Name: Shrimp Summer Rolls with Vietnamese Peanut and Nuoc Cham Sauces Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Ingredients: 0.5 lb white shrimp (26-30 counts per pound, peeled and deveined); 4 oz dried Vietnamese rice stick vermicelli noodles (viet bun noodles); 2 whole persian cucumber (julienned using a julienne peeler); 1 medium carrot (julienned using a julienne peeler); 6 garlic chive (cut into 4–5 inch sections); 1 small head butter lettuce (tender leaves only); Thai basil leaves (or Italian basil); Mint leaves; Cilantro (optional); 8 sheets rice paper (9-inch (22 cm) round); Vietnamese peanut sauce (for serving); Vietnamese dipping sauce (Nuoc Cham, for serving); Avocado oil (small amount, for tossing noodles)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 11 reviews

If you are looking for a fresh, vibrant, and utterly delicious dish to brighten up your meals, look no further than the Shrimp Summer Rolls with Vietnamese Peanut and Nuoc Cham Sauces Recipe. These rolls are a perfect harmony of textures and flavors, where juicy shrimp meets crisp vegetables, fragrant herbs, and delicate rice paper wraps. Paired with the rich, creamy peanut sauce and the tangy, umami-packed Nuoc Cham dipping sauce, these rolls bring a wonderful balance that will have you reaching for seconds. Whether you’re entertaining friends or craving a light, healthy dinner, this recipe is a total winner that feels both special and effortless.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white round plate is arranged with five peeled shrimp placed in a semi-circle along the upper edge of the plate, showing their light pink and white soft texture. Below the shrimp, in the center of the plate, there is a bed of mixed fresh green leaves with smooth and curly edges, topped with thin white noodles that have a smooth and slightly shiny texture. Bright orange carrot strips are woven through the noodles, adding a splash of color. The plate is on a white marbled surface. A woman's hand is holding the plate from the right edge. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Keeping the ingredients simple yet authentic is what makes this recipe shine. Each item plays a vital role in building the refreshing taste, satisfying bite, and vivid colors that make these summer rolls so appealing.

0.5 lb white shrimp (26-30 counts per pound, peeled and deveined): Tender, juicy shrimp provide the star protein that’s both flavorful and light.
4 oz dried Vietnamese rice stick vermicelli noodles: These delicate noodles add softness and substance without overpowering the other elements.
2 whole Persian cucumbers (julienned): Crisp and cool, these add freshness and crunch to every bite.
1 medium carrot (julienned): Sweet and colorful, carrots bring a subtle earthiness and texture contrast.
6 garlic chives: Their mild garlic flavor enhances the herbal notes without being overpowering.
1 small head butter lettuce: Soft and buttery leaves act as a perfect base and add gentle green freshness.
Thai basil leaves (or Italian basil): These fragrant herbs lend a peppery, slightly spicy kick.
Mint leaves: Bright and cooling, mint elevates the roll with its refreshing aroma.
Cilantro (optional): For an extra burst of herbaceous flavor that is classic in Vietnamese cuisine.
8 sheets rice paper (9-inch round): Thin, pliable rice papers are essential for wrapping all the delicious fillings together.
Vietnamese peanut sauce: Creamy, nutty sauce that complements the shrimp and adds a luscious dip.
Vietnamese dipping sauce (Nuoc Cham): A tangy, salty, slightly sweet sauce that balances the richness of the peanut sauce beautifully.

How to Make Shrimp Summer Rolls with Vietnamese Peanut and Nuoc Cham Sauces Recipe

Step 1: Poach the Shrimp to Perfection

Start by bringing a medium pot of water to a boil. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp, giving them a gentle stir to submerge fully. Immediately turn off the heat and cover the pot, letting the shrimp soak in the hot water for about 5 minutes. This method ensures the shrimp cook gently and stay tender and juicy rather than rubbery. Check one shrimp to ensure it’s opaque and snappy in the center — if not quite done, cover and let sit for two more minutes. Drain well and allow the shrimp to cool before slicing lengthwise to lay flat inside your rolls.

Step 2: Prepare Vermicelli Noodles

Cook the Vietnamese rice stick vermicelli according to package instructions. Some packages recommend boiling, others simply soaking in hot water for a few minutes. Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse under cold water to wash away excess starch, which keeps them from sticking together. Toss with just a drizzle of avocado oil to maintain separation and set aside ready for assembly.

Step 3: Julienne Your Veggies and Herbs

Using a julienne peeler, slice the cucumbers and carrot into thin, matchstick-sized strips—this gives you that delightful crunch and vibrant color. Slice garlic chives into lengths similar to the veggies so they tuck beautifully within the roll. Pick tender leaves of butter lettuce, mint, Thai basil, and optionally cilantro, removing woody stems for a smooth, balanced texture in every bite.

