Summer rolls are a delicious and refreshing snack that's perfect for hot weather. One of the most popular summer rolls is the shrimp Thai summer roll, which features tender shrimp, fresh herbs, and crunchy vegetables wrapped in a soft and chewy rice paper wrapper. This snack is not only tasty but also healthy, making it an ideal choice for a light and satisfying meal.
Why These Are Better Than Take Out
- Fast. A light and fresh meal made in under 30 minutes.
- Easy. Cook the shrimp, chop the veggies, and fill a perfectly cooked rice paper. Just a few simple steps for the perfect bite.
- Versatile. Fill with a variety of your favorite ingredients to make your perfect summer roll.
- Delicious. Packed with fresh and flavorful ingredients for an absolute flavor explosion.
Making Thai shrimp summer rolls is a fun and easy process that yields a delicious and healthy snack. This dish is perfect for warm weather and can be customized with different herbs and vegetables to suit your taste. Give it a try and enjoy a refreshing and satisfying snack!
What Is The Difference Between A Spring Roll And A Summer Roll?
Spring rolls and summer rolls are both popular Asian-inspired bites, but they have several key differences in terms of their ingredients and preparation.
Spring rolls, also known as fried spring rolls, are typically made with a filling of cooked meat, vegetables, and sometimes noodles, wrapped in a thin wheat flour wrapper, and then deep-fried until crispy. The wrapper is crunchy and golden, and the filling is usually savory and cooked. They are often served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce.
Summer rolls, on the other hand, are fresh and healthy rolls that are made with uncooked ingredients and wrapped in a translucent rice paper wrapper. They are typically filled with raw vegetables, herbs, and sometimes cooked shrimp or chicken, and are often served with a peanut or hoisin dipping sauce. Summer rolls are served cold or at room temperature, and the wrapper is soft and chewy.
Are Summer Rolls Healthy?
Yes, summer rolls can be a healthy food option as they are typically made with fresh vegetables, herbs, and lean proteins such as shrimp or chicken. They are often low in calories, fat, and sodium compared to other fried or heavy foods.
Summer rolls are gluten-free and can be made vegan by omitting animal protein or using a plant-based alternative.
The nutritional content of summer rolls can vary depending on the ingredients used and the dipping sauce, which can contain added sugar or sodium. To make summer rolls even healthier, consider using more vegetables and herbs and choosing a light dipping sauce or making your own.
What Are Thai Summer Rolls Made Of?
- Shrimp
- Rice paper wrappers
- Shredded carrots
- Shredded red cabbage
- Diced cucumber
- Cilantro leaves
- Mint leaves
- Roasted peanuts
- Fish sauce
- Soy sauce
- Sugar
- Lime juice
- Garlic
How To Make A Summer Roll
- Cook the shrimp. In a pot of boiling water, cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove from the heat and let them cool. Once cool, cut the shrimp in half lengthwise.
- Prepare the dipping sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, lime juice, and minced garlic until the sugar is dissolved. Set aside.
- Assemble the summer rolls. Fill a shallow dish with warm water. Dip a rice paper wrapper in the water for a few seconds until it becomes soft and pliable. Place the wrapper on a clean, damp towel. On the bottom third of the wrapper, add shrimp and a sprinkle of each of the shredded carrots, lettuce, cilantro, mint leaves, and chopped peanuts. Fold the sides of the wrapper towards the center and then roll it tightly from the bottom up. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
- Serve and enjoy! Arrange the Thai shrimp summer roll on a plate and serve with the dipping sauce.
Variations
There are many variations you can try to mix up the flavors and textures. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Mango and avocado- Add slices of fresh mango and avocado to your shrimp summer rolls for a sweet and creamy twist. You can also add cucumber, carrot, and basil or cilantro for added flavor and texture.
- Spicy peanut- Mix together peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, and sriracha to make a spicy peanut dipping sauce. Add some sliced jalapeño or red pepper to your summer rolls for an extra kick.
- Sesame ginger- Mix together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic for a tangy and flavorful dipping sauce. Add sliced bell peppers, carrots, and green onions to your shrimp summer rolls for a crunchy and colorful filling.
- Tofu and mushroom- If you prefer a vegetarian or vegan option, you can substitute tofu and mushroom for the shrimp. Add some sliced radish and fresh herbs like mint and basil for added flavor.
Tips And Tricks
- Don't soak the rice paper wrappers for too long, or they will become too soft and difficult to handle.
- Make sure to cut the shrimp in half lengthwise so that they fit nicely in the summer roll.
- You can add other vegetables to the rolls, such as sliced cucumber, bell pepper, or bean sprouts, for added crunch and flavor.
What To Serve Them With
Summer rolls are a versatile bite that can be served as a light and healthy snack or a refreshing appetizer or meal. Here are a few ideas for what to serve with them:
- Dipping sauces- Summer rolls are often served with a dipping sauce, such as peanut sauce, hoisin sauce, or sweet chili sauce. You can make your own sauce or buy pre-made sauces from the store.
- Salad- Serve summer rolls with a side salad made with fresh greens, sliced vegetables, and a light dressing, such as a citrus vinaigrette or sesame-ginger dressing.
- Soup- Pair your summer rolls with a light and flavorful soup, such as a clear vegetable broth or a coconut curry soup.
- Rice or noodles- Serve summer rolls with a side of rice or noodles, such as jasmine rice or vermicelli noodles, to make the meal more filling.
- Fruit- Serve fresh fruit, such as sliced mango, pineapple, or papaya, for a sweet and refreshing dessert or snack.
How Long Do They Last?
If you want to make the summer rolls ahead of time, cover them with a damp towel and store them in the fridge for up to a day. Don't add the dipping sauce until you're ready to serve.
Can You Freeze Them?
While it is possible to freeze summer rolls, I wouldn't recommend it. They'll likely become soggy and lose their texture and flavor when thawed.
The moisture from the filling can cause the rice paper wrapper to become mushy and the herbs to wilt, resulting in a less appetizing texture.
More Shrimp Recipes
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Ingredients
- 8 extra large shrimp
- 8 rice paper wrappers
- 1/2 cup vermicelli noodles
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup lettuce
- 1/2 cup cilantro
- 1/4 cup mint leaves
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp lime juice
- 1 clove Minced Garlic
Instructions
- Cook the shrimp. In a pot of boiling water, cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove from the heat and let them cool. Once cool, cut the shrimp in half lengthwise.
- Prepare the dipping sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, lime juice, and minced garlic until the sugar is dissolved. Set aside.
- Assemble the summer rolls. Fill a shallow dish with warm water. Dip a rice paper wrapper in the water for a few seconds until it becomes soft and pliable. Place the wrapper on a clean, damp towel. On the bottom third of the wrapper, add shrimp and a sprinkle of each of the shredded carrots, lettuce, cilantro, mint leaves, and chopped peanuts. Fold the sides of the wrapper towards the center and then roll it tightly from the bottom up. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
- Serve and enjoy! Arrange the Thai shrimp summer roll on a plate and serve with the dipping sauce.
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Nutrition
Don't forget to check out my other Keto cookbooks.
Keto Instant Pot, Keto Fat Bombs, Sweets, & Treats, and Easy keto in 30 minutes.
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