Intro

3457772429_bb04df3b48_b

In our first years of marriage, Gabe and I soon realized that we ate a lot of fresh rolls. Every time we went out for Thai food, which was quite often, we would make sure to order a plate full of the rice wrapped bundles of fresh flavor. We thought it our mission to find the best in town – which really served as a great excuse to go out for more Thai food – for research purposes of course.

Another revelation occurred. We could very simply make these ourselves in our very tiny fire-engine red kitchen complete with hot chili pepper lights. After all we were practically experts on the subject, well not really, but we had tasted quite a few.

Fresh rolls quickly became a staple in our rotating dinner menu and served as a great way of cleaning out the fridge. We lovingly referred to them as “Thai Burritos”. This hearkens back to Gabe’s childhood filled with memories of his dad rummaging through the fridge and throwing his finds into a tortilla, wrapping it up in a nice complete package then calling it a “Garbage Burrito”.

3457788249_bcee382d59_b

With a rice paper wrapping and a slightly more appetizing yet very inaccurate name our fresh rolls are always different but never fail in taste. They are indeed, fresh. With the markets starting to fill with a wide variety of produce this is a great time to bring on the rolls.

The constant in our recipe is always an assortment of vegetables such as; carrots, cucumber, red pepper and bean sprouts. And herbs such as; cilantro, Thai basil and mint. We have also included marinated tofu, shrimp and leftover roasted chicken.

3458612092_5fe9fe19a3_b

This time around we included another Thai favorite, Larb (or Laab) (a citrus and lemongrass scented ground chicken or pork salad served with butter lettuce).

Larb Salad

adapted from Bon Appetit

  • 2/3 cup fresh lime juice
  • 1/3 cup fish sauce (found in Asian markets or in the Ethnic aisle of most grocers)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 2 teaspoons Thai roasted chili paste
  • 3/4 cup canned low-salt chicken broth
  • 1 1/2 pounds ground chicken or pork
  • 1 cup thinly sliced green onions
  • 3/4 cup thinly sliced shallots
  • 3 tablespoons minced fresh lemongrass (found in Asian Markets)
  • 1 tablespoon thinly sliced Thai chilies or serrano chilies
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
  • 1/3 cup chopped fresh mint leaves

Combine the first four ingredients in a medium bowl. Save this sauce for later.

Simmer the broth in heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground chicken. Simmer until cooked through, breaking up any clumps of meat with a spoon, about 8 minutes. Add green onions, shallots, lemongrass and chillies. Stir until vegetables are tender and most of liquid has evaporated, about 4 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in sauce, cilantro and mint.

You can serve this salad as is with butter lettuce or use it as a filling for your fresh rolls.

3458574438_f750197fd6_b

To construct the fresh rolls you will need spring roll wrappers, which you can find at any Asian market or in the ethnic aisle. To make the wrappers pliable gently place them in a shallow dish that is filled 3/4 full of very warm water. The warmer the water the faster they will soften. Once pliable carefully place the rice wrapper on a plate then begin filling. Add 3-4 tbl. of the Larb salad, a small piece of butter lettuce, julienned carrots and cucumber and a couple tender sprigs of cilantro. Wrap that all up snuggly just like you would a burrito. Serve the rolls with Peanut Sauce – homemade or a good quality pre-made from the Asian market.

3457765645_721851b638_b

These rolls are quick to assemble, impressive to serve to dinner guests (they can be made ahead) and such a delightful way to celebrate and enjoy the fresh produce that is starting to abound this time of year.

3458596228_56a7b3f9a7_b
 

16 Responses to “Get Fresh”

  1. Dana

    Fresh rolls are one of my favorite things to eat in the world. I make my own as well and, although I think they are a lot of work, they are so delicious that I don’t really mind. Yours look terrific!

  2. Elyse

    I love fresh rolls. My best friend and I used to make these all the time in undergrad. They were healthy and easy. And, oh, that peanut sauce is soooo darn good. I’m so glad you’ve reminded me about my love for fresh rolls; I need to make them soon. Great pics!

  3. s

    I’ve never made my own spring rolls. They look so cool and fresh… perfect for the summer time produce we munch on. And fast. Thanks for the recipe!

  4. gabe

    great story-telling and wonderful images! I love love love your fresh spring rolls. They were the perfect fit when you recently asked our dinner guest if he had any requests and he asked for something a little exotic but affordable. Great combo and fresh!

  5. eatsuep

    your spring rolls look delicious and so fresh! i always have such a difficult time wrapping mine tightly enough but i figure it tastes the same deconstructed!

  6. Tram

    Beautiful photos!!! In the south of Vietnam, we roll pretty much anything as long as there is vegetables and good dipping sauce. I love adding sour mango 🙂

  7. Jena Murray

    Hey Ashley! Can you post a follow-up recipe for home-made peanut sauce? I’ve tried a few and I just can’t get it like the *good* restaurants make it. Pretty-please?

    • Ashley Rodriguez

      I sure will if I come across one that I LOVE. I served mine with a doctored up version of a store bought sauce. I found one at the asian market but I thought it was too sweet so I added a bit of fish sauce.

  8. Susan

    I just discovered your site; this sounds great! I’ll be trying your recipe(s) for sure.
    Btw,
    I make my own peanut sauce without a recipe. It’s great blended into stir fries at the end (try w/ cabbage!), used for dipping, etc. The trick is to add and blend ’till smooth w/ the hot water before adding the rest of the ingredients, which are:

    a dallop or more of smooth peanut butter
    about 1/3 as much of hot/boiling water- stir to loosen up the PB
    splash of soy sauce
    splash or two of black soy vinegar (from the chinese grocery) (lime juice or other acid would work here too, but I think it’s more earthy-good w/ the soy vinegar)
    a spoonful of chile-garlic sauce
    You can embellish w/ minced garlic, scallions, etc.
    All ingredients to taste.