Cucumber Spring Rolls With Asian Dipping Sauce Food

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.

ASIAN SPRING ROLLS

Steps:

• In a small bowl, combine the lime juice, hoisin sauce and sugar; set aside. In a large saucepan, bring 2 qts. water and salt to a boil. Add noodles; cook for 2-3 minutes or until tender. Drain and rinse with cold water. , Transfer to a large bowl and toss with 2 tablespoons reserved lime juice mixture; set aside. In another bowl, combine the carrot, cucumber, jalapeno and peanuts. Toss with the remaining lime juice mixture; set aside., Soak spring roll wrappers in cool water for 5 minutes. Carefully separate and place on a flat surface. Top each with several cilantro leaves. Place 1/4 cup carrot mixture and 1/4 cup noodles down the center of each wrapper to within 1-1/2 in. of ends. , Fold both ends over filling; fold one long side over the filling, then carefully roll up tightly. Place seam side down on serving plate. Cover with damp paper towels until serving., In a small saucepan, cook garlic and pepper flakes in oil for 2 minutes. Add the remaining sauce ingredients; cook and stir until combined and thickened. Serve with spring rolls.

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.

VIETNAMESE SPRING ROLLS

Steps:

• At the same time, bring both a small pot of water to a boil and a sauté pan (large enough to fit the asparagus) with water to a boil. Add the shrimp to the pot and add the asparagus to the sauté pan. Cook both items for 2-3 minutes, then use a skimmer to immediately transfer both items to an ice water bath, then drain.
• Slice the shrimp in half and set aside.
• To make the spring rolls, fill a rimmed plate or bowl with warm water. Submerge the rice paper wrapper completely in the water for about 6-8 seconds, then lay flat on your countertop.
• Add several pieces of baby spinach, red cabbage, carrots, cucumber and mung bean sprouts to the rice paper wrapper. Top with one asparagus spear, then tightly roll. When you've rolled 2/3 of the way add 3 shrimp halves, then continue rolling. Repeat this process to make all of the Vietnamese spring rolls.
• To make the almond butter dipping sauce add all of the ingredients to a small bowl and whisk together. Serve the dipping sauce with the spring rolls.

SPRING ROLLS WITH ASIAN CHILI-LIME DIPPING SAUCE

Steps:

• Dip rice paper into warm water to soften. Lay out on a damp towel. Arrange a few sprouts, carrots, cabbage, red peppers on the lower bottom of the rice paper. Fold right and left sides over filling and roll up tightly. Place seam side down on serving platter.
• In a bowl combine all of the ingredients. Let stand at room temperature before serving or store in the refrigerator.

CUCUMBER SPRING ROLLS WITH ASIAN DIPPING SAUCE

Steps:

• To make the dipping sauce, combine vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil and chili-garlic sauce in a small bowl. Cover and chill.
• Quickly dip rice papers in a shallow dish of warm water one at a time, letting excess water drain off. Place in a single layer between damp tea towels, let stand for ten minutes.
• For each spring roll, place 8 cucumber, 4 carrot and 4 red pepper sticks on the bottom third of rice paper, 1 inch from edge. Roll up rice paper tightly just far enough to enclose filling. Top with cilantro leaves, then fold two sides of rice paper over cilantro and continue rolling up.
• Cut rolls in half diagonally. Tie each piece with chives. Cover and chill rolls for up to four hours before serving. Serve with dipping sauce.

ASIAN VEGETABLE ROLLS WITH SOY-LIME DIPPING SAUCE

Steps:

• Combine soy sauce, lime juice, garlic, honey, ginger, oil and red pepper flakes in small bowl.
• Combine cucumber, carrot, bell pepper and green onion in medium bowl. Stir in 1 tablespoon soy sauce mixture.
• Place about 1 tablespoon vegetable mixture on each lettuce leaf. Roll up leaves; sprinkle with sesame seeds, if desired. Serve with remaining sauce for dipping.