING SAUCE

Steps:

• Cook the rice noodles according to package directions. Lay them out on a baking sheet in an even layer. Use a pair of kitchen shears to cut them into 4-inch lengths. Set aside.
• Use a mandoline slicer to shave the orange, red and yellow bell peppers into long, paper-thin slices. Then shave the beets, carrot and cucumber into paper-thin rounds. Set aside.
• Whisk together the peanut butter, hoisin sauce, chili garlic sauce, sesame oil, lime juice and 1/4 cup of warm water in a small bowl until well combined. Season to taste with salt.
• Toss together the chicken, cilantro, mint, scallion and 2 tablespoons of the peanut sauce in a large bowl until well coated.
• Set up your rolling station with a damp cutting board, a medium bowl filled with water and a serving platter. Place the orange, red and yellow bell peppers, beets, carrots, cucumber, rice noodles, chicken-herb mixture and rice paper wrappers nearby.
• Take 1 rice paper wrapper and wet it with some water until just slightly softened. Lay it on the cutting board and make sure it is completely flat. Arrange 3 mint leaves about 1/4-inch from one another, in the middle of the wrapper (the tips of each mint leaf should be pointing up and away from you). Take 3 slices of yellow bell pepper and lay them over the first mint leaf. Take 3 slices of red bell pepper and lay them over the second mint leaf. Take 3 slices of orange bell pepper and lay them over the third mint leaf. Lay 6 slices of beet, slightly shingled, over the bell pepper layer. There should be about a 1-inch of space above and below the beet edge where the bell peppers peak out slightly. Shingle 6 slices of cucumbers right above the beets and over the pepper ends. Shingle 6 slices of carrots right below the beets and over the pepper ends. Take a bunch of the cut rice noodles, about the same diameter of a silver dollar, and put them on top of the candy cane beet layer, being mindful of keeping them in a tight line. Take a heaping 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture and put on top of the noodles.
• Working from the edge of the rice paper wrapper closest to you, fold it over the filling, then fold in the sides, like you are rolling a burrito, and roll up tightly. Put the finished roll on the serving platter and cover with a damp paper towel to keep it from drying out, repeat with the remaining 11 rice paper wrappers and fillings. Serve with the remaining peanut sauce on the side for dipping.

SHRIMP SUMMER ROLLS WITH ASIAN PEANUT SAUCE

Steps:

• Preheat an outdoor grill or grill pan for medium-high heat.
• Place the shrimp in a bowl and toss with olive oil and salt and black pepper.
• Grill the shrimp on the preheated grill until opaque, 2 minutes per side. Remove from the grill and set aside.
• Combine the cabbage, carrot, garlic, 1 tablespoon ginger, teriyaki sauce, and lime juice in a bowl, stir well.
• Working with one at a time, wet rice paper with water and lay out on a clean surface. Place a quarter of the cabbage mixture in the center of the paper, top with a quarter of the shrimp. Shape the filling into a log shape and roll the rice paper around the filling, tucking the ends in as you go. Repeat with the remaining rice papers.
• Whisk together the peanut butter, teriyaki sauce, sesame oil, hot sauce, garlic, 1 tablespoon ginger, salt and pepper. Slice the rolls in half on an angle, and serve with the peanut sauce on the side.

SUMMER-SQUASH ROLLS WITH HERBED RICOTTA, ARUGULA, AND TOASTED-HAZELNUT VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Toss squash ribbons with 2 tablespoons oil; arrange in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet and season with salt and pepper. Roast just until tender, about 8 minutes. Let cool completely, about 20 minutes.
• Meanwhile, in a bowl, combine shallot and vinegar; let stand 15 minutes. Whisk in remaining 1/4 cup oil and hazelnuts; season with salt and pepper.
• In a bowl, combine ricotta, herbs, Pecorino Romano, and lemon zest; season with salt and pepper. Place 3 arugula leaves crosswise on one end of each squash ribbon. Top with about 1 1/2 tablespoons ricotta filling. Roll squash up to create a little bundle, and place, seamside down, on a platter. Repeat with remaining squash, arugula, and filling. Serve, drizzled with vinaigrette.

LEMON GRASS AND CHICKEN SUMMER ROLLS

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of lightly-salted water to a boil. Season the chicken with salt and cook in the boiling water until no longer pink in the center, 7 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a large platter and allow to cool completely in refrigerator. Shred into small pieces once cooled.
• Combine the shredded chicken, ginger, jalapeno pepper, cucumber, basil, mint, cilantro, lemon grass, and peanuts in a large mixing bowl; toss until evenly distributed. Whisk together the fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, sesame oil, and peanut oil in a small bowl; add to the chicken mixture and mix with your hands until evenly coated.
• Fill a shallow pan with hot water. Dip the rice paper wrappers in the hot water until soft one at a time. Spread the rice paper onto a clean, flat surface. Place 1 leaf of lettuce into the center of a sheet of rice paper; spread about 1/3 cup of the chicken mixture onto the lettuce leaf. Fold the bottom end of the rice paper over the top of the mixture and then roll into a cylinder. Repeat until all ingredients are used. Cut into halves to serve.

