Gỏi cuốn
Ẩm thực đường phố • Việt Nam
Về Gỏi Cuốn (Spring Rolls)
Fresh rice paper rolls with shrimp, pork, vermicelli, and herbs — dipped in peanut sauce
How to Make Gỏi Cuốn (Spring Rolls) (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Gỏi Cuốn, also known as Vietnamese fresh spring rolls, is a quintessential street food that captures the essence of Vietnam’s vibrant culinary culture. Originating from the southern regions, these translucent rice paper rolls are packed with fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, tender shrimp, and lean pork, making them a colorful and nutritious dish. Gỏi Cuốn is widely enjoyed as a light appetizer or a healthy lunch option, especially in bustling Vietnamese markets and family gatherings. The beauty of Gỏi Cuốn lies in its freshness and balance—crisp lettuce, fragrant mint, and coriander provide a refreshing contrast to the savory protein and chewy vermicelli noodles. Each roll is typically dipped into a tangy, nutty hoisin-peanut sauce, delivering layers of flavor in every bite. This dish is not only delicious but also highly customizable, allowing each person to roll their own based on preference. Gỏi Cuốn is a testament to the Vietnamese philosophy of eating light, fresh, and in harmony with nature, making it a wonderful meal for health-conscious individuals around the world.
Ingredients(for 3 rolls per person)
- 6 sheets Rice paper wrappers (Bánh tráng)
- 100 grams Shrimp (Peeled and deveined)
- 80 grams Lean pork loin (Boiled and thinly sliced)
- 50 grams Rice vermicelli noodles (Bún)
- 6 leaves Fresh lettuce (Green leaf or romaine)
- 12 leaves Fresh mint (Rau thơm)
- 6 sprigs Fresh coriander (Cilantro)
- 1 small Carrot (Julienned)
- 1/2 small Cucumber (Julienned)
- 2 tablespoons Hoisin sauce (For dipping)
- 1 tablespoon Crushed peanuts (For dipping sauce) - optional
- 1 clove Garlic (Minced, for dipping sauce) - optional
- 1/2 small Chili (Optional, for dipping sauce) - optional
Instructions
- 1
Boil the shrimp in lightly salted water for 2-3 minutes until pink and cooked through. Remove, cool, and slice each shrimp in half lengthwise.
5 minutes
Do not overcook shrimp to keep them tender.
- 2
Boil the pork loin for 10-12 minutes until just cooked. Let cool and slice thinly against the grain.
12 minutes
Use lean pork to keep the dish low in fat.
- 3
Cook the rice vermicelli noodles according to package instructions, usually soaking in hot water for 4-5 minutes. Drain and let cool.
5 minutes
Rinse noodles with cold water to prevent sticking.
- 4
Prepare the vegetables and herbs: wash lettuce, mint, and coriander thoroughly. Julienne the carrot and cucumber.
5 minutes
Dry greens well to prevent soggy rolls.
Why This Dish is Healthy
This traditional Vietnamese spring roll recipe is a healthy choice because it emphasizes fresh, raw ingredients and lean proteins, avoiding deep frying or heavy oils. The abundance of vegetables and herbs increases fiber and micronutrient intake, supporting digestive health and satiety. It’s naturally portion-controlled, gluten-free if you check your hoisin sauce, and adaptable to various dietary needs.
Gỏi Cuốn is a nutrient-dense dish, rich in lean protein from shrimp and pork, dietary fiber from fresh vegetables, and complex carbohydrates from vermicelli noodles. The herbs provide antioxidants and vitamins A and C, supporting immune health. The dish is low in saturated fat and cholesterol, making it suitable for most diets. Peanuts in the dipping sauce offer healthy fats and additional protein.
Pro Tips
- 💡Use very fresh herbs and greens for the crispest texture.
- 💡Do not oversoak the rice paper—it should be pliable, not mushy.
- 💡For meal prep, keep ingredients prepped separately and roll just before eating.
Storage & Serving
Spring rolls are best served fresh, but can be wrapped individually in plastic wrap and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Keep dipping sauce separate. The rice paper may harden slightly; freshen with a damp cloth before serving.
Best served: Breakfast or Lunch
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per 100g |
|---|---|
| Energy | 105.0 kcal |
| Protein | 7.0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 14.0 g |
| Total Fat | 2.0 g |
| Fiber | 1.0 g |
