Ginseng Twist: Refreshing Vietnamese Summer Rolls (Tam Sam Rolls)
A Savory and Unique Vietnamese Summer Roll Experience
Discover a delightful way to enjoy ginseng, an ingredient often overlooked due to its slightly bitter taste. This recipe transforms ginseng into a star ingredient in a beloved dish: Vietnamese Summer Rolls! Crispy fried ginseng adds a delightful nutty flavor, while ginseng infused into the dipping sauce ensures even picky eaters will love it. Enjoy a healthy and delicious meal with your whole family with these special ‘Tam Sam Rolls’.
Tam Sam Rolls Ingredients (Serves 2)- 3 roots of fresh ginseng
- 60g chicken breast (cooked and shredded)
- 1/2 ripe avocado, sliced
- 1/4 head lettuce, leaves separated
- 1/3 carrot, julienned
- 1/3 cucumber, julienned
- Rice noodles (optional, cooked)
- 3 sheets Vietnamese rice paper wrappers
- 1/2 cup tempura flour
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 30g honey (for glazing ginseng)
Garlic-Ginseng Dipping Sauce- 1 Tbsp minced ginseng (from ginseng root)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp vinegar
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- A pinch of dried parsley (for garnish)
- 1 Tbsp minced ginseng (from ginseng root)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp vinegar
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- A pinch of dried parsley (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare the 3 fresh ginseng roots. Gently soak them in water, then scrub them clean with a soft toothbrush to remove any dirt. Trim off the crown of the ginseng and separate the main body from the roots. The main body will go into the rolls, and the roots will be used for the dipping sauce.
Step 2
Cut the main bodies of 2 ginseng roots into 4 equal pieces each, resulting in 8 pieces. These will be fried for a crispy texture.
Step 3
Lightly coat the ginseng pieces with tempura flour. A thin coating is best to ensure a crisp fry.
Step 4
To make a crispy batter, combine 1/2 cup of tempura flour, 60ml of ice-cold water, 3 ice cubes, and dried parsley in a bowl. Whisk until just combined; overmixing can make the batter tough.
Step 5
Dip the flour-coated ginseng pieces into the batter, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Gently shake off any excess batter.
Step 6
Heat oil to 170-180°C (340-350°F) in a pot or deep fryer. Carefully fry the battered ginseng pieces until golden brown and crispy.
Step 7
Once golden and crisp, remove the fried ginseng from the oil and place them on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. Let them cool slightly.
Step 8
For the dipping sauce, finely julienne the main body of the remaining ginseng root.
Step 9
In a small bowl, toss the julienned ginseng with 30g of honey. This will sweeten the ginseng and balance its natural bitterness, making it perfect for the rolls.
Step 10
In a separate bowl, combine the cooked and shredded chicken breast with the minced ginseng root intended for the sauce. Mix well to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 11
Let the chicken and ginseng mixture cool slightly, then shred the chicken further if needed for easier wrapping.
Step 12
Prepare your fresh fillings: tear the lettuce leaves, julienne the carrot and cucumber, and slice the avocado. Have your cooked rice noodles ready if using.
Step 13
Soak the rice noodles in hot water until pliable, then drain and rinse with cold water. Ensure all your vegetables are cut into thin, even strips for easy rolling and a pleasant texture.
Step 14
Dip one rice paper wrapper in warm water for a few seconds until pliable. Lay it flat on a clean surface. Arrange a portion of the shredded chicken, julienned vegetables, avocado slices, honey-glazed ginseng, and rice noodles in the center.
Step 15
Fold the bottom edge of the wrapper over the filling, then fold in the sides. Roll it up snugly. Top the rolled summer roll with a piece of the crispy fried ginseng.
Step 16
Your delicious and unique summer roll is now complete! The fried ginseng adds a wonderful crunch and flavor.
Step 17
Repeat the process to make the remaining 2 summer rolls, ensuring they are tightly wrapped.
Step 18
For easier serving and eating, cut the finished summer rolls in half. This also showcases the colorful ingredients inside.
Step 19
Now, let’s make the special Garlic-Ginseng Dipping Sauce. In a blender or a bowl, combine the minced ginseng root, minced garlic, olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, and dried parsley.
Step 20
Blend or whisk the sauce ingredients until smooth and well combined. Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a refreshing finish. Pour into a serving dish.
Step 21
Arrange the beautiful summer rolls and the savory Garlic-Ginseng Dipping Sauce on a large platter for a stunning presentation. This ‘Tam Sam Roll’ recipe, featuring chicken and crispy ginseng, is a satisfying meal on its own. The combination of crisp vegetables and nutty fried ginseng offers a delightful textural contrast to traditional summer rolls. Drizzle the dipping sauce inside your roll for an extra burst of flavor that’s perfect for stimulating your appetite, especially on warm days. Enjoy this healthy and uniquely delicious treat with your loved ones!
