summer rolls

Summer Rolls

by

Summer Rolls: Light, Refreshing, and Deliciously Vietnamese

summer rolls
goi cuon

Summer Rolls,” also known as gỏi cuốn, is a famous Vietnamese street food loved for its freshness and delicate flavors. This dish has won the hearts of many food enthusiasts worldwide, including celebrities like Angelina Jolie and Gwyneth Paltrow. Angelina Jolie once shared that every time she visits Vietnam, she cannot resist the allure of these fresh and flavorful summer rolls, which are both light and rich in Vietnamese flavors. For Vietnamese people, summer rolls are not just a simple dish but a source of pride, showcasing the finesse in culinary art and a healthy lifestyle.

At Viet Kitchen, we will guide you on how to craft the perfect Summer Rolls, combining fresh vegetables, tender shrimp, and delicate rice paper for a light, flavorful dish. Experience the authentic taste of Vietnam’s beloved street food right in your own kitchen.

How to Make Summer Rolls?

How to Make Summer Rolls

Ingredients

  • Rice paper: 16 sheets (4 rolls per person)
  • Fresh shrimp: 200g, boiled, peeled
  • Pork belly: 200g, boiled, thinly sliced
  • Fresh vermicelli noodles: 200g
  • Fresh herbs (lettuce, basil, mint): 100g
  • Bean sprouts: 100g
  • Cucumber: 1, julienned

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the ingredients: Boil the shrimp and pork belly, then thinly slice. Prepare the fresh herbs and vermicelli noodles.
  2. Roll the summer rolls: Dip a sheet of rice paper in warm water to soften. Place it on a flat surface and layer fresh herbs, vermicelli noodles, shrimp, pork, and cucumber. Roll tightly from the bottom up, fold the sides in, and continue rolling to the end.
  3. Dipping sauce (the soul of the dish):
    • Ingredients:
      • 4 tablespoons fish sauce
      • 2 tablespoons water
      • 2 tablespoons sugar
      • 1 tablespoon lime juice
      • 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
      • 1 chili, finely chopped
    • Instructions: Mix fish sauce, water, and sugar until fully dissolved. Add lime juice, garlic, and chili, and stir well.

Ingredients can be purchased at Asian supermarkets or Vietnamese markets in the U.S., such as H Mart or Ranch 99.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Summer Rolls

  • Advantages: Summer rolls are fresh, low in fat, and perfect for a healthy diet. They are rich in fiber and protein from fresh vegetables, meat, and shrimp.
  • Disadvantages: Rolling the rice paper tightly without tearing can be tricky. The rice paper can become tough if left too long after dipping.

5 Famous Summer Roll Spots in the U.S.

  1. Namu Gaji – San Francisco, CA
    • Address: 499 Dolores St, San Francisco, CA 94110
  2. Saigon Sisters – Chicago, IL
    • Address: 567 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60661
  3. The Slanted Door – San Francisco, CA
    • Address: 1 Ferry Building, San Francisco, CA 94111
  4. Pho Bac – Seattle, WA
    • Address: 1314 S Jackson St, Seattle, WA 98144
  5. Le Colonial – New York, NY
    • Address: 149 E 57th St, New York, NY 10022

Enjoying Summer Rolls in Vietnam

If you have the opportunity to visit Vietnam, be sure to visit these spots to enjoy summer rolls:

Saigon:

  1. Gỏi Cuốn Tôm Nhảy – 424 Phan Xích Long, Phú Nhuận
  2. Gỏi Cuốn Ngon Lành – 322 Võ Văn Tần, District 3
  3. Gỏi Cuốn Đường Phố – 33 Tôn Thất Đạm, District 1
  4. Gỏi Cuốn Ngon Ở Sài Gòn – 129 Bùi Viện, District 1
  5. Gỏi Cuốn Mập Mập – 69A Nguyễn Huệ, District 1

Hanoi:

  1. Gỏi Cuốn Thanh Xuân – 21 Tô Hiến Thành, Hai Bà Trưng
  2. Gỏi Cuốn Hoàn Kiếm – 49 Hàng Bài, Hoàn Kiếm
  3. Gỏi Cuốn Chợ Đồng Xuân – 15 Hàng Đào, Hoàn Kiếm
  4. Gỏi Cuốn Ngọc Khánh – 69 Ngọc Khánh, Ba Đình
  5. Gỏi Cuốn Đình Ngang – 17 Đình Ngang, Hoàn Kiếm

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Summer Rolls

  1. Where do summer rolls originate from?
    • Summer rolls originate from Southern Vietnam, where the warm climate and fresh ingredients are abundant year-round.
  2. Can summer rolls be made vegetarian?
    • Yes, summer rolls can be made vegetarian with ingredients like tofu, mushrooms, and fresh vegetables.
  3. How do I prevent the rice paper from tearing when rolling?
    • Dip the rice paper in warm water just enough to soften, and roll tightly but gently.
  4. How far in advance can I prepare summer rolls?
    • Summer rolls should be eaten immediately for the best taste, but they can be prepared 1-2 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
  5. What is usually served with summer rolls?
    • Summer rolls are usually served with sweet and sour dipping sauce or peanut sauce.

Conclusion about Summer Rolls

“Summer Rolls” is a delightful dish that combines the fresh flavors of raw ingredients with the finesse of Vietnamese culinary art. This dish is not only light and low in calories but also a symbol of the refreshing simplicity of Vietnamese cuisine. Each roll offers a perfect blend of shrimp, pork, fresh herbs, and a savory dipping sauce. Try making and enjoying “summer rolls” at home to experience a taste of Vietnamese culinary heritage.

Read more here!

Banh Mi Viet: The Ultimate Vietnamese Street Food Experience

Leave a Comment