Spring Roll Bowl Recipe

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Ingredients

• 4 ounces vermicelli noodles
• 1 pound large shrimp - peeled, deveined, and cooked
• 1 head butterhead lettuce, torn into bite-sized pieces
• 2 large carrots, peeled and julienned
• 1 English cucumber, julienned
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 2 green onions, sliced on a bias
• 1/2 cup small mint leaves (or torn large leaves)
• 1/4 cup salted peanuts

Peanut Sauce:

• 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/4 cup canned unsweetened light coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped roasted peanuts
• 1 teaspoon sambal oelek (optional)

Nuoc Cham:

• 6 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 1 birds eye chile, thinly sliced (optional)

Directions

1. Gather all ingredients.
2. Cook the vermicelli noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, run them under cold water to cool. Divide the noodles among four bowls.
3. Evenly distribute the cooked shrimp into each bowl, placing one fourth of the shrimp in each.
4. On the side of the noodles, arrange 1 cup of lettuce, 1/4 cup of carrots, 1/4 cup of cucumber, and 1/4 of an avocado into each bowl.
5. For the Nuoc Cham, combine rice vinegar, fish sauce, lime juice, minced ginger, and the birds eye chile (if using) in a small bowl.
6. For the peanut sauce, combine the creamy peanut butter, coconut milk, hoisin sauce, lime juice, chopped roasted peanuts, and sambal oelek (if using) in a small bowl. Whisk everything until smooth.
7. Top the bowls with sliced green onions, small mint leaves, and peanuts.
8. Serve with either the peanut sauce or Nuoc Cham (or both) on the side.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 574
• Total Fat: 32g (41% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 6g (31% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 240mg (80% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 2069mg (90% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrate: 38g (14% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 12g (42% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 8g
• Protein: 38g (77% Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 35mg (39% Daily Value)
• Calcium: 191mg (15% Daily Value)
• Iron: 4mg (20% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 1253mg (27% Daily Value)

Note: Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Story Behind the Spring Roll Bowl

The Spring Roll Bowl is a modern adaptation of the traditional Vietnamese spring roll, or Gi cun. These fresh rolls have been enjoyed in Vietnam for centuries, originating as a portable and light meal made from rice paper, fresh vegetables, herbs, and proteins like shrimp or pork. The bowl version reimagines this classic by deconstructing the roll, making it easier to enjoy without wrapping, while keeping all the layers of flavor intact. This evolution reflects contemporary dining trends that favor convenience without sacrificing authenticity.

Regional Variations

While the traditional spring roll is a staple across Vietnam, regional differences shape its flavor. In the north, rolls tend to be simpler, highlighting fresh herbs and lightly cooked proteins. Central Vietnam introduces more spices and dipping sauces with a tangy punch. Southern variations are often sweeter and richer, sometimes incorporating tropical fruits like mango or avocado. The Spring Roll Bowl blends these influences, combining crisp vegetables, fresh herbs, and a balanced peanut and Nuoc Cham sauce to offer a flavor profile that is universally appealing.

How It Differs From Similar Dishes

Unlike classic spring rolls, which are neatly wrapped and require careful assembly, the Spring Roll Bowl offers a deconstructed approach. Unlike other noodle bowls, it emphasizes the balance of fresh raw vegetables, delicate herbs, and lightly cooked shrimp, rather than heavy sauces or fried components. This distinction makes it lighter, fresher, and visually vibrant, allowing each ingredient to stand out individually while maintaining the signature Vietnamese flavor experience.

Where Its Commonly Served

Spring Roll Bowls have gained popularity in casual dining, Vietnamese fusion restaurants, and health-conscious cafes. They are often served as lunch bowls, light dinners, or part of a buffet spread, particularly in places emphasizing fresh, vibrant, and customizable meals. In home kitchens, they are favored for gatherings because they are easy to assemble in individual portions, making them both practical and elegant.

Interesting Facts

• The peanut sauce in Spring Roll Bowls is inspired by the Vietnamese love for mixing sweet, salty, and nutty flavors, often paired with Nuoc Cham, a tangy dipping sauce.
• Herbs like mint, cilantro, and Thai basil are not just for flavorthey provide digestive benefits and aromatic complexity that define Vietnamese cuisine.
• Deconstructing traditional dishes into bowls has become a global trend, combining ease of eating with aesthetic presentation.
• In Vietnam, fresh spring rolls are often enjoyed during festivals or family gatherings, symbolizing freshness, renewal, and balance in meals.
• The versatility of the Spring Roll Bowl allows it to be served hot or cold, making it suitable for all seasons.

FAQ about Spring Roll Bowl Recipe

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