Goi Cuon (Gỏi Cuốn - Fresh Spring Rolls/Summer Rolls)

Recipe & Instructions (US Units)

Ingredients:

• 1 package dried rice paper wrappers (banh trang)
• 8 oz cooked shrimp, peeled, deveined, and halved lengthwise
• 8 oz cooked pork belly or loin, thinly sliced (optional)
• 4 oz thin rice vermicelli noodles (bun), cooked according to package, drained
• 1 head butter lettuce or romaine lettuce, leaves separated
• 1 cup fresh mint leaves
• 1 cup fresh cilantro sprigs
• 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves (optional)
• 1/2 cup chopped chives or thinly sliced green onions
• Peanut Dipping Sauce (Nuoc Leo):
  • 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
  • 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
  • 1/2 cup water or coconut milk
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp lime juice or rice vinegar
  • Optional: Minced garlic, chili paste (like Sambal Oelek)

Instructions:

1. Prepare Dipping Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine peanut butter, hoisin sauce, water/coconut milk, and sugar. Heat over low heat, whisking until smooth and slightly thickened. Remove from heat, stir in lime juice/vinegar and optional garlic/chili paste. Let cool.
2. Prepare Rolling Station: Fill a large shallow dish (like a pie plate) with warm water. Arrange all filling ingredients within easy reach: rice paper, shrimp, pork, vermicelli, lettuce, herbs, chives.
3. Assemble Rolls:
   • Dip one rice paper wrapper in the warm water for 15-30 seconds until pliable but not tearing. Lay flat on a clean work surface.
   • Place a lettuce leaf on the bottom third of the wrapper.
   • Top with a small amount of vermicelli noodles, mint, cilantro, and basil (if using).
   • Place a few slices of pork (if using) over the herbs/noodles.
   • Fold the bottom edge of the wrapper up over the filling tightly.
   • Place 2-3 shrimp halves (pink side down) and some chives just above the folded part.
   • Fold the sides of the wrapper inwards.
   • Tightly roll the wrapper upwards from the bottom to form a neat cylinder.
4. Serve: Repeat with remaining ingredients. Serve rolls immediately with the peanut dipping sauce.

What Makes It Special:

Goi Cuon are a refreshing and healthy contrast to fried spring rolls. The translucent rice paper reveals the vibrant colors of the fresh herbs, shrimp, and noodles inside. They are light yet satisfying, offering a delightful combination of soft textures and clean, herbaceous flavors, perfectly complemented by the rich and savory peanut dipping sauce.