Rice paper rolls are a delicious, light, and versatile dish that can be customized with a variety of fillings. In this recipe, we combine fresh vegetables, tofu, and eggs to create a wholesome filling for the rolls. The crispiness of cabbage, sweetness of carrots, and the soft texture of tofu blend together perfectly to create a satisfying meal. Paired with a spicy dipping sauce made from Sriracha, vinegar, and soy sauce, these rolls offer a burst of flavor in every bite. Whether you’re looking for a healthy snack, a light lunch, or an appetizer for a dinner party, these rice paper rolls are sure to impress.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Rolls:

200g cabbage (finely shredded)
100g carrots (julienned or grated)

100g zucchini (julienned or grated)
1 red chili pepper (finely chopped, seeds removed if you prefer less heat)
200g tofu (firm, crumbled or cut into thin slices)

3 eggs (lightly beaten)
Salt, to taste
Cooking oil (for sautéing)

Rice paper (about 12 sheets, for wrapping)

For the Spicy Dipping Sauce:

1 tablespoon Sriracha
1 tablespoon vinegar (rice vinegar or white vinegar works best)

1 tablespoon soy sauce
Crushed red pepper or red chili powder, to taste
Hot water, as needed (for adjusting the sauce consistency)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables and Tofu

Chop and shred: Begin by finely shredding 200g cabbage and 100g carrots, and julienne or grate 100g zucchini.
Chop chili: Finely chop 1 red chili pepper. Remove the seeds if you want to reduce the spice level.
Crumble or slice tofu: Take 200g firm tofu and either crumble it into small pieces or cut it into thin slices, depending on your preference.

Step 2: Cook the Tofu and Vegetables

Heat oil: Heat a tablespoon of cooking oil in a pan over medium heat.
Cook tofu: Add the tofu to the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until it’s lightly browned. Remove the tofu from the pan and set it aside.
Sauté vegetables: In the same pan, add the shredded cabbage, carrots, zucchini, and chopped chili. Season with salt to taste. Cook the vegetables for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. The vegetables should be softened but still slightly crunchy. Remove from heat and let cool.

Step 3: Cook the Eggs

In a separate pan, scramble the 3 lightly beaten eggs with a little bit of salt. Cook until the eggs are fully set and scrambled into small pieces.
Once cooked, set the scrambled eggs aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Rice Paper Rolls

Prepare rice paper: Fill a large bowl with warm water. Take one sheet of rice paper and dip it into the water for 5-10 seconds until it softens but doesn’t tear. Place the softened rice paper on a flat, clean surface.

Assemble the filling: On the lower third of the rice paper, place a small portion of the vegetable mixture, a spoonful of scrambled eggs, and some tofu. Make sure not to overfill the roll.
Roll it up: Fold the sides of the rice paper inward over the filling, then carefully roll it up from the bottom to the top, making sure the filling is tucked in tightly.
Repeat this process for the remaining rolls.

Step 5: Make the Spicy Dipping Sauce

Mix the sauce ingredients: In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon Sriracha, 1 tablespoon vinegar, and 1 tablespoon soy sauce. Add crushed red pepper or red chili powder to taste for extra heat.
Adjust the consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of hot water until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 6: Serve

Arrange the freshly made spring rolls on a serving platter.

Serve with the spicy dipping sauce on the side.
Optionally, garnish the rolls with freshly chopped dill or parsley for an extra pop of flavor and color.

Cooking Tips

Rice Paper Handling: Rice paper can be delicate and tear easily, so make sure to soften it just enough before wrapping. If it’s too soft, it will become difficult to handle. If it’s not soft enough, it will crack when you try to fold it.

Filling Variations: You can customize the filling by adding other ingredients such as bell peppers, cucumbers, mushrooms, or even cooked shrimp or chicken. These rolls are very versatile and adaptable to your tastes.
Frying Option: If you prefer crispy rolls, you can deep-fry the assembled rolls in hot oil until they are golden and crispy. This adds an extra layer of texture, but also increases the calorie content.
Vegan Option: To make this dish vegan, simply omit the scrambled eggs and use additional vegetables or plant-based protein in the filling.

Sauce Customization: The dipping sauce can be adjusted to suit your taste. If you like it sweeter, add a teaspoon of sugar or honey. For more tang, increase the amount of vinegar.

Storage

Refrigeration: These spring rolls are best eaten fresh, but if you have leftovers, wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1-2 days. Note that the rice paper may become a little sticky and less pliable over time, but they will still be tasty.
Freezing: It’s not recommended to freeze these fresh rolls as the rice paper can become too delicate and tear upon thawing.

Sauce Storage: The spicy dipping sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: ~180 kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g

Protein: 8g
Fat: 8g
Fiber: 3g

Sodium: 600mg

Note: These values are estimates and may vary based on the exact ingredients and quantities used.

FAQs

1. Can I make the rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can make these rolls a few hours ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just make sure to wrap them tightly to prevent the rice paper from drying out.

2. What can I use instead of tofu?

If you’re not a fan of tofu, you can substitute it with cooked shrimp, grilled chicken, or even extra vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers.

3. Can I use other sauces for dipping?

Absolutely! Peanut sauce, hoisin sauce, or even a simple soy sauce-based dip works well with these rolls. The spicy sauce in this recipe is just one option.

4. Can I use whole wheat rice paper?

Yes, whole wheat rice paper is a healthier alternative that you can use to make these rolls. The flavor and texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

5. Can I make these spring rolls gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is already gluten-free if you ensure that the soy sauce you are using is gluten-free. There are plenty of gluten-free soy sauce options available.

Conclusion

These Vegetable Tofu Spring Rolls with Spicy Dipping Sauce are a healthy and flavorful snack or appetizer that is easy to make and customize. Packed with fresh vegetables and protein-rich tofu, they offer a balance of taste and nutrition. The spicy sauce adds a delicious kick that complements the rolls perfectly. Whether you’re making them for a light lunch, a snack, or a party, these spring rolls will be a crowd-pleaser. The best part is their versatility—feel free to get creative with the fillings and sauces to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy this delicious, guilt-free treat!