Unlike the usual white rice paper wraps filled with your choice of savory fillings, these clear rice paper rolls (rice wrappers) served Vietnamese-style bring a fresh twist and are also a healthier option. Commonly enjoyed with seasonal fruits and veggies, these rice paper rolls are especially popular in southern Vietnam and are now being embraced in many Asian countries, each adding their own local touch. Since they're typically made with fresh produce and without oil, they’re low in calories and fat, while still rich in carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, and fiber, making them a nutritious yet tasty meal choice.

They're also simple to make and the ingredients are easily found at most supermarkets, making these rolls a hit with both young and old. So why not try making these fun and easy Vietnamese-style rice paper rolls at home? Just keep reading below for the recipe.

Ingredients

• Shrimp or Chicken
• Eggs
• Rice Wrappers
• Rice Vermicelli (moat phat)
• Carrot
• Cucumber
• Mint Leaves
• Lettuce
• Basil Leaves
• Garlic
• Green Chili
• Fish Sauce
• Lime or Vinegar
• Sugar

Preparation

Start by washing and preparing your vegetables and herbs, carrot, cucumber, mint, lettuce, and pennywort, and slicing them into sizes suitable for rolling. If you're adding egg, prepare a thin omelet. Boil and slice the shrimp or chicken into bite-sized pieces. Soak each rice wrapper one by one in warm water using a large plate or shallow bowl until soft and ready to roll.

For the dipping sauce: mix chopped garlic, green chili, a small amount of sugar, a dash of fish sauce, and a bit of lime or calamansi juice with a tablespoon of water. Stir well.

To roll: arrange all your fillings at your side. Add your preferred combination of vegetables and meat onto the softened rice wrapper, then roll it up neatly. At first, the rice wrappers may break or tear, either from soaking too long or because they're too thin, but with practice, you'll be rolling them neatly and beautifully in no time.

With that, you're ready to enjoy your fresh and healthy Vietnamese rice paper rolls paired with tangy dipping sauce. If you end up making them at home, let us know in the comments how you styled your rolls and how they turned out!