Monday's Bread Bowl: Vietnamese Summer Rolls

Wrap up veggies and shrimp

What? A summer roll in the middle of winter? Why not? Besides, the Lunar New Year is here (Kung hei fat choi!) so give this Asian delight a shot. They’re actually hand-held salad servings. Take Asian rice wrappers and stuff them with fresh veggies, yummy herbs, and steamed shrimp. Serve them with your favorite Asian dipping sauce for a unique and healthy appetizer or lunch. Here is our recipe:

What you will need:
1 large cutting board

8 rice paper wrappers (**We use the kind with the goldfish logo.)
8 leaves romaine lettuce or boston lettuce

1 medium sized bowl filled half way with water

24 cooked shrimps (at room temperature)
2 medium-sized cucumbers, cut into long, thin slices
1 cup fresh bean sprouts
4 oz rice vermicelli, soaked in hot water for 5 minutes until softened
Fresh Thai basil, cilantro, or mint (You may use just one or all of these herbs combined)

**Please make sure to use correct rice paper wrappers, which are not the same as eggroll wrappers or wonton wrappers. You will find rice paper wrappers at H Mart or most any Asian grocery store.

Cooking and Directions:

Dip a sheet of rice paper wrapper into water in bowl very quickly, no longer than a second or two (or they will get too soggy) and lay flat on a dry cutting board. Place one lettuce leaf on top of rice paper wrapper. Now, before we continue, remember this: A little goes a long way. Delicately stack fresh veggies, vermicelli, and herbs on top of lettuce. Don't pile on because the wrap is very delicate. Again, be careful not to overstuff or else the roll may split. Take 2-4 shrimp and place on top of stack. Next, tuck in the sides as if you are going to roll a burrito or egg-roll and then, roll egg-roll style. Serve with Hoisin sauce, peanut sauce, or sweet chili sauce.

Helpful Hint: These can also be served without meat for vegetarians. Just substitute meat with julienned bamboo shoots or mushrooms. If using meat, stuff each roll with two to three julienned strips of grilled pork or grilled chicken.