Hello there! I’m Anh Nguyen, and today I’m excited to share with you one of my favorite summer recipes: Fresh and Flavorful Vietnamese Summer Rolls with Mango and Peanut Sauce. You’re going to love these delicious and healthy rolls, packed with a rainbow of veggies, topped with crunchy peanuts, and served with a zesty peanut dipping sauce. Perfect for a light lunch, picnic, or casual dinner among friends!
Anh Nguyen is a creative soul with a passion for exploring the vibrant colors, flavors, and cultures of Southeast Asia. Born and raised in Hanoi, Vietnam, she has spent the last decade traveling the world, gaining new perspectives and inspirations from diverse people and places. Anh is an avid foodie, nature lover, and yoga enthusiast, and she loves to share her experiences and insights through writing and photography.
Anh Nguyen currently resides in Canada and grew up in Vietnam.
I was born and raised in Hanoi, Vietnam, where food plays an essential role in our culture and daily life. Vietnamese cuisine is a vibrant and delicate fusion of flavors, textures, and aromas, combining influences from China, France, and neighboring Southeast Asian countries. Summer rolls, also known as fresh spring rolls, are a popular appetizer or street food in Vietnam, and they are a staple in my family’s kitchen. We love to experiment with different fillings, from tofu and shrimp to avocado and herbs, and play with the colorful presentations. I remember sitting around the table with my grandparents, cousins, and aunts, each preparing our rolls, competing for the best-looking one. It was always a fun and delicious bonding ritual.
The origin of summer rolls is debated, but it is generally believed that they originated in China and were brought to Vietnam during the Chinese diaspora. The Vietnamese version usually differs from the Chinese one in the use of rice paper instead of wheat flour pastry, and the addition of fresh herbs and raw vegetables. The colorful and wholesome rolls became popular in the 1970s among Vietnamese refugees and later spread to other parts of the world, thanks to the global interest in healthy and exotic cuisine. Today, you can find summer rolls in almost every Vietnamese restaurant or fusion restaurant, and there are countless variations of fillings and sauces. I hope you enjoy making and savoring these Fresh and Flavorful Vietnamese Summer Rolls with Mango and Peanut Sauce and let your creativity fly!
What you need
These Vietnamese-inspired summer rolls are a refreshing and flavorful way to enjoy a healthy meal. Prepared by wrapping a magnificent assortment of fresh vegetables, colorful fruits, and savory herbs into delicate rice paper, they are perfect to be enjoyed either as a snack, appetizer, or as a fulfilling main course. In this recipe, we use rice vermicelli noodles as the base, adding a mild taste and delicate texture. The julienne of carrots, red bell pepper strips, cucumber strips, and mango strips provide a rainbow of colors and tastes, while the fresh mint leaves give a final touch of aroma. Sprinkling a handful of peanuts on the top adds a desired crunch. Prepared with a creamy and zesty peanut dipping sauce, this recipe is a perfect blend of sweet, sour, and savory flavors. The preparation is all about assembly and rolling, making it a fun and interactive recipe for the whole family to enjoy!
Ingredients:
- Rice paper wrappers – These circular wrappers are made with rice flour and are essential for making summer rolls. They can be found in the Asian section of most grocery stores.
- Rice vermicelli noodles – These thin, transparent noodles provide the bulk of the filling. They are gluten-free and can be substituted with shirataki noodles for a low-carb option.
- Mango – The sweet and juicy flesh of the ripe mango provides a fruity contrast to the savory vegetables in the rolls. Other sweet fruits like papaya or pineapple can be used as a substitute.
- Red bell pepper – The crisp and sweet flesh of the red bell pepper provides a pop of color and flavor. Yellow or orange bell peppers can be used as a substitute.
- Cucumber – The refreshing and crunchy cucumber adds a contrasting texture and flavor to the rolls. Zucchini or jicama can be used as a substitute.
- Carrots – The natural sweetness and bright color of the carrots provide a pleasant crunch to the rolls. Other root vegetables like sweet potato or beet can be used as a substitute.
- Fresh mint leaves – The bright and clean flavor of the fresh mint leaves adds an herbal note to the rolls. Fresh cilantro or Thai basil can be used as a substitute.
- Roasted peanuts – The crunchy and salty roasted peanuts provide a contrasting texture and nutty flavor to the rolls. Other nuts like cashews or almonds can be used as a substitute.
- Peanut butter – The creamy and rich peanut butter is the base of the dipping sauce, providing a nutty flavor and thick consistency. Other nut butters like almond or cashew can be used as a substitute.
- Garlic – The pungent and aromatic garlic adds depth and complexity to the dipping sauce. Minced ginger can be used as a substitute.
- Soy sauce – The salty and savory soy sauce provides a deep umami flavor to the dipping sauce. Tamari or coconut aminos can be used as a substitute.
- Lime – The acidic and citrusy juice of the lime provides a bright and tangy flavor to the dipping sauce. Lemon or orange juice can be used as a substitute.
