Make Ahead

Vegetarian Spring Rolls w/ Asian Chile Dipping Sauce

January 12, 2010
5
1 Ratings
  • Prep time 30 minutes
  • Makes aprox. 6 large spring rolls (you can adjust the size depending on what you like)
Author Notes

*Updated 2/21 - though not technically a restaurant, the food section of Trader Joe's in Los Angeles has some delicious things and I miss going there!

This recipe was adapted from a recipe by Curtis Aikens I found on the Food Network site and from my memory of the most delicious vegetarian spring rolls ever, I had at Trader Joe’s in Los Angeles. I know, I know, not the most glamorous or exotic of places to experience a vegetarian spring roll – but it was actually quite delicious and has been sitting in my mind ever since.

Curtis’ original Spring Roll recipe called for carrots, sprouts, napa cabbage and red peppers. I kept the carrots and napa cabbage but substituted cucumber, chives and cilantro for the other ingredients. He advised to leave the filling dry; I have added a little olive oil and soy sauce to add a little depth of flavor.

The Asian chile dipping sauce is my own creation from memory of that delicious little tidbit of dipping sauce in the tiny plastic tub I got at Trader Joe’s. Enjoy!
coffeefoodwrite

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Ingredients
  • Spring Rolls
  • 1 packet rice paper
  • shallow dish hot water
  • large carrot
  • 1/2 large English Cucumber
  • 1 bunch fresh chives
  • 4-5 large leaves napa cabbage
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons soy sauce
  • 1 bunch cilantro
  • Asian Chile Dipping Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame chile oil
  • 1 tablespoon seasoned rice vinegar (I used Marukan - organic)
  • 1/2 (large) clove crushed garlic
  • 1/4 teaspoon finely minced fresh ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon agave nectar or sugar
  • 1 teaspoon water
Directions
  1. For Spring Rolls: Julienne the carrot, cucumber and napa cabbage. I like to use a mandolin for the carrots and cucumbers. Thinly slice the cabbage by first slicing the thicker stems, then when you get to the softer upper part, roll it up and finely slice it.
  2. Cut the chives in half so they are about 2 inches long.
  3. Put all in a medium bowl and toss with olive oil and soy sauce to taste.
  4. Dip rice paper in hot water until soft and translucent. Lay out on a flat, smooth surface and arrange a small amount of the vegetable mixture in the center. Add a piece of cilantro on top of vegetable mixture. Fold up like a burrito (bring both side ends in over filling first then tuck end side over and roll up tightly). Place seam side down on serving dish
  5. For Dipping Sauce: Add all ingredients together in bowl. Whisk thoroughly. Place in small serving bowl.
  6. Dip and enjoy!

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7 Reviews

meganvt01 February 24, 2021
Hello! Just wanted to make sure you saw our contest rules (https://food52.com/blog...) and that we would like to see the name and location of the restaurant that inspired your dish in the head note. Thanks!
coffeefoodwrite February 24, 2021
Thanks Megan! By the head note, do you mean in the author's description? Thanks!
meganvt01 February 25, 2021
Yup!
aargersi March 18, 2010
Yum, I LOVE spring rolls and I think an addition of duck confit would be genius. These are going ON the list!!
coffeefoodwrite March 18, 2010
Just had them for lunch -- ate all six - -they were yummy...
dymnyno January 15, 2010
Sounds delicious...will definitely keep your recipe.(after reading your profile I can't believe there was no duck!)
coffeefoodwrite January 16, 2010
great idea! I'll add it next time. =)