Recipe: Spring Rolls

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Spring Rolls are one of the recipes that we love making with kids, because it’s very hands-on and because many of the …hmmm, I’m not sure about that…. typically turns into …those were delicious! There are many opportunities to practice chopping and peeling and work with a wrapper, too!

You’ll notice that we reccommend peeling the cucumber and carrot instead of cutting them. That’s because the wrappers are so thin that big chunks of veggies will tear a whole, and also be a big contrast to the delicate thin wrapper. And, peeling is fun! Give them a try and let us know what you think!

SPRING ROLLS

  • 2 ounces rice vermicelli (rice noodles)

  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

  • 1 cup butter lettuce, torn

  • 1 cup thinly sliced red cabbage

  • 2 small cucumbers peeled into strips

  • 2-3 carrots peeled into strips

  • ¼ cup cilantro, stems removed and chopped

  • ¼ cup mint, stems removed and chopped

  • 8 spring roll wrappers (rice paper)

  1. Bring a pot of water to boil and cook the noodles according to the package directions. Using tongs, transfer them to a bowl to cool and use the tongs to toss with the sesame oil and salt. 

  2. Prepare all of the veggies and set them in separate piles.

  3. Fill a 9” cake or pie pan (or equivalent) with about 1” of very warm water. Submerge a wrapper in the water for about 20 seconds until it becomes flexible. Carefully remove using two hands and place flat on a plate. 

  4. Place a small pile of fillings in the middle of the wrapper; don’t make it too large, or it will be hard to roll. Start with noodles, then veggies, and herbs on top. You can also drizzle some sauce inside!

  5. Fold the lower edge up over the fillings, then fold in the sides and roll up. Repeat with remaining ingredients and enjoy with the sauce!

PEANUT SAUCE

  • ⅓ cup peanut butter

  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce

  • 2 tablespoons honey

  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • 2-3 tablespoons water

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and garlic. Whisk in water to make it thin enough to drizzle or dip!