How to Make Spring Rolls with Rice Paper: A Simple Guide for a Delightful Treat!

I have always enjoyed spring rolls—especially the fresh ones made with rice paper wrappers. While I used to savor them exclusively at my favorite Vietnamese restaurant, the idea of making them at home never really crossed my mind. That changed several years ago when our friends invited us over for dinner and their daughter expertly prepared spring rolls right at the table. It was then I realized just how simple and fun it can be to make spring rolls at home. In this post, I’ll show you how to make spring rolls step-by-step using fresh, flavorful ingredients.

That moment marked the realization that making delicious spring rolls at home was totally doable—and I’ve been making them ever since. They’ve definitely become one of my favorite plant-based meals.

Not only are fresh spring rolls easy to make, but they’re also perfect for a light lunch, appetizer, or even a complete and satisfying dinner.

The process is surprisingly straightforward: gather your ingredients, prep a few fillings, and assemble. It’s really that simple!

Rice Paper Spring Roll Wrappers

To get started you will need a package of rice paper wrappers.

If you’re not familiar with rice spring roll wrappers, they’re thin, translucent sheets made from rice flour, water, and salt. Once soaked briefly in warm water, they become pliable and perfect for wrapping up fresh vegetables, herbs, and noodles.

Quick Tip: These wrappers are typically found in the Asian section of most grocery stores. I like to use the 10” round wrappers, though larger ones (like 12”) are available if you want to go big—think burrito-style! The neutral taste of rice paper lets the colors and flavors of your fresh fillings shine through beautifully.

Filling Ingredients for Fresh Rice Paper Spring Rolls

These are the fillings I use most often, and I almost always have them on hand. Feel free to get creative and customize your rolls with whatever you enjoy!

• Lettuce- Preferably a Spring Mix.
• Rice vermicelli noodles – Cooked according to package instructions, drained, and cooled.
• Carrot– Shredded.
• Red cabbage – Thinly shredded.
• Cucumber – Julienned or cut into matchsticks.
• Mango – Sliced. (You can use frozen chunks that have been thawed and sliced if fresh mango is not available.)
• Avocado – Sliced.
• Mint leaves – Larger leaves torn into pieces.
• Cilantro

Additional fillings to try:

• Thinly sliced bell peppers. (red, orange, or yellow)
• Bean sprouts
• Sliced air-fried or pan-fried tofu, seasoned or marinated.
• Thai Basil

Tip: The amount of each ingredient depends on how many rolls you want to make, so prep accordingly!

How to Fill and Roll the Rice Paper for the Spring Rolls

Prepare Your Setup:

• A large bowl of room-temperature water for soaking the rice paper
• A large cutting board or flat surface for rolling
• Plates or platters with your prepped fillings laid out and ready to go

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Soak the Rice Paper
   Dip one sheet of rice paper into the water for about 5–10 seconds, just until it’s soft and pliable. Lay it smooth side down on a large cutting board or another clean work surface.
2. Add the Fillings
   Place a small amount of spring mix lettuce on the lower half of the rice paper, followed by rice vermicelli noodles, red cabbage, cucumber, carrot, mango, avocado, and herbs—or any combination of spring roll fillings you like.
3. Fold and Roll
   Fold in the sides, then roll from the bottom up, tucking the fillings in tightly as you go. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect—they’ll taste great regardless!
4. Repeat
   Continue until you’ve used up your fillings or rice paper.

Serve with Peanut Dipping Sauce

Fresh spring rolls are best served right away, paired with a flavorful dipping sauce. I personally love this easy homemade peanut sauce:

Peanut Sauce Ingredients:

• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• Juice of one lime
• 1 Tbsp rice wine vinegar
• 1 Tbsp Sriracha chili sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 Tbsp maple syrup
• ½ cup water

Instructions:

Whisk everything together in a bowl until smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve in small bowls alongside your fresh spring rolls.

FAQs

Can I make fresh spring rolls ahead of time?

Spring rolls made with rice paper wrappers are best when freshly made. I don’t recommend preparing them too far in advance, especially if you’re serving guests. That said, if you do have leftovers (I always make a lot!), store them in an airtight container lined with a damp paper towel to help retain moisture. Just know they won’t be quite as fresh the next day.

Make It a Fun Group Activity!

Fresh spring rolls are perfect for a gathering with family or friends. Prep all your ingredients in advance and arrange them on big platters—it’s so pretty and inviting!

Make the peanut sauce ahead of time too. Then, gather around the table and let everyone create their own rolls. It’s fun, interactive, and a great way to connect over good food.

More Asian-Inspired Recipes to Try

Easy Japanese Salad Dressing (4 Ingredients, No Oil)– This light and tangy Japanese-style dressing is made with just four simple ingredients—no oil required! Perfect for salads, grain bowls, or dipping.

Vegan Ramen Noodle Salad (Quick & Flavorful)– A crunchy, colorful salad tossed with ramen noodles and a tangy homemade dressing. It’s an easy, refreshing dish packed with bold Asian-inspired flavors.

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