I couldn’t imagine going through summer without posting the ultimate light and healthy dish – summer rolls. To be honest, I have no idea why they are called “summer” rolls. I think it’s because they are lighter than their wonton cousins, but I could be wrong.
Unlike classic eggrolls, which are usually fried and heavy, summer rolls are made with rice paper rounds and don’t require any cooking. If you’ve never worked with rice paper before. don’t be intimidated, it’s really super easy.
The great thing about summer rolls is that they can be filled with anything – fruit, veggies, or your protein of choice. Fish and tofu work wonderfully in these rice paper roll-ups, but grilled chicken and veggies are my faves. I once watched Giada de Laurentiis make a fruity version on the Food Network. She filled the rounds with pad Thai noodles, strawberries, mango and almonds and prepared a honey-mint dipping sauce to go on the side. She served them after a yoga lesson as the perfect post-workout treat.
For me, making a dish like this doesn’t really require a recipe. I look into my fridge and put together whatever scraps I can find. In this case, I had leftover marinated chicken breasts, so I threw them on my grill pan for a quick sear. I found some nappa cabbage, shredded carrots, scallions and edamame, and put them all together for a fabulous combo. Feel free to do the same (grab whatever you can find in your fridge) or follow my recipe below.
Oh, and the dipping sauce? Let me just say this — it’s awesome.
Rice Paper Rolls
6 rice paper wrappers
2 pieces grilled chicken, sliced
1/4 head nappa cabbage, thinly sliced
1 carrot, shredded
1 cup edamame
2 scallions, ends trimmed, thinly sliced lengthwise
Method:
Prepare all your fillings on a tray, so they are ready to go once your rice paper has softened. Fill a shallow bowl with warm water and slide the rice paper wrappers inside for 10-15 seconds, until soft and pliable. Remove gently from the water and place on a cutting board. Place filling in the center of the wrapper, and roll the bottom portion of the rice paper around the filling. Fold the sides over, and continue rolling to form rolls. Cut summer rolls in half and serve with dipping sauce
Dipping Sauce
2 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp honey
Zest of 1/2 lime
Juice of 1 lime
1 clove garlic, finely minced
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp sriracha
salt, to taste
Method:
Add all ingredients to a bowl and whisk to combine. Serve with summer rolls.
1 year ago: roasted beet salsa
2 years ago: gefilte fish patties in tomato sauce
Hi,
Where did you find the rice paper wrappers? I have not been able to find any kosher ones!
Where do you live? I get them at a local store in Crown Heights.
So pretty!!! That dipping sauce looks insanely good! I love spring rolls and I am on the search for more rice paper wraps (the store I buy mine at stopped carrying them). Where did you buy yours?
Well I like fried and heavy, but in the summer, these look way better. And I absolutely love that sauce with the tiny bit or Sriracha.
Nothing more perfect for the summer then these! probably a great appetizer too if they are in smaller portions..or a picnic :)
Between you and Melinda, I’ve got dipping sauces down. These looks beautiful and the pictures are pure poetry!
I love everything about this! And that dipping sauce looks heavenly!
Thanks so much! Love following all your delicious food on instagram!
This is the ultimate summer dish! I seriously need to get some rice wrappers :) and for sure filling mine with chicken and veggies.
Love these and just made them last week with london broil. I did a carrot miso dressing for a change, next time I will try this one. As for where to get them, you can order them online – http://www.sushimaven.com/rice-paper-100gr-p-107.html
where do you find and what brand rice papers is kosher ?
I’m not sure where you live, but I buy the sushi metsuyan brand in a local Crown Heights store.
Love the picture showing all the ingredients laid out!
Summer rolls are so great. They are perfect with your dipping sauce.
I wanted a recipe for this type of dipping sauce, l like how yours sounds, cant wait to try!
Love , love this idea!!
I can’t wait to try it . Would you know if this can be prepared on Shabbos? (Can I soften the rice paper in the water ..?)
Hi Yael, I don’t see why you shouldn’t be able to soften the rice paper, you are not cooking it or anything!
I have used the sauce with edamame too!
That sounds great!