Stuffed

Vegan Rice Paper Rolls with Peanut Sauce

Prep

30 minutes

Cook

5 minutes

Yield

8 Rolls (Serves 2)

🌱 Learn how to make fresh vegan rice paper rolls with homemade peanut sauce in just 35 minutes. Perfect for parties and gatherings!

These vegan rice paper rolls bring Vietnamese cuisine to your kitchen. The rolls are fresh, delicious, and perfect as snacks, appetizers, or lunch. Because they’re so customizable, kids love building their own rolls. This makes them an excellent healthy activity together. Rice paper creates a delicate wrapper for endless filling possibilities.

❤️ Why You’ll Love These Vegan Rice Paper Rolls

Quick: Make these vegan spring rolls in just 35 minutes from prep to plate.
Versatile: Fill these vegetarian spring rolls with whatever ingredients your family prefers most.
Healthy: These rolls are naturally vegan and packed with vegetables and fresh herbs.
Kid-Friendly: Kids love assembling their own rolls with their favorite fillings and toppings.

🍲 Ingredients

Rice Paper Wraps – Rice paper is naturally gluten-free and low in calories. Each wrap contains minimal fat while providing energy-boosting carbohydrates. The rice base offers a clean, whole-grain foundation. Because it’s thin and delicate, it won’t weigh down your fresh fillings.

Peanut Sauce for Spring Rolls – Peanut butter delivers plant-based protein and healthy fats. These support muscle recovery and sustained energy throughout the day. Lime juice adds vitamin C for immune support and antioxidants. So you get both nutrition and incredible flavor in every bite. I have an easy recipe to make your own peanut sauce here for these rice paper wraps.

👩‍🍳 How to Make Vegan Rice Paper Rolls

Hands putting fresh ingredients on rice paper for salad rolls - 3

Prepare Ingredients:Step 1:Prep all your ingredients before you begin. Cut veggies into thin strips for easy rolling. Cook rice noodles if using, then cool completely. Set up an assembly station with fillings organized. Have warm water nearby in a shallow bowl. Arrange herbs, veggies, and noodles within arm’s reach.

Assemble and Roll:Step 2:Submerge one rice paper sheet in warm water. Wait 10-20 seconds until it feels pliable and flexible. Then place it on your work surface. Lay herbs against the wrapper first for presentation. This creates a beautiful translucent appearance. Next, layer avocado, mango, and pepper strips across the center.

Vegan Rice Paper Rolls with Peanut Sauce - 5

Step 3:Fold the left and right sides inward over the filling. Then fold up the bottom edge toward the center. This encloses the filling completely and prevents leakage. Now tightly roll upward from the bottom edge. Be gentle so you don’t rip the rice paper. The roll should be snug but not torn.

Vegan Rice Paper Rolls with Peanut Sauce - 6

Step 4:Continue rolling until the wrapper completely seals the filling. Place finished rolls seam-side down on a serving plate. Meanwhile, prepare your peanut sauce for dipping. Serve immediately while the rolls are fresh and crisp.

🪄 Tips and Tricks

Rolling: Rice paper is stronger than you think. Don’t be afraid to gently pull while rolling. This creates tight, beautiful rolls that won’t fall apart.
Hydration: Water temperature matters for optimal results. Use warm (not hot) water at about 80-90 degrees. This hydrates the rice paper perfectly without making it too soft.
Troubleshooting: If rice paper tears during hydration, the water is too hot. If it won’t soften, the water is too cool. Test one sheet first, then adjust your water temperature.
Creativity: Add proteins like baked tofu or tempeh strips for extra nutrition. Include different herbs like mint or basil instead. Experiment with fruit and sauces since options are endless.

🗒 Substitutions

There are definitely some different approaches you can take with rice paper rolls. I’ve thrown out a few ideas for fillings above, but here are some great combinations if you have trouble deciding what could taste good together.

Shrimp: Add cooked shrimp, shredded carrots, cucumber strips, and spring mix greens
Smoked Salmon: Smoked salmon, rice noodles, cucumber, and avocado
Tofu: Vermicelli noodles, tofu, Thai basil, red pepper, shredded carrot, and cilantro

🗒 Substitutions

Sauce: Traditional peanut sauce is classic, but alternatives exist. Try cashew butter or almond butter as nut-based options. Sweet chili sauce is a popular Thai choice. Sesame-ginger sauce also pairs beautifully with these rolls.
Protein: Add cooked shrimp, baked tofu, or tempeh strips. For seafood lovers, smoked salmon works beautifully. Prepare proteins by marinating lightly or seasoning simply. Cold proteins integrate best into these vegetarian spring rolls.
Herbs & Vegetables: Skip cilantro and use mint or basil instead. Swap mango for additional cucumber or bell pepper strips. Include cabbage, beets, or lettuce for extra crunch. Try different combinations to discover your favorite flavor profiles.
Noodles: Use rice vermicelli noodles for traditional Vietnamese style rolls. Or skip noodles entirely for a lighter option. You can also try sweet potato noodles for variety. Experiment with bean sprouts for extra crunch instead.

🗒 Best served with

Thai Noodle Soup
Thai Drunken Noodles
Easy Pad Thai
Summer Veggie Spring Rolls with Mango Salsa

👝 How to Store Leftovers

Store finished vegan spring rolls in an airtight container. Line the bottom with parchment paper first. Then place rolls in a single layer. Place a damp paper towel on top. This keeps them fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Don’t stack rolls directly on each other, as they may stick.

🤔 Common Questions

Don’t leave rice paper in water longer than 10-20 seconds. The key is hydrating just enough so it’s pliable. With practice, you’ll develop a feel for timing.

Place herbs against the wrapper first for presentation. Then layer vegetables, proteins, and noodles in the center. This technique keeps everything compact and prevents bulkiness.

Yes, prepare them up to a day ahead. Store in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. Keep a damp towel on top for moisture.

Try cashew butter or almond butter as nut-based alternatives. Sweet chili sauce is a popular Thai option. Sesame-ginger sauce also pairs beautifully with fresh rolls.

Rice paper wraps are typically vegan and naturally gluten-free. Always check the label to confirm no additives. Most brands sold in the international aisle meet both standards.

Bake tofu at 400°F for 25 minutes until golden and crispy. For tempeh, steam then pan-fry until edges brown. Shrimp and other proteins should be cold before assembly.

Yes, these work great for meal prep and batch cooking. Prepare rolls up to 3-4 days ahead for convenience. Store properly with a damp towel on top.

Rice paper is thinner and more delicate than wrappers. It creates a fresh, translucent texture when hydrated. Spring roll wrappers are thicker and typically fried instead.

Look for rice paper in the international aisle. Peanut butter and soy sauce are in regular sections. Asian markets carry the largest selection and prices.