A spring roll table set up
Before rolling spring rolls, I like to have these items ready on my counter or table. Prepare these supplies, and you’ll be good to go! If you have assistants, divide your work surface into two stations so that you can split the water bowls and platters.
- Your platter of fresh vegetables, noodles, and shrimp. Place them all on one large plate if possible. Its easier to have everything in one place. Easier clean up too.
- A sheet of your wrappers can fit on two sizable flat serving platters; one is for rolling, and the other is for storing the completed roll in.
- To soften the dry sheets, dip the wrappers into at least one inch of water in a sizable serving bowl or platter.
- A tiny bowl to dip your fingers into at the wrapper’s end
- Keep a large supply of paper towels close by so you can clean up spilled water droplets and wipe your hands and fingers.
Helpful tips before rolling your spring rolls
- Gathering ingredients, preparing, and assembling Vietnamese spring rolls takes some time, but once you’re done, you can usually put a few together quickly.
- To expedite the roll-making process, you will need a level surface on which to arrange all of the ingredients. When I make spring rolls, I usually place two large dinner plates next to each other. I wrap the rolls in one plate, then finish the rolls on another.
- Keep a roll of paper towels close at hand. While rolling the remaining pieces, have a damp towel ready to cover the completed pieces just enough to prevent them from drying out too quickly. Additionally, you’ll need a sizable bowl of warm—not hot—water to submerge the spring roll wrappers so that their texture is softer for rolling.
- When everything is within easy reach, arrange your ingredients on a sizable platter and get ready to cook!
Options for Spring Roll Fillings
- Protein. These are all great options for summer roll fillings. Sashimi such as salmon, tuna, or albacore tuna; grilled pork; roasted pork belly; beef, chicken, shrimp; roasted chicken; turkey; duck; or ham; cooked tofu; tempeh;
- Avocado for added creaminess and texture. Perfect for a vegan or vegetarian option!.
- Vegetables. For extra heat, add sliced bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, and jalapeño peppers.
- Fruits. These work well with fillings made of apples, kiwis, pears, peaches, or any other fruit that can be thinly and longly sliced.
- Edible flowers. These give your fresh rolls a sophisticated touch, perfect for serving pretty spring rolls for a special occasion.
