Hey there, my friend 
. If you love fresh, light, and super tasty food, you are going to love these Thai summer rolls. They are packed with crunchy veggies, tender shrimp, and fresh herbs, all wrapped in delicate rice paper.
And that peanut sauce? Oh, it takes everything to another level. It’s creamy, nutty, and slightly sweet, making every bite irresistible. The best part? You can make these rolls in under 30 minutes, and they require no cooking at all. Let me show you how.
Utensils You Need
These are the utensils and/or equipment you need to make this recipe.
- Large bowl (for soaking rice paper)
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Small mixing bowl (for the peanut sauce)
- Whisk (to mix the sauce)
- Plate (to place the rolled summer rolls)
Important Info
- Servings: 8 rolls
- Estimated Cost to make this recipe: About $10-$15, depending on ingredient quality
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: No cooking required
- Total time: 20 minutes
- Calories per serving: About 180 calories per roll (including sauce)
- Cook method: No-Cooking Required
- Season: Best for Spring and Summer
- Courses: Appetizer, Lunch, Snack
- Cuisine: Thai
- Diets: GlutenFreeDiet, LowCalorieDiet, DairyFreeDiet, Halal Diet
How to Make Thai Summer Rolls with Peanut Sauce
Now I am going to tell you what ingredients you need to make this delicacy and how to make it.
Ingredients You Need
For the Summer Rolls:
- 8 rice paper wrappers
- ½ cup cooked shrimp, sliced in half lengthwise
- 1 small carrot, julienned
- ½ cucumber, julienned
- ½ red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- ½ cup shredded lettuce or cabbage
- ¼ cup fresh mint leaves
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves
- ½ avocado, sliced (optional)
For the Peanut Sauce:
- ¼ cup peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons warm water (to thin the sauce)
Alternative Ingredients
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below.
| Ingredient | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Rice paper wrappers | Lettuce leaves (for a low-carb version) |
| Shrimp | Tofu or shredded chicken |
| Peanut butter | Almond butter or sunflower seed butter |
| Soy sauce | Coconut aminos or tamari (for gluten-free) |
| Honey | Brown sugar or agave syrup |
Instructions
- Fill a large bowl with warm water. Dip one rice paper wrapper in the water for about 10-15 seconds until it softens. Remove and place on a flat surface.
- Arrange a few shrimp halves in the center of the wrapper.
- Add a small handful of carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, lettuce, and avocado on top.
- Sprinkle some mint, cilantro, and basil over the veggies.
- Fold the sides of the rice paper inward, then roll it up tightly like a burrito. Repeat for the remaining wrappers.
- In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, lime juice, honey, and warm water until smooth.
- Serve the summer rolls with the peanut sauce on the side for dipping.
Helpful Tips
- Do not soak the rice paper too long. It should be soft but not falling apart.
- Keep the filling light so the rolls don’t tear when rolling.
- Place the finished rolls on a plate with a damp towel to keep them from drying out.
- If the peanut sauce is too thick, add more warm water, one teaspoon at a time, until you get the right consistency.
- For extra protein, add shredded chicken or tofu inside the rolls.
What to Serve with Thai Summer Rolls
These summer rolls go well with:
- A side of steamed jasmine rice
- A light cucumber salad
- Chilled coconut water or iced green tea
- Mango sticky rice for a sweet finish
How Do You Serve the Recipe?
I like to serve these rolls on a large platter with the peanut sauce in a small bowl. You can also slice the rolls in half to make them easier to pick up.
Where Do You Serve This Recipe the Most?
These summer rolls are great for:
- Picnics: They are fresh, portable, and easy to eat with your hands.
- Parties: You can make a big batch, and they look fancy on a serving tray.
- Light Lunches: Perfect for a quick, healthy meal.
- Summer Gatherings: No need for cooking, and they keep you cool in hot weather.
Storage
Short-Term Storage (Room Temperature)
- These rolls are best eaten fresh. If you must store them, cover them with a damp paper towel and keep them in an airtight container for up to 2 hours.
Refrigeration
- Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container with a damp towel. They will stay fresh for up to 24 hours, but the rice paper may harden slightly.
Freezing
- I do not recommend freezing summer rolls. The rice paper will become too chewy and fall apart when thawed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these summer rolls ahead of time?
Yes, but they taste best fresh. If making them ahead, store them in an airtight container with a damp towel and eat within 24 hours.
What can I use instead of peanut butter in the sauce?
You can use almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter if you have a peanut allergy.
Can I use cooked chicken instead of shrimp?
Yes, shredded cooked chicken works great in these rolls. You can also use tofu for a vegetarian option.
How do I prevent the rice paper from sticking together?
After rolling, place each roll on a plate with parchment paper or a lightly oiled surface to prevent sticking.
Can I use store-bought peanut sauce?
Yes, but homemade peanut sauce tastes fresher and lets you adjust the flavors to your liking.
Meta Description
Thai Summer Rolls with Peanut Sauce Recipe – fresh, healthy, and packed with flavor. These easy no-cook rolls are perfect for summer meals and light lunches.