Herb Shrimp Rolls in Rice Paper

Ingredients

Estimated total cost: €17.73 · €5.91/serving

• 1 pound (about 30) petite shrimp, meticulously peeled and deveined (pat dry with paper towels before cooking)Est. price €8.50–€14.00
• 8 9-inch-round rice papers, delicately translucentEst. price €2.20–€3.80
• 8 large red-leaf lettuce leaves, halved lengthwise for presentation (blanch in ice water for extra crispness)Est. price €1.50–€2.50
• 1 medium carrot, elegantly peeled and cut into slender matchsticks (marinate in a splash of rice-wine vinegar for added flavor)Est. price €0.30–€0.60
• 1 small daikon radish, peeled and expertly cut into matchsticks (sprinkle with a pinch of salt and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture)Est. price €0.80–€1.50
• 1 red bell pepper, deseeded and divinely sliced into matchsticks (lightly roast for a smoky flavor)Est. price €1.00–€1.80
• 1 bunch fresh chives, with the ends trimmed with precision ( in a damp paper towel in the fridge to maintain freshness)Est. price €0.70–€1.20
• 1/4 cup packed mint leaves, carefully plucked (add a touch of sugar to the mint leaves for a sweeter flavor)Est. price €0.60–€1.00
• Soy Dipping SauceEst. price €0.00–€0.00
• 1/2 cup soy sauce, of the finest qualityEst. price €0.40–€0.75

Steps

1. 1

   Start by heating a large pot of water until it reaches a boiling point. Once boiling, lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Carefully add the cleaned shrimp into the pot and poach them until they turn pink and are fully cooked, which should take approximately 2 minutes. After cooking, slice each shrimp in half lengthwise before setting them aside for later use.

2. 2

   Begin by filling a large pan with hot water, ensuring it is big enough to accommodate the rice paper. Moisten a clean kitchen towel with water and lay it flat on a tidy surface. Submerge one sheet of rice paper in the hot water for 5 seconds, then place it onto the damp towel and gently flatten it out. Note that even though the wrapper may initially seem rigid, it will gradually soften as it rests on the towel.

3. 3

   Arrange 4 shrimp halves in a line, with the cut side facing up, positioned 2 inches from the bottom edge of the surface. Layer 2 lettuce pieces over the shrimp. Proceed to add additional shrimp halves on top, along with sliced carrots, daikon, pepper, chives, and mint leaves.

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• Cultural note

  Herb shrimp rolls in rice paper are a popular Vietnamese dish known as 'Goi Cuon'. These rolls are a staple in Vietnamese cuisine and are often served as a light and fresh appetizer or snack. The use of fresh herbs and vegetables reflects the emphasis on freshness and balance of flavors in Vietnamese cooking.

• Seasonal note

  This dish is best enjoyed in the spring and summer when fresh herbs like chives and mint are in season. Vegetables like red bell pepper and lettuce are also readily available during this time, making it a perfect seasonal dish.

• Health note

  Herb shrimp rolls in rice paper are a nutritious choice, providing 22g of protein per serving. They are also rich in vitamins A, C, and K from the vegetables, which support immune function, skin health, and bone strength. However, be mindful of the sodium content, as it is relatively high at 980mg per serving.