There’s something magical about the perfect bite of a pork and shrimp spring roll. It’s a harmony of flavors and textures—savory pork, tender shrimp, crisp veggies, and fresh herbs all wrapped up in a delicate rice paper. These rolls are light yet satisfying, making them a favorite for everything from appetizers to light meals.
What we love most about spring rolls is their versatility. Originating from Vietnamese cuisine, they’re a celebration of fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Plus, they’re fun to make! Rolling them feels like a mini art project, and everyone can customize their own with their favorite fillings.
Ingredients
For The Filling
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
- 1 cup ground pork, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded lettuce or cabbage
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
- 3 scallions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For The Dipping Sauce
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon water (adjust for consistency)
- Crushed peanuts, for garnish
For The Wrappers
- 8-10 rice paper wrappers (8-inch size is ideal)
- A bowl of warm water for softening wrappers
Tools And Equipment
When preparing pork and shrimp spring rolls, having the right tools and equipment is essential for smooth assembly and delicious results. Let’s dive into what we need to make these flavorful rolls.
Cooking Equipment
- Pot or Small Saucepan: We’ll use this for boiling the pork and shrimp. If preferred, shrimp can also be pan-seared for additional flavor.
- Medium Pan: Handy for pan-searing shrimp if we choose not to boil them.
- Wok or Frying Pan: If we decide to deep-fry the spring rolls, this comes in handy. However, this isn’t necessary for fresh spring rolls.
Preparation Tools
- Cutting Board: A sturdy surface for slicing and assembling ingredients.
- Knife: Sharp enough to slice the pork, shrimp, and vegetables cleanly.
- Peeler: Perfect for peeling carrots and cucumber with ease.
- Julienne Tool: An OXO Julienne Tool or similar device will simplify julienning the vegetables into thin strips.
Rolling and Assembly Tools
- Large Bowl or Plate: Fill this with warm water for dipping the rice paper wrappers to hydrate them.
- Damp Towel or Brushed Cutting Board: This prevents the rice paper from sticking during assembly.
- Assembly Surface: A clean plate or suitable surface works for placing the wet rice paper while we add the fillings.
Directions
Let’s create these delicious pork and shrimp spring rolls step by step. Follow along as we prep, cook, and assemble everything for this vibrant dish.
Prep The Ingredients
- Start by prepping the vegetables. Chop 1 cup of cabbage and shred 1/2 cup of carrots. If you’re short on time, store-bought slaw works perfectly.
- Soak the bean thread noodles in warm water for about 10 minutes until softened. Drain and cut them into 2-inch lengths using kitchen scissors.
- Prepare the shrimp by peeling and deveining 50 jumbo shrimp if not done already.
- Take 1 lb of ground pork and set it aside.
- Gather additional seasonings including 1 tablespoon chicken bouillon, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and 2 tablespoons oyster or hoisin sauce.
- Have 25 spring roll wrappers ready, keeping them covered with a damp towel to prevent drying out.
Cook The Pork And Shrimp
- Heat a pan over medium heat and add the ground pork. Cook for approximately 6-8 minutes until no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain any excess fat and season with 1 tablespoon chicken bouillon, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon onion powder.
- In a pot of boiling water, cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Drain and set aside. You can halve the shrimp lengthwise if preferred or leave them whole for a more robust filling.
- Toss softened noodles with 1 tablespoon oyster or hoisin sauce to add flavor.
Assemble The Spring Rolls
- Fill a large bowl or shallow plate with warm water. Dip one spring roll wrapper into the water for 2-3 seconds, ensuring it’s softened but not overly soaked.
- Lay the wet wrapper on a clean surface. Along the bottom third of the wrapper, layer a small handful of cabbage, carrots, and a portion of the bean threads.
- Add 1-2 shrimp and a spoonful of the cooked pork on top of the veggies.
- Fold the bottom of the wrapper over the filling, tuck in the sides, and roll tightly to enclose the spring roll. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and fillings.
- Serve fresh with your favorite dipping sauce or refrigerate for a short time before serving.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Making pork and shrimp spring rolls ahead of time can be both convenient and time-saving. Here’s a detailed guide to ensure maximum freshness and minimal hassle:
Preparing the Fillings in Advance
- Cook the Pork: Use pork belly or your preferred cut. Cook it thoroughly, let it cool, and slice it into thin pieces. Store the slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Prepare the Shrimp: Boil or steam the shrimp until they turn pink and are no longer translucent. Let them cool completely, then peel and devein. Slice each shrimp in half lengthwise and store them in another airtight container.
- Prep the Vegetables and Herbs: Julienne the carrots, wash and dry the herbs, and shred the lettuce. Leave them wrapped in a damp paper towel and place them in a resealable bag to keep them fresh in the fridge.
Assembling Ahead of Time
If you choose to assemble the rolls in advance, follow these tips to avoid sogginess or sticking:
- Roll each spring roll tightly, ensuring minimal air gaps.
