Ingredients:

  • 4 oz Rice Vermicelli Noodles (cooked and cooled)
  • 12 Large Cooked Shrimp (halved lengthwise)
  • 4 oz Cooked Pork Belly/Loin (thinly sliced, optional)
  • 1 head Green Leaf Lettuce (torn)
  • 1 cup Fresh Mint Leaves (packed)
  • 1 cup Fresh Cilantro Sprigs
  • 1 medium Cucumber (julienned)
  • 1 medium Carrot (julienned)
  • 12 sheets Rice Paper Wrappers (8.5-inch)
  • Water (lukewarm, for soaking)
  • 1/4 cup Hoisin Sauce
  • 2 Tbsp Smooth Peanut Butter
  • 2 Tbsp Hot Water
  • 1 tsp Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice
  • 1/2 tsp Chili Garlic Sauce (or Sambal Oelek)
  • 1 Tbsp Chopped Roasted Peanuts (for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare All Fillings: Cook rice vermicelli according to package directions; drain and rinse immediately with cold water. Ensure all proteins (shrimp/pork) are cooked and sliced. Julienne all carrots and cucumbers. Arrange all prepped ingredients in separate, easily accessible piles.
  2. Mix the Dipping Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine hoisin sauce, peanut butter, and hot water. Heat gently over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth and uniform. Stir in lime juice and chili garlic sauce. Remove from heat, pour into a serving bowl, and garnish with chopped peanuts.
  3. Set Up the Rolling Station: Lay a clean, damp kitchen towel flat on your counter. Fill a large, shallow dish with lukewarm water.
  4. Soak the Wrapper: Submerge one rice paper wrapper fully into the lukewarm water for 10–15 seconds until pliable but still slightly firm. Remove immediately.
  5. Layer the Ingredients (Aesthetics First): Place the wet wrapper flat on the damp towel. Lay 2 shrimp halves and 2-3 thin slices of pork (if using) about 1 inch from the bottom edge, ensuring the protein faces upwards.
  6. Add the Core Filling: On top of the meat/shrimp layer, add a small amount of rice noodles, cucumber/carrot matchsticks, lettuce leaves, and mint leaves. Ensure the filling forms a neat line across the center, leaving space on the sides.
  7. Fold and Roll: Carefully fold the sides of the wrapper inward over the filling. Then, tightly lift the bottom edge and roll forward, pulling back slightly as you roll to ensure a tight, compact cylinder.
  8. Store and Serve: Place finished spring rolls seam-side down. Serve immediately with the prepared Peanut Dipping Sauce.