- Honey – The sweet and floral honey balances out the saltiness and tartness of the dipping sauce. Agave nectar or maple syrup can be used as a substitute.
Utensils:
- Large bowl
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Saucepan
- Frying pan
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Damp kitchen towel – Optional. It can be used to keep the rice papers damp while assembling the rolls.
Mango
I absolutely love using mango in summer rolls because of how well the sweetness of the fruit plays off of the savory vegetables and fresh herbs. Not only does it provide a burst of fruity flavor, but it’s also packed with nutrients like vitamin C and vitamin A. Plus, did you know that mangoes can potentially help aid in digestion and lower cholesterol levels? It’s no wonder they’re often referred to as the ‘king of fruits’ in certain cultures. Don’t be afraid to use a slightly underripe mango in this recipe to balance out the sweetness with a bit of tartness.
Rice Vermicelli Noodles
Although they may seem mundane, I believe that rice vermicelli noodles are an underrated ingredient that can truly transform a dish. These thin and translucent noodles are made from rice flour and water, making them naturally gluten-free and low in fat. In Vietnamese cuisine, they are often used in dishes like bun cha or bun bo hue, but they also work perfectly in summer rolls. Their mild taste and delicate texture allow the other flavors in the rolls to shine, while also providing a source of carbohydrates to keep you feeling satisfied. You may be tempted to use a different type of noodle, but trust me, the unique texture and absorbing abilities of rice vermicelli is what makes these summer rolls so special.
What to serve it with?
One of my favorite ways to serve Fresh and Flavorful Vietnamese Summer Rolls with Mango and Peanut Sauce is with a cold and bubbly glass of Vietnamese iced coffee. The rich and creamy coffee, enhanced with sweetened condensed milk and cardamom, balances out the lightness and spiciness of the rolls, creating a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. I adore the way the coffee cuts through the richness of the peanut sauce and lingers on the taste buds like a sweet memory. Drinking iced coffee is a beloved ritual in Vietnam, from savoring it in street-side cafes to enjoying it at home with friends and family, and I love to bring a piece of my heritage and nostalgia to my food experiences. Trust me, once you try this combination, you’ll be hooked!
Summary
I hope you enjoyed reading about my recipe for Fresh and Flavorful Vietnamese Summer Rolls with Mango and Peanut Sauce. Now, it’s your turn to try it out! I would love to hear how it turned out for you and what creative twists you added to the recipe. Did you swap out any veggies for your favorites? Did you add any extra protein or herbs? Share your experience in the comments below, and let’s continue the conversation. Remember, cooking is a versatile art form, and there is always room for improvisation and experimentation. Don’t be afraid to play with your food, and enjoy the journey as much as the destination. Until next time, happy rolling and happy eating!
Here’s the recipe:
Fresh and Flavorful Vietnamese Summer Rolls with Mango and Peanut Sauce
Equipment
- Large bowl
- cutting board
- Sharp Knife
- Saucepan
- Frying pan
- wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Damp kitchen towel
Ingredients
- 12 Rice paper wrappers
- 2 oz Rice vermicelli noodles
- 1 Mango
- 1 Red bell pepper
- 1 Cucumber
- 2 Carrots
- 1/4 cup Fresh mint leaves
- 2 tbsp Roasted peanuts
- 2 tbsp Peanut butter
- 1 clove Garlic
- 1 tbsp Soy sauce
- 1 Lime
- 1 tbsp Honey
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients - Cook the rice vermicelli noodles according to the package instructions, then rinse them under cold water and drain well. Peel and julienne the carrots into thin matchsticks. Slice the red bell pepper into thin strips. Slice the cucumber in half lengthwise and use a spoon or a knife to scoop out the seeds, then slice it into thin strips. Peel the mango and slice it into thin strips. Roughly chop the roasted peanuts. Rinse the fresh mint leaves and pat them dry.
- Make the dipping sauce - In a saucepan over low heat, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, garlic, and 2 tablespoons of hot water until smooth and creamy. Set it aside to cool.
- Assemble the summer rolls - Fill a large bowl with warm water. Dip a rice paper wrapper into the water and rotate it gently with your fingers until it's fully moistened. Place it onto a damp kitchen towel. Add a few pieces of the cooked rice vermicelli noodles, some julienned carrots, red bell pepper strips, cucumber strips, mango strips, and a few fresh mint leaves on top of the wrapper, leaving some space at the top and sides. Fold in the sides of the wrapper and roll it up tightly from the bottom. Repeat until all of the ingredients are used up. - Don't overfill the wrappers, or they may tear. Also, keep a damp kitchen towel on hand to cover the assembled rolls to prevent them from drying out before serving.
- Serve and enjoy - Arrange the summer rolls on a platter and sprinkle the chopped peanuts over them. Serve them with the dipping sauce on the side. - Feel free to get creative with your presentation! You can arrange the rolls in a spiral or stack them up like sushi. You can also add other veggies like lettuce, cabbage, or avocado to the filling.
