Lettuce Wrap Summer Rolls Recipe
If you’re looking for the ultimate in fresh, crisp, and utterly satisfying appetizers, look no further than these Lettuce Wrap Summer Rolls. This dish wraps tender shrimp or tofu, vibrant herbs, and crunchy vegetables in cool butter lettuce leaves (or rice paper for extra hold), all ready to dip into your favorite sauce. Not only are Lettuce Wrap Summer Rolls gorgeous to look at, but every bite bursts with color, flavor, and that unmistakable summer vibe — perfect for parties, meal prep, or a healthy snack!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe proves that simple, wholesome ingredients can make a dish feel truly special. Each item adds its own unique flavor, texture, and pop of color, making Lettuce Wrap Summer Rolls as fun to assemble as they are to eat!
- Butter lettuce leaves: Their softness and flexibility create the perfect wrap while lending a mild, buttery flavor.
- Cooked shrimp or grilled tofu: Choose shrimp for a juicy, classic touch, or tofu for a satisfying vegetarian option.
- Cooked vermicelli rice noodles: These add a delicate chew and soak up every bit of flavor from the sauce.
- Shredded carrots: For a sweet crunch and beautiful orange color.
- Thinly sliced cucumber: Brings a cool, refreshing bite to every roll.
- Red bell pepper: Thinly sliced for a crisp, sweet pop of red.
- Fresh mint leaves: Instantly lifts the flavor profile with a burst of herbal freshness.
- Fresh cilantro leaves: Adds another layer of bright, aromatic flavor.
- Chopped peanuts (optional): For a nutty crunch that’s simply irresistible.
- Rice paper wrappers (optional): Use for extra hold, especially if you want to prep ahead or serve for a party.
- Dipping sauce of choice: Peanut sauce or nuoc cham are traditional favorites, but feel free to get creative!
How to Make Lettuce Wrap Summer Rolls
Step 1: Prep Your Lettuce and Fillings
Start by rinsing and patting dry your butter lettuce leaves. It’s important they’re completely dry so they don’t tear or become soggy. Lay out all your sliced veggies, cooked shrimp or tofu, and herbs so you can see your colorful lineup and streamline the assembly process.
Step 2: Soften Rice Paper Wrappers (Optional)
If you’d like extra structure, fill a shallow dish with warm water and briefly dip one rice paper wrapper until it becomes pliable, about 5-10 seconds. Lay it flat on a clean surface. If you want to keep things extra light and low-carb, you can skip the rice paper and use only lettuce as your wrap.
Step 3: Layer the Fillings
Place a lettuce leaf in the center of the rice paper (or directly on your surface if skipping rice paper). Top with a few slices of shrimp or tofu, a small bundle of vermicelli noodles, and a colorful array of carrots, cucumber, and red bell pepper. Sprinkle fresh mint and cilantro leaves over the top, and add chopped peanuts if you’re using them.
Step 4: Roll It Up
Fold the sides of the lettuce (and rice paper, if using) inward, then roll tightly from the bottom up, just like you would a burrito. The goal is to keep everything snug and neat so the roll holds together beautifully. Repeat with your remaining ingredients until you have a platter of Lettuce Wrap Summer Rolls ready to go.
Step 5: Serve with Dipping Sauce
Arrange your finished rolls on a plate and serve immediately with your dipping sauce of choice. Whether you’re a peanut sauce devotee or love the tang of nuoc cham, dipping is half the fun!
How to Serve Lettuce Wrap Summer Rolls
Garnishes
Garnishing your Lettuce Wrap Summer Rolls can be as simple or as showy as you like. A sprinkle of extra chopped peanuts, a few whole mint or cilantro leaves, or a scattering of thinly sliced chilies can really make the platter pop. For a final flourish, serve with lime wedges for a zesty squeeze right before eating.
