These vibrant Vietnamese Fresh Herb Rolls are filled with shrimp, pork, and aromatic herbs, served with a creamy and zesty nut dip. Perfect as an appetizer or a light meal, these rolls are both refreshing and satisfying.
Ingredients
8 pieces shrimp
200 grams pork
100 grams rice noodles
4 pieces basil leaves
1 bunch cilantro
1 bunch mint
50 grams bean sprouts
8 pieces rice paper wrappers
3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
2 tablespoons peanut butter
1 cup water
optional to taste chopped peanuts
Method
Begin by heating a pot of lightly salted water until it reaches a gentle boil. Introduce the shrimp and let them cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until they turn a lovely opaque shade. Drain the shrimp, allow them to cool a bit, and then pat them dry with a paper towel. Peel, devein, and slice each shrimp in half lengthwise.
In a separate pot, bring lightly salted water to a boil. Add the pork and let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Once cooked, remove from heat, allow it to cool, and slice into thin strips.
Bring another pot of water to a boil and add the rice noodles. Cook until they are tender, which should take around 7 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once cooked, drain and rinse the noodles under cold water to prevent them from sticking together.
Fill a medium bowl with warm water. Soak each rice paper wrapper for about 30 seconds until it becomes soft and flexible. Place the wrapper on a clean, flat surface. Lay down 2 basil leaves side by side about 2 inches from the edge. On top of the basil, add 4 to 5 shrimp halves, followed by a few strips of pork, and a small handful of noodles. Top it off with a sprinkle of cilantro, mint, and bean sprouts. Carefully roll the wrapper over the filling, fold the sides in towards the center, and continue to roll tightly, ensuring not to tear the wrapper. The completed roll should be about 1 to 1.5 inches thick.
In a saucepan over medium-high heat, mix hoisin sauce, peanut butter, and a splash of water. Bring this mixture to a boil, then promptly remove it from the heat. If you like, sprinkle some chopped peanuts on top and serve alongside the rolls for a delightful dipping experience.
