Refreshing & Crunchy Vietnamese Spring Rolls (Goi Cuon) at Home
Perfect for Summer ‘Fridge Clean-Out’ and Entertaining: How to Make Vietnamese Spring Rolls with Abundant Ingredients and a Secret Peanut Sauce Recipe
When guests are coming over, why not prepare a special Vietnamese spring roll feast! It’s an ideal ‘fridge clean-out’ meal, perfect for enjoying a cool and refreshing bite during the summer. The satisfying crunch of fresh vegetables and the abundance of colorful ingredients will awaken your appetite. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make – just a bit of slicing and dicing! The homemade peanut sauce adds a depth of flavor, and the vibrant colors make it a stunning centerpiece for any table. Using ingredients you already have, like beets, makes it economical too. When you’re pondering what to serve guests, try making a vibrant Vietnamese spring roll dish with the vegetables in your fridge. I’ll share my secret peanut sauce recipe in detail! It’s simple and delicious!
Main Vietnamese Spring Roll Ingredients- Rice paper wrappers, 1 pack
- Smoked duck breast, 1 pack
- Beef bulgogi, 1 lb (approx. 600g)
- Onion, 1 medium
- Crab sticks (imitation crab), 1 pack
- Bean sprouts, 1 pack
- Mixed greens/sprouts, 1 pack
- Beetroot, 1 medium
- Korean perilla leaves (kkaennip), 20 leaves
- Cucumber, 2 medium
- Carrot, 1 large
- Bell peppers (various colors like red, yellow, orange), 1 each
- Canned pineapple, 1 can
- Apple, 1 medium
- Fresh cilantro, 1 bunch
Special Peanut Sauce- Peanut butter, 3 Tbsp
- Mayonnaise, 1 Tbsp
- Honey mustard, 1 Tbsp
- Oligodang (corn syrup/rice syrup), 2 Tbsp
- Canned pineapple syrup, 2 Tbsp (for extra tang!)
Beef Bulgogi Marinade- Fresh beef bulgogi cut, 1 lb (approx. 600g)
- Onion, 1 medium
- Soy sauce, 5 Tbsp
- Oligodang (corn syrup/rice syrup), 2 Tbsp
- Plum extract/syrup, 2 Tbsp
- Minced garlic, 1 Tbsp
- Grated ginger or ginger paste, 0.3 Tbsp
- Black pepper, a dash (to taste)
- Peanut butter, 3 Tbsp
- Mayonnaise, 1 Tbsp
- Honey mustard, 1 Tbsp
- Oligodang (corn syrup/rice syrup), 2 Tbsp
- Canned pineapple syrup, 2 Tbsp (for extra tang!)
Beef Bulgogi Marinade- Fresh beef bulgogi cut, 1 lb (approx. 600g)
- Onion, 1 medium
- Soy sauce, 5 Tbsp
- Oligodang (corn syrup/rice syrup), 2 Tbsp
- Plum extract/syrup, 2 Tbsp
- Minced garlic, 1 Tbsp
- Grated ginger or ginger paste, 0.3 Tbsp
- Black pepper, a dash (to taste)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s marinate the beef bulgogi, a key ingredient for our Vietnamese spring rolls. Gently pat the beef dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. In a bowl, combine thinly sliced onion (1 medium), minced garlic (1 Tbsp), grated ginger (0.3 Tbsp), oligodang (2 Tbsp), soy sauce (5 Tbsp), and plum extract (2 Tbsp). Mix everything well and then add the beef, ensuring it’s thoroughly coated. (Tip: For spring rolls, it’s best to marinate just the beef without adding vegetables to the marinade for a cleaner flavor.) Let it marinate for at least half a day, then stir-fry it before serving. Season it slightly on the milder side, as the dipping sauces will add plenty of flavor. This ensures the beef’s natural deliciousness shines through. Marinating ahead makes stir-frying quick and easy later!
Step 2
Now, it’s time to prepare the fresh vegetables! While vegetable prices might be high due to the rainy season, we’ll make the most of what we have. Gather your ingredients: canned pineapple, onion, cucumber, carrot, beetroot, cilantro, apple, bell peppers (use a variety of colors for visual appeal!), perilla leaves, bean sprouts, and mixed greens. (Oops, the bean sprouts missed the photo op, but don’t forget them!) Thinly julienne all the vegetables. Using a mandoline slicer can help achieve uniform, thin strips quickly. Take your time to prepare everything beautifully – it enhances the eating experience!
Step 3
Let’s whip up the special peanut sauce that will elevate your spring rolls! In a bowl, combine peanut butter (3 Tbsp), mayonnaise (1 Tbsp), oligodang (1.5 Tbsp), honey mustard (1 Tbsp), and the syrup from the canned pineapple (2 Tbsp). Whisk everything together until smooth and creamy. (Tip: I doubled the recipe as we love extra sauce!) This homemade sauce is incredibly flavorful – nutty, creamy, and perfectly balanced with a touch of sweetness and tang. It’s much more economical and delicious than store-bought options, especially since you likely have peanut butter on hand. It pairs wonderfully with the fresh ingredients and cooked meats!
Step 4
While making all the sauces from scratch is wonderful, today we’re opting for a slightly quicker approach by using ready-made chili sauce and fish sauce. (Tip: This is a great option if you’re short on time or new to making spring rolls!) Having a variety of dipping sauces allows everyone to customize their rolls to their liking. Vietnamese spring rolls are as much fun to assemble and eat as they are to prepare!
Step 5
We’ll lightly sear the pre-sliced smoked duck breast to bring out its flavor. (Tip: You can briefly sear it in a pan or even pop it in an air fryer for a few minutes. We prefer to gently warm it on a tabletop grill.) Next, gently shred the imitation crab sticks into bite-sized pieces. Utilizing the ingredients you have on hand will create a more abundant and delicious spring roll experience.
Step 6
We’re almost done with the spring roll prep! Briefly rinse the colorful beetroot slices in water. (Tip: Don’t discard the beetroot water! Gently warm it up and use it to dip your rice paper wrappers. It imparts a beautiful subtle pink hue.) For an elegant touch and refreshing aroma, add a few thin lemon slices to the beetroot water. This makes the presentation incredibly sophisticated! For the carrots and cucumbers, use a mandoline slicer to create thin, uniform strips.
Step 7
All the components are ready! Arrange the lightly seared smoked duck, stir-fried beef bulgogi (kept warm), and all the beautifully julienned vegetables and other ingredients attractively on platters. Prepare your dipping sauces and the beetroot-lemon water for softening the rice paper. Serve with individual plates so everyone can assemble their own fresh, crunchy, and delicious Vietnamese spring rolls. Enjoy your culinary creation!
