Description
Vietnamese-inspired spring roll bowls bring fresh, zesty flavors to your plate with crisp vegetables, tender proteins, and delicate rice noodles. Refreshing herbs and tangy dipping sauce complete this light, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 1 pound (454 grams) peeled and deveined shrimp
Noodles and Starch:
- 8 ounces (227 grams) uncooked rice noodles
- 1 avocado, peeled and sliced
Vegetables and Garnishes:
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup sliced cucumbers
- 1 cup thinly sliced red cabbage
- 1 jalapeño, sliced thin
Peanut Sauce:
- ⅓ cup natural peanut butter
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce (tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 teaspoon sriracha
- ½ teaspoon fish sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- ½ teaspoon grated garlic
- 3–4 tablespoons hot water
Instructions
- Meticulously prepare and finely dice all designated vegetables into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure consistent texture and visual appeal.
- Cook rice noodles precisely according to package instructions, then immediately transfer to a colander and rinse thoroughly under cold running water to halt cooking process and prevent clumping.
- Create a rich, creamy peanut sauce by whisking together all sauce ingredients until achieving a smooth, homogeneous consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt as necessary to balance flavors.
- Heat a tablespoon (15 milliliters) of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Season raw shrimp with freshly ground black pepper and kosher salt, then arrange in a single layer without overcrowding.
- Cook shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side, ensuring they turn opaque and develop a light golden exterior, indicating they are perfectly cooked and not overdone.
- Construct the bowl by first laying a generous base of prepared rice noodles, then artfully arranging the chopped vegetables and expertly cooked shrimp on top.
- Drizzle the freshly made peanut sauce over the assembled ingredients, creating an appetizing presentation. Optional: Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and a wedge of lime for an extra burst of brightness and flavor.
Notes
- Prep all ingredients beforehand to streamline the cooking process and ensure a quick, hassle-free meal.
- Rice noodles cook rapidly, so watch carefully and rinse immediately to prevent overcooking and maintain a perfect texture.
- Customize the peanut sauce by tasting and adjusting seasonings to match your preferred flavor profile, adding more salt or spice as desired.
- Cook shrimp in a single layer to achieve a golden, slightly crispy exterior and prevent steaming, which can make them rubbery.
- Build bowls with a colorful variety of fresh vegetables for maximum nutrition and visual appeal, creating a restaurant-worthy presentation.
- Store leftover peanut sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, perfect for quick meal prep or additional Asian-inspired dishes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 421 kcal
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg