**Summer Rolls with Baked Tofu and Sweet and Savory Dipping Sauce: A Refreshing and Flavorful Vietnamese Appetizer**
Immerse yourself in the vibrant flavors of Vietnam with these delectable summer rolls. Featuring tender baked tofu, crisp vegetables, and aromatic herbs, these rolls are a symphony of textures and tastes. Served alongside a luscious sweet and savory dipping sauce, they make for an irresistible appetizer or light meal. Discover the joy of creating these summer rolls with our easy-to-follow recipe, and embark on a culinary adventure that will transport your taste buds to the heart of Southeast Asia.
VEGETARIAN SUMMER ROLLS WITH 3 DIPPING SAUCES
Vegetarian summer rolls with avocado, tofu & fresh veggies. Serve them with 3 dipping sauces - peanut sauce, hoisin & Vietnamese dipping sauce!
Provided by Jamie
Categories dinner lunch Main Course
Time 35m
Number Of Ingredients 32
Steps:
- For each sauce, set aside the garnish and mix together all the ingredients in a medium size bowl. Add the garnish right before serving. Makes 3/4 cup peanut sauce; makes 3/4 cup hoisin sauce; makes 1 cup of Vietnamese dipping sauce (nuoc cham).
- Cut the block of tofu into 1/2 inch strips. Add a teaspoon of oil to a pan over medium high heat and fry the tofu strips until they are golden brown on both sides. About 4 - 5 minutes. Set this aside.
- Add about a third inch of water to a large shallow dish to dip the rice paper wrappers in. Dip one sheet of rice paper wrapper in the water for two seconds and place it on a flat surface. (see Note 2)
- Starting with the side closest to you, add the mix greens/lettuce and shredded red cabbage on top of the rice paper wrapper, leaving an inch of wrapper on the edge to grab ahold of later. This will provide a barrier between the vegetable filling and the delicate rice paper wrappers.
- Next place the peppers, carrots, tofu, and avocado on top of the mixed greens. Finally add the vermicelli rice noodles and fresh herbs on top of everything. You should have a stack of the filling piled on top of each other.
- (Optional) For presentation: if you prefer to see the colorful vegetables through the wrapper, lay them flat on the rice paper wrapper in the center. As you're rolling it up, you should be able see the vegetables through the rice paper.
- Starting from the end closest to you, pick up the inch of wrapper left uncovered and roll it up a quarter of the way.
- Continue rolling until all the filling is rolled into the rice paper wrapper.
- Fold the left and right side of the wrapper towards the center and continue to roll it all the way up.
- Place the summer roll on a plate and let it sit for 1 minute or until the wrapper is no longer tacky. The surface should still feel soft and pliable but it should not feel sticky since the excess water should be absorbed by now.
- Cut each summer roll crosswise into about 2 inch pieces and arrange them on a plate. Serve with the peanut, hoisin, and Vietnamese dipping sauces.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 494 kcal, Carbohydrate 58 g, Protein 19 g, Fat 22 g, SaturatedFat 4 g, Cholesterol 1 mg, Sodium 2135 mg, Fiber 9 g, Sugar 16 g, ServingSize 1 serving
VIETNAMESE SPRING ROLLS WITH CRISPY TOFU
Steps:
- Start by preparing rice noodles in boiling hot water for about 10 minutes (read instructions on package), then drain and set aside.
- Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium heat and cut pressed tofu into small rectangles. Toss in 3 Tbsp cornstarch and flash fry in ~3 Tbsp sesame oil (amounts as original recipe is written // adjust if altering batch size), flipping on all sides to ensure even browning - about 5 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Prep veggies and prepare almond butter sauce by adding all sauce ingredients except water to a small mixing bowl and whisk to combine. Add enough hot water to thin until a pourable sauce is achieved. Adjust flavors as needed (I often add a little more chili garlic sauce and brown sugar).
- To add more flavor to the tofu, transfer ~2.5 Tbsp of the sauce to a small bowl and add an additional Tablespoon each of soy sauce, sesame oil and brown sugar or agave (amounts as original recipe is written // adjust if altering batch size) and whisk to combine.
- Add tofu back to the skillet over medium heat and add "sauce/glaze," stirring to coat. Cook for several minutes or until all of the sauce is absorbed and the tofu looks glazed, stirring frequently (see photos). Set aside with prepared veggies and vermicelli noodles.
- To assemble spring rolls, pour very hot water into a shallow dish or skillet and immerse rice paper to soften for about 10-15 seconds.