- Wrap individual rolls in plastic wrap. Alternatively, place parchment or wax paper between the rolls to stop them from touching and sticking together.
- Keep the rolls at room temperature for up to 30 minutes or refrigerate if storing longer.
Storing Assembled Spring Rolls
- Once assembled, the rolls can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours. For the best quality, consume them as close to preparation time as possible.
- To maintain a fresh and soft texture, lightly dampen a clean kitchen towel and drape it over the spring rolls while in the fridge. This prevents the rice paper from drying out.
By prepping the fillings and following these storage precautions, we can ensure our pork and shrimp spring rolls are fresh, flavorful, and ready to enjoy anytime.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving pork and shrimp spring rolls, the right presentation and accompaniments can elevate the overall experience. Here’s how we recommend serving these delightful rolls:
- Pair with Peanut Dipping Sauce
A creamy, savory peanut dipping sauce is a classic pairing for spring rolls. We prepare ours with a combination of peanut butter, hoisin sauce, minced garlic, finely chopped shallot, and a touch of sambal oelek for a mild heat. Arrange the sauce in small dipping bowls alongside the rolls for easy sharing.
- Serve Freshly Made
To maintain their freshness and crisp texture, it is essential to serve the spring rolls immediately after assembly. This ensures the rice paper remains soft but intact, without becoming overly sticky or soggy.
- Present with Visual Appeal
When plating, we like to highlight the vibrant shrimp by placing them on the outer layer of the roll, cut-side up, for an appealing look. Arrange the rolls on a wide plate or wooden serving board, slightly spaced out to prevent sticking. You can garnish with sprigs of fresh cilantro or mint for an extra pop of color.
- Offer Complementary Sides
For a more fulfilling spread, we suggest serving the spring rolls alongside light sides, like a simple cucumber salad or pickled vegetables. These flavors and textures complement the rolls without overpowering their delicate taste.
- Create a Sharing Platter
If serving a crowd, we recommend creating a communal platter with assorted spring rolls, dipping sauces, and fresh herbs. This interactive presentation invites everyone to mix and match to suit their tastes.
Conclusion
Pork and shrimp spring rolls bring together vibrant flavors, fresh ingredients, and a touch of creativity that make them truly special. Whether we’re preparing them for a casual snack or a festive gathering, they never fail to impress.
What we love most is how these rolls invite us to experiment and share the joy of making them with others. They’re more than just a dish; they’re an experience that connects us to the rich traditions of Vietnamese cuisine while allowing us to add our own personal flair.
Let’s keep rolling, dipping, and savoring every bite!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are pork and shrimp spring rolls?
Pork and shrimp spring rolls are a Vietnamese-inspired dish combining cooked shrimp, ground pork, fresh vegetables, and herbs, wrapped in rice paper. They’re versatile, light, yet satisfying, and can be enjoyed as appetizers, snacks, or part of a meal.
What ingredients are needed to make pork and shrimp spring rolls?
Key ingredients include cooked shrimp, ground pork, fresh vegetables (like lettuce and carrots), fresh herbs (like mint), rice paper wrappers, and optional bean thread noodles. A dipping sauce made with hoisin sauce, peanut butter, and garlic is also recommended.
What tools are needed to prepare spring rolls?
You’ll need a cutting board, knife, peeler, julienne tool for prepping vegetables, a pot or pan for cooking, and a large bowl of warm water to soften rice paper. A clean surface and damp towel help with assembly.
How do you assemble pork and shrimp spring rolls?
First, prepare the fillings. Then, dip a rice paper in warm water to soften, lay it flat, and layer the fillings. Roll tightly, folding in the sides as you go. Serve fresh with dipping sauce for best results.
Can spring rolls be made ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare fillings in advance by cooking the pork and shrimp and chopping vegetables, then store them separately. Assemble them closer to serving time to maintain freshness and avoid sogginess.
How should I store spring rolls?
Wrap assembled spring rolls tightly in plastic wrap to prevent drying out, and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They are best consumed fresh for optimal texture and flavor.
What sauce pairs well with pork and shrimp spring rolls?
A creamy peanut dipping sauce made with peanut butter, hoisin sauce, garlic, and sambal oelek is a great accompaniment. It adds richness and enhances the overall flavor of the spring rolls.
What sides can I serve with pork and shrimp spring rolls?
Complementary sides include cucumber salad, pickled vegetables, or steamed rice. For larger gatherings, consider a communal platter with assorted spring rolls and sauces for an interactive dining experience.
Are pork and shrimp spring rolls suitable for parties?
Absolutely! Spring rolls are a crowd-pleasing option, especially when served on a platter with various dipping sauces. Their light and customizable nature makes them perfect for gatherings.
Can I customize the fillings in spring rolls?
Yes! Pork and shrimp can be swapped for chicken, tofu, or more vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers. Spring rolls are highly adaptable to your dietary preferences.
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