Step 4: Set Up Your Rolling Station

Create a smooth workflow area with a large bowl of room temperature water for dipping rice papers, all your prepared ingredients within reach, and a clean surface or silicone mat for rolling. Have paper towels ready to keep moisture just right — covering your finished rolls lightly will prevent them from drying out as you work.

Step 5: Wrap the Rolls

One by one, quickly dip a rice paper sheet into the water for about 5-6 seconds just until pliable but still slightly firm. Place it on your work surface with the smooth side down. Layer a leaf of butter lettuce at the bottom, add a small handful of noodles, then place the carrots and cucumber neatly on top. Next add 2-3 slices of garlic chive followed by a few leaves of basil, mint, and cilantro. Top it off with 3 shrimp pieces, pink side down to show beautifully through the translucent wrap. Fold the bottom edge over the fillings, then tuck in the sides and roll tightly but gently away from you to seal. Repeat with remaining ingredients and place rolls spaced apart on a plate covered lightly with a damp paper towel.

How to Serve Shrimp Summer Rolls with Vietnamese Peanut and Nuoc Cham Sauces Recipe

The image shows several fresh spring rolls arranged on a white marbled surface and a large oval plate with a brown pattern. Each roll has three main layers: the first layer is translucent rice paper wrapping that shows the inside, the second layer features shrimp with a pink and white curved pattern visible near the surface, and the third layer inside consists of white rice noodles, bright orange shredded carrots, green lettuce, and cucumber, all packed tightly. In the background, there are two white bowls, one with a dark reddish-brown dipping sauce topped with small red and white bits, and another bowl with a creamy brown peanut sauce garnished with crushed peanuts. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Brighten your serving platter with extra fresh herbs like Thai basil and mint scattered around. A few crushed peanuts sprinkled over the peanut sauce adds delightful crunch and enhances its nutty flavor. Thin lime wedges on the side are also fantastic for guests to squeeze over their rolls for added zest.

Side Dishes

While these summer rolls are wonderful on their own, pairing them with some light Vietnamese cucumber salad or a bowl of fresh mango salad complements the flavors beautifully. For a heartier meal, a simple vermicelli bowl with grilled lemongrass chicken makes a fantastic companion to these fresh shrimp rolls.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the rolls on a large wooden board with small dipping bowls of both Vietnamese peanut sauce and Nuoc Cham. Slice some rolls in half diagonally for elegant finger food at parties. For a festive touch, arrange the rolls like colorful sushi and let everyone build their own combinations of dipping sauces and garnishes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extra shrimp summer rolls, wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap to keep the rice paper from drying out. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For best flavor and texture, consume within 24 hours as rice paper tends to harden over time.

Freezing

Because rice paper becomes brittle upon freezing and loses its fresh texture, it is not recommended to freeze assembled summer rolls. Instead, cook and freeze the shrimp and prepare your fresh ingredients on the day you plan to serve for optimal freshness.

Reheating

These summer rolls are meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary and can damage their delicate texture. If you want warm fillings beforehand, prepare shrimp and noodles warm but assemble the rolls just before eating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for the Shrimp Summer Rolls with Vietnamese Peanut and Nuoc Cham Sauces Recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp as long as you thaw them completely before poaching. Make sure they are peeled and deveined for ease of rolling and the best texture.

What if I can’t find rice paper wrappers?

Rice paper sheets are essential for authentic summer rolls. Asian grocery stores usually carry them. If unavailable, you might substitute rice lettuce wraps but the texture and experience will be different.

Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

Absolutely! Replace shrimp with marinated tofu or simply load your rolls with extra herbs, crispy veggies, and rice noodles for a refreshing vegetarian option without losing flavor.

How long do summer rolls last once made?

Fresh summer rolls taste best immediately, but you can store them wrapped tightly in the refrigerator for up to one day. Avoid leaving them out for more than two hours to prevent the rice paper from drying.

What makes Nuoc Cham sauce different from peanut sauce?

Nuoc Cham is a light, tangy, and slightly sweet fish sauce-based dip, whereas Vietnamese peanut sauce is creamy, rich, and nutty. Offering both allows you to enjoy contrasting flavors with each bite.

Final Thoughts

The Shrimp Summer Rolls with Vietnamese Peanut and Nuoc Cham Sauces Recipe is truly a delightful celebration of fresh ingredients and balanced flavors that brighten any meal. It’s an elegant yet approachable dish that’s perfect for warm afternoons, casual gatherings, or whenever you crave something light and tasty. I encourage you to dive into this recipe—you’ll find the process enjoyable and the result absolutely irresistible. Happy rolling!