A Delicious Twist: How to Make Easy Thai Fresh Rice Wrap Spring Rolls with Satay Peanut Sauce using Eastern Blue red curry paste

We wanted to share an all time family favorite of ours. Thai fresh rice wrap spring rolls are a delightful dish that combines fresh vegetables, soft rice wrappers, and a tasty peanut sauce dip that packs a flavorful punch. These rolls are not only refreshing but also fully customizable, making them a popular choice for gatherings and quick meals. In this post, we’ll explore how to make these easy Thai fresh rice wrap spring rolls and pair them with a rich, creamy satay peanut sauce that will leave everyone wanting more.

Why Fresh Rice Wrap Spring Rolls Are Great

Fresh rice wrap spring rolls are delicious and offer various health benefits. They are low in calories, packed with vitamins, and gluten-free! Here are some advantages to keep in mind:

Nutritious Ingredients: You can fill your rolls with vegetables, proteins, and even certain fruits, tailoring each roll to fit your dietary needs. For instance, using a mix of carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers provides key nutrients like vitamins A and C.
Refreshing Crunch: The combination of fresh herbs and crisp vegetables creates a light, refreshing bite, making these rolls enjoyable year-round.
Quick and Easy Preparation: These spring rolls are great for a light lunch or snack. In just 30 minutes, you can have a plate of fresh rolls ready to serve, especially if your ingredients are prepped in advance.

Let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need to start rolling!

Ingredients for Thai Fresh Rice Wrap Spring Rolls

To make these easy Thai fresh rice wrap spring rolls, you'll need the following ingredients:

Rice paper wrappers: These thin, translucent wrappers can be found in most grocery stores, particularly in the Asian section, or online.
Fresh vegetables: Common choices include lettuce, carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers. Include avocado for an extra creamy texture. Shredded purple cabbage adds a nice crunch and a pop of color.
Herbs: Fresh herbs like mint and cilantro elevate the flavor. Studies have shown that herbs can enhance the overall taste profile of dishes.
Proteins (optional): Choose cooked shrimp, grilled chicken, or even cooked tofu. Using 100 grams of shrimp can add about 20 grams of protein to your roll.
Rice noodles: Optional, but these noodles add texture and make for a more filling roll. A serving of rice noodles can contain around 40 grams of carbohydrates.
Thai satay peanut sauce: See the recipe below for this delectable addition to your fresh spring rolls

Preparing Your Ingredients

Before you start assembling your rolls, make sure to prepare your ingredients:

Vegetables: Wash and julienne your fresh vegetables to create bite-sized pieces.
Proteins: If using shrimp, boil or sauté them until pink and cooked through. For tofu or chicken, make sure they are grilled or stir-fried with your preferred spices.
Rice Noodles: Boil according to package instructions, usually about 5 minutes, then rinse and drain them before using. Cooked jasmine rice and cooled to room temperature may be an alternative substitute.

Once everything is ready, you're set to assemble your spring rolls!

Assembly: Crafting Thai Fresh Rice Wrap Spring Rolls

The key to delicious spring rolls is in the assembly. Your kids can assemble these themselves or you can prepare them ahead of time. This process can be messy but kids relish using their hands to tap into their inner primal nature. Here are the simple steps for perfect rolls:

Soak Rice Papers: Fill a shallow large plate or a rice paper water bowl with warm water. Dip a rice paper wrapper for about 10-15 seconds until it becomes pliable but remains firm.
Layer Ingredients: Place your filling in the center of the wrapper. Start with a layer of lettuce, add a small handful of rice noodles, followed by your vegetables, fresh herbs, and protein. Then add a layer of peanut sauce to allow for a nutty kick or you may choose to dip your spring roll into the peanut sauce after the wrap is assembled. See the peanut sauce recipe below.
Roll it Up: Fold in the sides of the wrapper, then roll tightly from the bottom. Make sure the filling stays secure and rice paper overlaps.

Continue this process until all ingredients are used, placing the completed rolls on a serving plate.

Crafting the Satay Peanut Sauce

The satay peanut sauce is essential as it greatly enhances the flavor of your spring rolls. Here’s a simple recipe to whip up a delicious satay peanut sauce:

Ingredients for Satay Peanut Sauce

1/2 cup smooth peanut butter (if allergic, change to peanut butter substitute like WowButter or almond butter): The primary ingredient. Natural peanut butter works best without added sugars.
1 tbsp Eastern Blue red curry paste: Adds richness with a hint of spice.
2 tbsp soy sauce: Provides umami and saltiness.
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup: Balances the saltiness with a touch of sweetness.
1 tbsp lime juice: Adds a bright, tangy flavor.
1/2 cup canned coconut cream (or coconut milk): Contributes creaminess and rich texture.
1-2 garlic cloves: Minced or crushed for an extra flavor boost.
Garnish with halved or crushed peanuts using a Thai style mortar and pestle (khrok sak).
2-3 tbsp of water as needed to thin the sauce to desired consistency and spiciness.

Instructions for Making the Sauce

Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the peanut butter and curry paste first, then add soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), lime juice, and minced garlic until well combined.
Add Coconut Milk: Gradually stir in the coconut milk until the sauce reaches a smooth, creamy texture. For a thinner sauce, mix in more coconut milk to adjust the consistency.
Taste and Adjust: Give your sauce a taste and tweak any ingredient according to your preference for consistency, sweetness or saltiness.

Your fresh satay peanut sauce is now ready to enhance your fresh rice wrap spring rolls. No cooking is needed!

Serving Recommendations

To serve, arrange your spring rolls on a platter alongside a bowl of satay peanut sauce for dipping. For an extra touch, consider garnishing with crushed peanuts and fresh cilantro. Using a Thai style mortar and pestle (khrok sak) can add a more authentic step but you may also crush peanuts on a cutting board using a large chef knife. This vibrant dish can be a hit at dinner parties or a casual weeknight snack.

Fresh rice wrap spring rolls not only look beautiful but also make for a nutritious, crowd-pleasing option for any gathering.

Wrap-Up

Making easy Thai fresh rice wrap spring rolls with satay peanut sauce is a fun and rewarding process. With a few simple ingredients and some creativity, you can create a refreshing dish that caters to various tastes.

Whether you’re looking for a healthy lunch or a colorful appetizer for your next gathering, these spring rolls are sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy a delicious taste of Thailand from the comfort of your kitchen!