These Rice Paper Shrimp Rolls are a fun and healthier twist on traditional Cheung Fun (Chinese rice noodle rolls). Using rice papers, you can easily recreate this dim sum favorite at home in just 20 minutes! They are light, fresh, and flavorful, and come with a delicious peanut butter sauce that tastes just like what you’d find at a Vietnamese restaurant.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Rice Rolls:

• 6 pieces rice paper

• 12 pieces shrimp (cleaned and deveined)

• 2 stalks green onion, sliced

• 1 tbsp avocado oil

For the Sweet Soy Sauce:

• 2 tbsp water

• 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari)

• 1 tbsp sweetener (sugar or honey)

For the Peanut Butter Sauce:

• 1 tbsp peanut butter

• 1 tbsp tahini

• 1 tsp sesame oil

• 1 tsp water (adjust as needed for consistency)

For Garnish:

• Chili crisp

Directions

1. Prepare the Rice Rolls:

   • Wet each piece of rice paper for about 10 seconds until it becomes pliable.

   • Place two shrimp and a pinch of green onions onto each rice paper.

   • Fold once, tuck in the sides, and continue rolling to form a spring roll shape.

   • Repeat for all six rolls.

2. Prevent Sticking:

   • Brush a plate with avocado oil to prevent sticking.

   • Place the rice rolls on the plate and lightly brush oil around them.

3. Steam the Rolls:

   • Using a steamer that fits the plate, steam the rolls for about 7 minutes or until the shrimp turns pink and is fully cooked.

4. Prepare the Sauces:

   • While the rolls are steaming, mix the ingredients for the sweet soy sauce and peanut butter sauce.

   • Adjust the consistency of the peanut butter sauce by adding a little water to make it runny enough to drizzle.

5. Serve:

   • Once the rolls are ready, serve them with the sweet soy sauce and peanut butter sauce on the side.

   • Garnish with chili crisp for an extra kick.

Estimated Nutritional Value (per roll)

• Calories: 70-90 kcal

• Protein: 7-9 g

• Carbohydrates: 6-8 g

• Fat: 2-3 g

• Saturated Fat: 0.5-1 g

• Fiber: 1-2 g

• Sugar: 1-2 g

• Sodium: 200-250 mg

These values are based on the rice paper, shrimp, and sauces. If you use extra ingredients, like additional oils or garnishes, the calorie count and fat content may increase slightly. The dipping sauces, especially the peanut butter sauce, will also add to the nutritional value.

Why Rice Paper Shrimp Rolls?

Rice paper shrimp rolls are a versatile and healthier option compared to deep-fried alternatives. They provide all the flavors of Cheung Fun but with fewer calories and less oil. The rice paper is light and thin, offering a delicate wrapper for the shrimp and green onions. As these rolls are steamed, they are lower in fat and retain more of their natural flavor and nutrients.

Not only are these rolls a healthier choice, but they are also a fun dish to prepare. The rice paper wraps allow you to get creative with fillings, and they are easy to handle, even for beginners. The result is a fresh, vibrant, and delicious snack that everyone will enjoy. Additionally, these rolls are naturally gluten-free, making them a great option for those with dietary restrictions.

Key Ingredients and Their Role

The ingredients for these rice paper shrimp rolls are simple yet packed with flavor.

• Rice Paper: The foundation of the rolls, these delicate wrappers are soft, chewy, and provide the perfect balance to the crispy shrimp inside.

• Shrimp: Cleaned and deveined shrimp form the main protein source in this dish. Shrimp are quick to cook, making them ideal for this recipe. They also bring a naturally sweet and slightly briny flavor that complements the fresh ingredients.

• Green Onion: These bring a subtle onion flavor and crunch, adding a bit of freshness and lightness to the rolls.

• Avocado Oil: Used to prevent sticking and lightly brush on the rolls before steaming, avocado oil is a healthy choice that provides a mild flavor.

The dipping sauces, which include a sweet soy sauce and a creamy peanut butter sauce, are what really elevate the dish. They add depth, richness, and a little sweetness, making the rolls even more flavorful. The optional chili crisp garnish provides a satisfying kick of heat, adding both flavor and texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Rice Rolls: Start by wetting each piece of rice paper in warm water for about 10 seconds, until it becomes pliable. Rice paper tends to be a bit firm when dry, but it softens quickly in water.

2. Assemble the Rolls: Once the rice paper is soft, place two shrimp and a pinch of green onions onto each piece. Then, fold the rice paper once, tuck in the sides, and continue rolling to form a spring roll shape. The rolls should be tightly sealed so the contents don’t fall out during steaming.

3. Prevent Sticking: To ensure that the rolls don’t stick to the plate or to each other, brush a plate with avocado oil. Once the rolls are assembled, place them on the plate and lightly brush them with more oil.

4. Steam the Rolls: Steam the rolls in a steamer for about 7 minutes or until the shrimp turns pink and is fully cooked. This method of cooking ensures that the rolls remain tender while keeping the shrimp moist and flavorful.

5. Prepare the Sauces: While the rolls are steaming, mix together the ingredients for the sweet soy sauce and peanut butter sauce. For the peanut butter sauce, you can adjust the consistency by adding a little water to make it runny enough to drizzle.

6. Serve: Once the rolls are steamed and the shrimp is cooked, remove the rolls from the steamer. Serve them warm with the sweet soy sauce and peanut butter sauce on the side for dipping. Garnish with chili crisp for an extra kick.

Why the Sauces Matter

The two sauces—sweet soy and peanut butter—bring a perfect balance of flavors to these rice paper shrimp rolls. The sweet soy sauce is a savory-sweet combination that adds a subtle umami flavor to the rolls, enhancing the natural sweetness of the shrimp. The peanut butter sauce, on the other hand, is creamy and rich, with a slight nuttiness from the peanut butter and tahini. It’s the perfect contrast to the fresh ingredients in the rolls, offering a smooth texture that pairs beautifully with the lightness of the shrimp.

The addition of chili crisp as a garnish gives the dish an extra layer of depth. This tangy, spicy, and crunchy topping adds both heat and texture, making each bite more exciting. You can adjust the level of heat depending on your preference, adding more or less as desired.

Nutritional Information

These rice paper shrimp rolls are a light and healthy option that provides a balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. At approximately 70-90 calories per roll, they’re perfect for a low-calorie snack or appetizer. Each roll provides around 7-9 grams of protein from the shrimp, which helps with muscle repair and growth, and 1-2 grams of fiber from the vegetables. The sauces add a bit of sweetness and richness, but the overall dish remains low in calories compared to traditional fried or deep-fried spring rolls.

These rolls are also packed with Vitamin C, which is essential for immune health, and Vitamin K, which plays a key role in blood clotting and bone health. The peanut butter sauce provides some healthy fats from the peanut butter and tahini, making the dish filling and satisfying without being overly heavy.

Conclusion: A Fresh, Flavorful, and Fun Dish

Rice Paper Shrimp Rolls are a wonderful way to enjoy a lighter, healthier version of traditional dim sum rolls. They are easy to prepare, customizable, and packed with fresh flavors, making them an ideal choice for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious snack or appetizer without the extra calories. The combination of tender shrimp, fresh green onions, and the rich, creamy peanut butter sauce creates a balanced and flavorful dish that everyone will enjoy. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply treat yourself, these rice paper rolls are a fun and healthy option that’s sure to satisfy.