Vegan Spring Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce

Vegan Spring Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce

As the days grow longer and the sun finally begins to warm the air, it’s only natural to start craving lighter, brighter foods. With spring just around the corner, meals filled with fresh herbs, crisp vegetables, and vibrant flavors feel especially satisfying. These Vegan Spring Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce are the perfect way to celebrate the shift in seasons. Packed with fragrant cilantro, basil, and mint, creamy avocado, crunchy carrots, sweet red peppers, and crispy BBQ-glazed tofu, each bite is fresh, colorful, and incredibly flavorful.

One of the best parts about making spring rolls at home is how interactive the experience can be. Instead of assembling everything yourself, turn dinner into a fun, hands-on meal for family or guests. Arrange all the fillings on a large platter—herbs, vegetables, tofu, and any extra toppings like cucumber or mango—and place a shallow rimmed plate filled with warm water in the center of the table. Guests can soften their own rice paper wrappers and build rolls exactly how they like them. It’s a relaxed, communal way to share a meal, and everyone gets to enjoy the process as much as the delicious results.

Ingredients

For the Spring Rolls

• 10–12 rice paper wrappers

• 1 block extra-firm tofu, pressed and cut into thin strips

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

• Neutral oil for frying (such as avocado or vegetable oil)

• 2 tablespoons Japanese BBQ sauce

• 1 avocado, sliced

• 1 cup shredded carrots

• 1 cup thinly sliced red cabbage

• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

• 1 cup microgreens

• ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves

• ½ cup fresh basil leaves

• ¼ cup fresh mint leaves

Optional Filling Additions

• Thinly sliced cucumber

• Fresh mango slices

• Rice noodles

• Bean sprouts

• Green onions

• Pickled vegetables

Peanut Dipping Sauce

Ingredients

• ⅓ cup creamy peanut butter

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari

• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (vegan)

• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or agave

• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

• ¼ teaspoon chili garlic sauce or sriracha (optional)

• 3–5 tablespoons warm water

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, maple syrup, lime juice, and rice vinegar.

2. Add garlic, ginger, and chili sauce if using.

3. Slowly whisk in warm water until the sauce becomes smooth and reaches your desired dipping consistency.

4. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Prepare the Crispy BBQ Tofu

1. Pat the tofu dry and cut into thin strips.

2. Toss the tofu in cornstarch until evenly coated.

3. Heat about 2–3 tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium heat.

4. Fry the tofu strips for about 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and crispy.

5. Transfer to a bowl and toss with Japanese BBQ sauce until evenly coated. Set aside to cool slightly.

Assemble the Spring Rolls

1. Fill a shallow bowl or plate with warm water.

2. Dip one rice paper wrapper into the water for about 5–10 seconds until softened.

3. Place the wrapper flat on a clean surface or damp cutting board.

4. In the center of the wrapper, layer a small amount of tofu, carrots, cabbage, red pepper, avocado, microgreens, and fresh herbs.

5. Fold the bottom of the wrapper over the filling.

6. Fold in both sides, then roll tightly like a burrito to seal.

7. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.

Serve

Arrange the spring rolls on a platter and serve immediately with the peanut dipping sauce. For an extra touch, garnish the sauce with crushed peanuts, sesame seeds, or sliced green onions.

These vegan spring rolls are best enjoyed fresh when the rice paper is soft and the vegetables are crisp. They make a beautiful appetizer for gatherings or a refreshing meal paired with jasmine rice, noodle salads, or light soups.

Tips for Perfect Spring Rolls

• Do not over-soak the rice paper; it will continue to soften as you assemble.

• Use a damp cutting board to prevent sticking.

• Keep finished rolls covered with a damp towel so they don’t dry out.

Fresh Vietnamese-style spring rolls are one of the most vibrant and satisfying plant-based meals you can make at home. Wrapped in delicate rice paper and filled with crisp vegetables, fragrant herbs, and flavorful tofu, these rolls are light yet satisfying. This version features crispy tofu tossed in Japanese BBQ sauce along with fresh cilantro, basil, and mint for a burst of herbal brightness. Creamy avocado, crunchy carrots, red cabbage, and sweet red peppers create a colorful, nutrient-rich filling that pairs beautifully with a rich peanut dipping sauce.

These rolls are perfect as a light lunch, appetizer, or healthy dinner. Because they’re assembled fresh and not fried, they retain all the natural flavors and textures of the ingredients inside.