Summer Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce

Gluten-free option, Soy-free option

These summer rolls are light, fresh and tasty. They make the perfect appetizer, side dish or even light lunch or snack. We prefer to dip them in our peanut dipping sauce, but you can dip them in whatever you please! The best part about these rolls is that they are easily adaptable. We loaded ours with tofu, veggies and herbs. Feel free to substitute or omit any ingredients to your liking —although we are partial to this combination of flavors and encourage you to try them.

Summer rolls with peanut dipping sauce are a popular Vietnamese dish known for their refreshing and vibrant flavors. These rolls feature a combination of fresh vegetables, herbs, and sometimes protein, all wrapped in translucent rice paper. They are typically served with a delectable peanut dipping sauce that adds a rich and nutty dimension to the dish. The rolls are not only visually appealing but also provide a delightful play of textures and tastes, making them a perfect appetizer, light meal, or snack option.

To create summer rolls with peanut dipping sauce, you’ll need ingredients like rice paper wrappers, a variety of fresh vegetables such as shredded carrots, lettuce, cucumber sticks, and avocado slices. These ingredients are combined with flavorful herbs like basil, cilantro, and mint. Optionally, you can add protein sources like baked tofu or shrimp to make the rolls more substantial.

The assembly involves soaking rice paper wrappers briefly in water to soften them. Once pliable, the wrappers are filled with the chosen ingredients, creating a colorful and enticing mix of textures. Rolling the wrappers is akin to folding a burrito, with the sides tucked in and then rolled up to create a compact and cylindrical package.

The highlight of summer rolls is often the accompanying peanut dipping sauce. This sauce is a harmonious blend of savory, sweet, and nutty flavors. It typically contains ingredients like peanut butter, soy sauce (or its alternatives), maple syrup for sweetness, garlic powder for depth, and sesame oil for richness. Sometimes, a touch of spice, like vegan sriracha, is added to give the sauce a hint of heat.

Summer rolls are not only visually appealing but also a delight to the palate. Each bite offers a burst of freshness from the crisp vegetables and herbs, balanced by the creamy and flavorful peanut dipping sauce. They are a wonderful option for a light and healthy meal, an appetizer to share, or even a party platter. With their customizable fillings and delicious flavors, summer rolls with peanut dipping sauce are a versatile and enjoyable dish that can be enjoyed year-round.

PREP TIME: 25 minutes, plus inactive time to press tofu

COOK TIME: 25 minutes

YIELD: 6 rolls

INGREDIENTS:

BAKED TOFU

• 1 (14- to 16-oz [396- to 453-g]) block firm or extra-firm tofu (omit for soy-free)
• Canola or olive oil (or spray version), for pan (optional)

PEANUT SAUCE

• 6 tbsp (90 ml) soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free, or coconut aminos for soy-free)
• ¼ cup (64 g) creamy peanut butter
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) pure maple syrup
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• 2 tsp (10 ml) sesame oil
• 2 tsp (10 g) vegan sriracha

TO ASSEMBLE

• 6 rice paper wrappers
• 1¼ cups (138 g) shredded carrots
• 1¼ cups (94 g) shredded romaine lettuce
• 1 medium-sized cucumber, sliced into 12 long, thin sticks
• 1 large avocado, peeled, pitted, and cut into 12 slices
• 1 tbsp (3 g) chopped fresh basil
• 1 tbsp (1 g) chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 tbsp (6 g) chopped fresh mint

INSTRUCTIONS:

MAKE THE BAKED TOFU 

1. Drain the tofu and slice lengthwise into four long, equal slices. Press the slices.
2. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet by oiling with oil or lining with parchment paper.
3. Cut each slice of pressed tofu into three long, equal pieces, creating twelve pieces.
4. Place on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool completely.

PREPARE THE PEANUT SAUCE 

1. In a small bowl, whisk together all the peanut sauce ingredients and set aside.

ASSEMBLE THE SUMMER ROLLS 

1. Working 1 at a time, submerge a rice paper wrapper in lukewarm water for 5 to 10 seconds (or according to package instructions).
2. Place the wrapper on a clean cutting board with about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of the wrapper hanging off the edge (this will help when you begin folding your summer roll).
3. Place two pieces of tofu in the middle of the wrapper. Top with a small handful of carrots, a small handful of lettuce, 2 sticks of cucumber, and 2 slices of avocado.
4. Top with ½ teaspoon each of fresh basil, cilantro, and mint.
5. Roll your summer roll by folding over the sides first and then the bottom. Continue by rolling the wrapper upward (similar to rolling a burrito), until you have the desired shape.
6. Repeat with the other wrappers until you have rolled all six summer rolls.
7. Serve with the peanut sauce.