Vegetarian Vietnamese Spring Rolls Food

VIETNAMESE NOODLES AND FRIED VEGETARIAN SPRING ROLLS BOWLS (BúN CHả GIò CHAY)

Steps:

• Cook the rice vermicelli according to package instructions. Rinse through running cold water after cooking to wash off some starch.
• You can watch the photos above or the video below to see how to assemble these bowls.
• In a large bowl, add the shredded lettuce.
• Top with the noodles, fresh herbs, and pickled veggies.
• Add in the spring rolls. I cut mine up into smaller bite-sized pieces.
• Finish the bowl with vegan 'fish' sauce or vietnamese dipping sauce (nuoc cham).
• Mix and enjoy!

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.

VEGETARIAN FRESH SPRING ROLLS

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine the carrots, green onions, cabbage, olive oil, cilantro, salt and pepper: toss well.
• Let marinate at room temp for 10 minutes, stirring frequently.
• Meanwhile, place the noodles in a medium bowl.
• Cover with boiling water and soak for 10 minutes, or until the noodles are softened.
• Drain well and snip into 2-inch pieces.
• Set aside.
• Place about 2 Tablespoons of the noodles and about 2 Tablespoons of the vegetable mixture about 1-inch from the lower edge of each rice paper round.
• Sprinkle with basil/mint leaves.
• Fold the bottom edge over the filling; fold in both sides and roll up tightly.
• Press to seal.
• Place on a plate seam side down; cover with plastic wrap.
• Refrigerate for 10 minutes (you may also make these ahead of time and refrigerate for several hours).
• Two quick sauces (or use hoisin, hot mustard, etc): In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce and sesame oil.
• In a separate bowl, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, peanut oil, hot sesame oil, garlic and sugar.
• Serve as a dipping sauce with the spring rolls.
• NOTE: To soften the rice-paper rounds before rolling them, fill a large bowl with warm water.
• Dip each rice-paper round into the water for 10 seconds, or until softened and transluceent.
• Remove and let drain on a clean dish towel.
• Do not stack the rice papers; they will stick together.