Description
These refreshing Lettuce Wrap Summer Rolls combine cooked shrimp, vermicelli rice noodles, and fresh vegetables wrapped in crisp butter lettuce leaves. Enhanced with fragrant herbs and optional avocado, they offer a light, healthy appetizer perfect for warm weather. Serve with hoisin-peanut or nuoc cham dipping sauce for a delightful Vietnamese-inspired fusion dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Wraps and Base
- 8 large butter lettuce leaves
- Rice paper wrappers (optional for extra structure)
- 1 cup cooked vermicelli rice noodles
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, sliced in half lengthwise
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced cucumber
- 1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 avocado, sliced (optional)
Herbs
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
Dipping Sauce
- Dipping sauce of choice (such as hoisin-peanut or nuoc cham)
Instructions
- Prepare the lettuce and rice paper wrappers: Lay out a large lettuce leaf on a clean, flat surface. If using rice paper wrappers, briefly soak each sheet in warm water until pliable, then place the softened wrapper on the surface with the lettuce leaf on top.
- Assemble the filling: In the center of the lettuce or rice paper, layer a small portion of cooked vermicelli rice noodles, followed by sliced cooked shrimp, shredded carrots, sliced cucumber, red bell pepper, and fresh herbs (mint, cilantro, and basil). Add avocado slices if desired for creaminess.
- Roll the summer rolls: Fold the sides of the lettuce (and rice paper if used) inward, then tightly roll the ingredients like a burrito to encase the filling securely. Ensure the roll is compact to hold its shape.
- Repeat: Continue assembling and rolling the remaining ingredients into additional wraps until all are made, creating about eight rolls.
- Serve promptly: Serve the summer rolls immediately with your favorite dipping sauce such as hoisin-peanut or nuoc cham to enjoy their freshest texture and flavor.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit shrimp and add tofu or extra vegetables.
- Keep wrapped summer rolls covered with a damp towel to prevent drying out if not serving immediately.
- These rolls can be prepared up to 4 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator for convenience.