Side Dishes
Pair your Lettuce Wrap Summer Rolls with light sides to keep the meal feeling fresh. A crisp Asian slaw, a bowl of miso soup, or even a plate of pickled vegetables will complement the rolls without overpowering them. If you’re going for a party spread, add some edamame or a simple cucumber salad for a beautiful, balanced table.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings or picnics, try serving Lettuce Wrap Summer Rolls in a “DIY bar” format. Lay out all the fillings, lettuce, and sauces so guests can build their own rolls. Or, slice the finished rolls in half on a diagonal and arrange them upright for a colorful, bite-sized display that’s perfect for sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Lettuce Wrap Summer Rolls, wrap them individually in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container lined with a damp paper towel. This helps keep the lettuce crisp and prevents the rolls from drying out. For best texture, enjoy within a day.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for Lettuce Wrap Summer Rolls, as the fresh veggies and lettuce lose their crunch and become watery once thawed. Instead, store the prepped fillings separately in the fridge and assemble the rolls fresh for the best experience.
Reheating
Since Lettuce Wrap Summer Rolls are meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, there’s no need for reheating! Just let them sit out for a few minutes if they’ve been chilled, then dive right in with your favorite dipping sauce.
FAQs
Can I make Lettuce Wrap Summer Rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! The best way is to prep all your fillings and keep them stored separately. Assemble the rolls just before serving so the lettuce stays crisp and the rolls don’t get soggy.
What’s the best substitute for shrimp?
If you want to skip shrimp, grilled tofu makes a fantastic vegetarian alternative. Grilled chicken, sliced avocado, or even cooked tempeh are also delicious in these summer rolls.
Are Lettuce Wrap Summer Rolls gluten-free?
Yes, they are naturally gluten-free as long as your dipping sauce and rice paper wrappers don’t contain gluten. Always double-check labels if you’re serving someone with allergies!
Can I skip the rice paper wrappers?
Definitely! Lettuce alone works beautifully to hold the fillings together. Just be gentle when rolling and eating, as the wraps will be a bit more delicate.
What other veggies can I use?
Feel free to get creative with what’s in season or what you love. Sliced avocado, pickled daikon, thin strips of mango, or even crunchy bean sprouts all taste amazing in Lettuce Wrap Summer Rolls.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something that’s light, colorful, and bursting with flavor, Lettuce Wrap Summer Rolls are just the thing to try. They’re easy to make, endlessly customizable, and sure to impress anyone lucky enough to share them with you. Give them a go and let these fresh, vibrant rolls become a new favorite at your table!
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Lettuce Wrap Summer Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 rolls 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Lettuce Wrap Summer Rolls are a fresh, light, and healthy appetizer featuring crisp butter lettuce filled with a vibrant mix of shrimp or tofu, vermicelli noodles, and crunchy vegetables. These no-cook, Vietnamese-inspired rolls are perfect for warm weather meals and can be customized with various proteins and dipping sauces for a refreshing, low-calorie snack or light meal.
Ingredients
Wrap Ingredients
- 8 large butter lettuce leaves
- Rice paper wrappers (optional for extra hold)
Filling
- 1 cup cooked shrimp or grilled tofu, sliced
- 1/2 cup cooked vermicelli rice noodles
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced cucumber
- 1/4 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts (optional)
Dipping Sauce
- Dipping sauce of choice such as peanut sauce or nuoc cham
Instructions
- Prepare Lettuce and Rice Paper: Rinse and pat dry the butter lettuce leaves gently to keep them crisp. If using rice paper wrappers for extra structure, briefly dip one rice paper wrapper into warm water until it softens, then lay it flat on a clean surface.
- Assemble the Rolls: Place a butter lettuce leaf in the center of the rice paper or directly on a clean surface if skipping wrappers. Layer a few slices of cooked shrimp or grilled tofu, a small bundle of cooked vermicelli noodles, shredded carrots, cucumber slices, red bell pepper strips, fresh mint, and cilantro leaves on top. Sprinkle with chopped peanuts if desired.
- Roll the Wraps: Carefully fold the sides of the lettuce (and rice paper if used) inward, then roll tightly like a burrito to enclose the filling securely. Repeat the process with the remaining ingredients to form all 8 rolls.
- Serve: Serve the lettuce wrap summer rolls immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as peanut sauce or nuoc cham, for optimal freshness and flavor.
Notes
- For a fully low-carb version, omit the rice noodles and rice paper wrappers.
- These rolls are perfect for meal prep—store ingredients separately and assemble fresh when ready to eat.
- Customize the filling with additions like avocado slices, pickled vegetables, or grilled chicken to suit your taste.
- Peanuts add a crunchy texture but can be omitted or substituted to accommodate allergies.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Vietnamese-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