SHRIMP SUMMER ROLLS WITH PEANUT DIPPING SAUCE

Steps:

• Place rice sticks in large bowl; add enough hot water to cover.
• Let stand until softened, about 15 minutes.
• Drain.
• Cut into 6-inch lengths; set aside.
• Fill bowl with warm water.
• Add 1 rice-paper sheet and turn until beginning to soften, about 30 seconds (sheet will still be stiff in a few spots).
• Remove from water; drain on kitchen towel.
• Lay four shrimp halves, and a pinch of other ingredients onto bottom third of sheet.
• Leave about a half an inch free on the sides.
• Fold bottom of rice sheet over filling, then fold in ends and roll into tight roll.
• Place roll, seam side down, on plate.
• Repeat with remaining rice-paper sheets.
• Cover with damp paper towel and plastic wrap; chill.
• Cut each roll diagonally into thirds.
• Sauce: Heat peanut butter and hoisin in microwave or over medium heat, stir together, add a few tablespoons of water to get the desired consistency.

MANGO SUMMER ROLLS WITH GINGER-PEANUT SAUCE

Steps:

• For the spring rolls: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the vermicelli or rice noodles and cook according to the package directions, 2 to 3 minutes. Drain, rinse with cold water and set aside.
• For the ginger-peanut sauce: Combine the peanut butter, lime juice, maple syrup, soy sauce, ginger and red pepper flakes in a medium bowl and whisk together. Slowly add in hot water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is achieved. (It should be thick but pourable.)
• To assemble the spring rolls: Pour very hot water into a shallow dish or skillet and immerse a sheet of rice paper to soften for about 10 to 15 seconds. Transfer the rice paper to a cutting board and gently spread out the edges, taking care not to tear them. On the bottom third of the wrapper, place a small handful of cooked noodles and a layer of bell pepper, cucumber, mango and a few leaves of basil and cilantro. Gently fold over once, then tuck in the edges and roll until the seam is sealed, like wrapping a burrito. (It's OK if the first one fails; it may take a few attempts to get used to rolling them up.)
• Place seam-side down on a serving platter and cover with a damp towel to keep fresh. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling. Serve with ginger-peanut sauce.

VEGETARIAN SUMMER ROLLS

Steps:

• Pour boiling water over vermicelli rice noodles and soak 15 minutes. Drain and rinse. Divide into 8 equal portions. Fill a wide, shallow bowl with cool water. Working with one spring-roll wrapper at a time, soak until pliable, 20 seconds. Transfer to a flat surface and smooth.
• Place a layer of fillings on bottom third of wrapper, leaving a 1 1/2-inch border. Top with a portion of noodles and another layer of fillings.
• Fold bottom of wrapper tightly over fillings.
• Roll over once, tuck in sides, and finish rolling. If desired, add 3 fresh chives and continue rolling to enclose them. Transfer roll to a plate and cover with a slightly damp paper towel. Repeat to make 8 summer rolls. Serve immediately with dipping sauces, or refrigerate, up to 2 hours.

VEGETABLE-FILLED SUMMER ROLLS

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Remove from the heat and add rice noodles. Let soak for 8 to 10 minutes, until noodles are soft but firm, stirring occasionally. Drain well.
• Fill a bowl with hot water (not boiling). Submerge 1 sheet of rice paper into the water until soft, about 15 seconds. Place rice paper on a work surface and lay 1 piece of lettuce in the middle, starting at the bottom. Add some rice noodles, cabbage, sprouts, cilantro, carrot, avocado, and bell peppers. Pull up the bottom of the rice paper and roll up and over the vegetables. Fold in the sides of the sheet to seal. Repeat to make remaining rolls.

SUMMER ROLLS WITH BAKED TOFU AND SWEET-AND-SAVORY DIPPING SAUCE

Steps:

• Soak noodles in a medium bowl of boiling-hot water 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, blanch carrot in boiling water until softened, about 45 seconds. Drain. Rinse under cold water to stop cooking, then transfer to a small bowl along with cucumber, jalapeño, vinegar, sugar, 1 tablespoon lime juice, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Let stand 5 minutes. Reserve 2 tablespoons liquid and drain pickled vegetables.
• Drain noodles and rinse under cold water, then drain and pat dry. Toss noodles with remaining 3/4 teaspoon lime juice and snip with kitchen shears 5 or 6 times.
• Fill a shallow pan or pie plate with warm water. Soak 2 rice-paper rounds until they begin to soften, about 30 seconds, then let excess water drip off and stack soaked rounds on a work surface so that they overlap by all but 1 inch on either side. Put 2 pieces of romaine on bottom third of round. Top with one eighth of noodles (about 2 tablespoons), tofu (4 sticks), bean sprouts (about 2 tablespoons), herbs (3 tablespoons), and pickled vegetables (3 tablespoons). Roll up tightly around filling, folding in sides. Make 7 more rolls in same manner.
• Stir together hoisin sauce, peanut butter, water, and reserved 2 tablespoons pickling liquid. Serve rolls with dipping sauce.