Sides
Vietnamese-Inspired Tofu Fresh Spring Rolls
Translucent rice-paper rolls packed with seared tofu, rice noodles, crisp vegetables, herbs, and a tangy peanut-lime dipping sauce.
Inspired by Vietnamese fresh spring rolls
Prep
40 min
Cook
15 min
Serves
4 servings
Difficulty
Medium
Cooking Tools
Pantry match
Uses the current servings and temporary recipe changes.
Missing 15 ingredients
- • 8 ounces extra-firm tofu, pressed and cut into 16 strips
- • 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
- • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- • 1 teaspoon neutral oil
- • 3 ounces thin rice vermicelli
- • 8 round rice-paper wrappers, 8 to 9 inches
- • 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- • 1 medium carrot, cut into matchsticks
- • 1/2 English cucumber, cut into matchsticks
- • 1 cup mint, cilantro, and Thai basil leaves
- • 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
- • 2 tablespoons warm water, plus more as needed
- • 1 tablespoon lime juice
- • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- • 2 teaspoons maple syrup
View ingredient-by-ingredient match
- 8 ounces extra-firm tofu, pressed and cut into 16 stripsMissing
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauceMissing
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oilMissing
- 1 teaspoon neutral oilMissing
- 3 ounces thin rice vermicelliMissing
- 8 round rice-paper wrappers, 8 to 9 inchesMissing
- 1 cup shredded red cabbageMissing
- 1 medium carrot, cut into matchsticksMissing
- 1/2 English cucumber, cut into matchsticksMissing
- 1 cup mint, cilantro, and Thai basil leavesMissing
- 1/3 cup creamy peanut butterMissing
- 2 tablespoons warm water, plus more as neededMissing
- 1 tablespoon lime juiceMissing
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegarMissing
- 2 teaspoons maple syrupMissing
Optional ingredients are not counted as required.
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Method
Recipe notes
Rice paper continues softening after it leaves the water, so remove it while slightly firm. Keep fillings compact and dry, and roll on a damp towel to prevent sticking and tearing.
Planning, storage, and serving
Storage and reheating
Fresh rolls are best within 2 hours. If necessary, wrap each one separately in damp paper towel and plastic and refrigerate up to 1 day; keep sauce covered and cold.
Make-ahead tips
Prepare tofu, noodles, vegetables, herbs, and sauce up to 1 day ahead in separate containers. Soften wrappers and assemble shortly before serving for the best texture.
What to serve with it
- - Miso soup
- - Edamame
- - A light mango salad
Equipment needed
- - Nonstick skillet
- - Wide shallow dish
- - Damp clean kitchen towel
Difficulty explained
The fillings are simple, but learning when rice paper is pliable and rolling it snugly without tearing takes a little practice.
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Nutrition facts
Updating nutrition…
Alternatives
Apply a reviewed substitution to this temporary working copy. The published recipe stays unchanged.
Browse reviewed options
Tamari
Use tamari in the same amount for a similar savory profile.
Plant-based butter
Use a firm, baking-style plant butter in the same amount.
Plain tempeh
Use an equal weight of plain tempeh, crumble it finely, and simmer it in the recipe's sauce until tender.
Type the ingredient you're missing — we'll find what you can use instead.
Pitfalls to Watch Out For
- Over-soaking rice paper makes it sticky and fragile before filling begins.
- Wet noodles or vegetables create slippery rolls and encourage the wrapper to tear.
- Peanut sauce is not safe for a peanut allergy; changing the dip also requires preventing cross-contact.
Nutrition Context
- Tofu and peanut butter provide plant protein, while vegetables and herbs add freshness with relatively little saturated fat.
- The rolls work as a light meal or substantial snack; sauce portions contribute much of the energy and sodium.
FAQ
Why does my rice paper tear?
It may be over-soaked or overfilled. Dip briefly, use compact fillings, and let the wrapper soften on the towel.
Can I make the rolls the night before?
You can, but their texture is best the same day. Wrap individually so they do not stick together.
Can I omit the noodles?
Yes. Add a little more cabbage and cucumber while keeping the filling narrow enough to roll.
How can I make the sauce nut-free?
Use sunflower-seed butter and verify the soy sauce and other ingredients for your required allergen standard.
Should the rolls be fried?
No. These are fresh rice-paper rolls; the tofu is cooked, but the assembled wrappers remain soft and translucent.
What sides pair best with this dish?
Good pairings include Miso soup; Edamame; A light mango salad. Choose one or two based on how substantial you want the meal to be.