1. How to Make Vietnamese Style Summer Rolls
Gỏi Cuốn
How to Make Vietnamese Style Summer Rolls
By: Jennifer Newkirk

2. History of Gỏi Cuốn
Gỏi cuốn is a traditional southern Vietnamese dish that translates to “salad rolls”. The dish name varies depending on the region of dialect it is prepared and eaten in and is often also referred to as Nem cuốn (northern), Bánh tráng cuốn (central), and in many other countries called Vietnamese rolls, Vietnamese spring rolls, “crystal roll”, “soft roll” or “salad roll”. This dish is served at room temperature typically consisting of pork, prawns, vegetables, rice vermicelli, and other vegetable ingredients wrapped in rice paper. Gỏi cuốn is not deep fried or cooked on the outside, but is served raw (except for meat cooked inside). Gỏi cuốn has become not only popular in Vietnam, but is now enjoyed by neighboring countries and in areas in the United States and Canada.

3. Why I Chose this Dish
I originally chose this dish because it is one of my families favorites on the menu when going out for Vietnamese food. I also chose this recipe because it seemed like an inexpensive dish I could make at home for guests and my family. The ingredients in the dish are fairly simply, and also offer an interesting and fun way to incorporate vegetables into a diet. My sister and some friends are gluten and lactose free so I thought this would be a neat cooking project to get them all involved and excited. This dish can also be prepared vegan by omitting the meat ingredients.

4. Ingredients
All of the ingredients used to make gỏi cuốn can be bought at any local grocery store (I got mine at Vons). Most large chain grocers have an Asian/ethnic section where rice vermicelli and rice paper can be found. 99 Ranch Market also has these ingredients for a better price.
Ingredients
1 packet of rice paper 1 packet of rice vermicelli 1 packet of shrimp, deveined with no tails 1 head green leaf lettuce 1 large carrot
1 large cucumber 1 bag bean sprouts 1 bunch of green onions 1 packet of basil leaves 1 packet of mint leaves 1 bunch cilantro
Dipping Sauce Ingredients
(Peanut Sauce – 2 Servings)
3 heaping tablespoons peanut butter 1 T Bragg's amino's or soy sauce
2 T Hoisin Sauce
2 tablespoon warm water
1 - 2 tablespoon rice vinegar
Juice of 1 lime (Fish Sauce) Fish Sauce
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, (optional) Siracha (optional)

5. Let’s Get Started
Get the Ingredients Together… First wash all the vegetables. Julienne the carrots, onions, and cucumbers into long thin slices. Gather all the ingredients for the sauces.

6. Call Your Friends to Help and Put Them to Work
Call Your Friends to Help and Put Them to Work! The Chopping Can Take a Decent Amount of Time.

7. Next…
Prepare the Noodles -Follow preparation on bag (boil in water like pasta until soft).
Cook the Shrimp -Simmer in a small amount of water for 2-4 minutes and cook until pink. Cut lengthwise.

8. Make the Sauces
For peanut sauce whisk all ingredients in a bowl until desired taste and consistency is achieved. You can add more or less hoisin and soy sauce to make sweeter or saltier.

9. Soften the Rice Paper
Place rice paper in warm water until it becomes soft (not too long or it will become mushy!)
Make sure to have separate plates ready for when the rice paper is done. Lift out of water and place on a plate pushing the paper flat out to the edges.

10. Add What You Want
Place shrimp (about 4) colored side down on paper, then noodles, and all of the desired vegetable fillings. Make sure not to add too much or rolling together will be difficult.

11. Now Roll
Tip: dip fingers in water before rolling to prevent sticking and tearing of paper. You can leave one side open or fold them both in like a burrito.

12. ENJOY!

13. Bring in the Family and Friends for Some Fun Too
Bring in the Family and Friends for Some Fun Too! Also a Great Cooking and Learning Activity for Kids.

14. Feedback
A picture says a 1,000 words! The rolls went over fantastic with my family and friends. Only problem is they wanted more! They also enjoyed watching the process and joining in to learn. My dad said they were “bomb”, but we needed more of everything! My friends both said they were delicious and my mom said she was impressed! Overall the meal went as planned, was a great learning experience, and made for a fun time with family and friends.