- Transfer to a damp cutting board or damp towel and gently spread out edges into a circle. It may take a little practice, so don't feel bad if your first few attempts are a fail!
- To the bottom third of the wrapper add a small handful of vermicelli noodles and layer carrots, bell peppers, cucumber, fresh herbs and 2-3 pieces of tofu on top (see photo). Gently fold over once, tuck in edges, and continue rolling until seam is sealed.
- Place seam-side down on a serving platter and cover with damp warm towel to keep fresh. Repeat until all fillings are used up - about 8-10 spring rolls total (amount as original recipe is written // adjust if altering batch size).
- Serve with almond butter sauce and sriracha or hot sauce of choice. I like to mix mine and go dip happy.
- Leftovers store well individually wrapped in plastic wrap, though best when fresh.
Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 spring roll, Calories 283 kcal, Carbohydrate 32.1 g, Protein 7.8 g, Fat 14.6 g, SaturatedFat 1.8 g, Sodium 268 mg, Fiber 3 g, Sugar 4.1 g, UnsaturatedFat 11.5 g
SUMMER ROLLS WITH SWEET CHILI DIPPING SAUCE
Steps:
- Put the cellophane noodles, vegetables, cilantro and peanuts in a large bowl; toss with sesame oil and lime juice to give the filling some flavor; season with salt and pepper.
- Pour 3 cups of hot, not boiling water in a large shallow bowl. One at a time, immerse the rice paper wrappers in the hot water for 10 seconds to soften, then place on a slightly damp towel. The rice paper is very delicate, don't soak them any longer or they will break apart. Keep them covered while you work to prevent them from drying out and curling.
- To form the rolls, lay a rice paper wrapper on a flat surface. Grab a small amount of the cellophane and vegetable mixture and lay it across the bottom third. Use less filling than you think you should, if you overstuff the wrapper it will tear. Carefully fold the bottom of the wrapper up to cover the filling. Fold in the left and right sides, then tuck and roll it over once. Lay 2 mint leaves on top, then tuck and roll it over to close the whole thing up like a tight cigar. The mint leaves should show through the transparent rice paper. Arrange the finished rolls on a platter and cover with a damp towel.
- Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce:
- In a blender, puree the rice wine vinegar, fish sauce, hot water, sugar, lime juice, garlic, and chili paste until combined. Pour into a small bowl and serve with the summer rolls.
- Yield: 1 cup
SOFT ASIAN SUMMER ROLLS WITH SWEET AND SAVORY DIPPING SAUCE
Steps:
- Bring water to a boil and cook rice noodles according to package directions. Drain, rinse and cool (makes about 2 cups).
- Line up ingredients in small bowls before beginning to make rolls. Fill a large bowl or saucepan with very warm water. Place a rice paper round in the hot water. Soak for between 30 seconds and 1 minute, or until rice round is pliable and pattern on the round is barely visible. Remove and place on a clean, slightly damp kitchen towel.
- Place 2 basil leaves on the inner edge of the rice round, about 1-inch from the edge and leaving about 1-inch on each side. Top with approximately 1/4 cup cooked rice noodles. Place 2 shrimp halves on top. Top with about 2 tablespoons carrots, then 2 leaves of mint. Fold 1 piece of lettuce leaf and place on top of pile. Bring the edge over filling and tuck underneath. As you continue to roll, fold in the sides. Finish rolling, repeat with the other rolls, and reserve under a damp cloth or paper towel. When ready to serve, slice in half and serve, cut ends up, with dipping sauce.
- Dissolve sugar in warm water, combine with other ingredients, and chill until ready to use.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 90 calorie, Fat 0 grams, Cholesterol 9 milligrams, Sodium 100 milligrams, Carbohydrate 18 grams, Fiber 1 grams, Protein 3 grams
Tips:
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients: The fresher the ingredients, the better the summer rolls will taste. Look for ripe vegetables, herbs, and tofu.
- Prepare the dipping sauce ahead of time: This will give the flavors time to meld together.
- Make sure the rice paper wrappers are pliable: If they are too dry, they will crack when you try to roll them. Soak them in warm water for a few seconds until they are soft and pliable.
- Don't overload the summer rolls: Use a moderate amount of filling so that the rolls are easy to roll and eat.
- Be careful not to overcook the tofu: It should be cooked through, but still slightly firm.
- Serve the summer rolls immediately: They are best when they are fresh.
Conclusion:
Summer rolls are a delicious, healthy, and refreshing meal that is perfect for any occasion. They are easy to make and can be customized to your own taste. With a little planning and effort, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.
Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »
You'll also love