Go Back

Vietnamese Summer Rolls with Chicken

Vietnamese Summer Rolls with Chicken combine crisp herbs, tender protein, and bright dipping sauces into a light, nutritious, and endlessly adaptable handheld meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Calories: 140

Ingredients
  

For the Rolls
  • 12 pieces rice paper wrappers (bánh tráng), 22–24 cm
  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 500 g)
  • 2 stalks lemongrass, white parts finely minced or 1 tbsp lemongrass paste
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tsp fish sauce (optional, for depth)
  • 100 g rice vermicelli (thin), cooked and drained
  • 1 medium carrot, julienned
  • 1 small English cucumber, julienned (seeds removed)
  • 1 cup shredded green cabbage or lettuce
  • 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
  • 1/2 cup Thai basil leaves
  • 1/2 cup cilantro leaves
  • 1 small red chili, thinly sliced (optional)
For the Sauces
  • 3 tbsp hoisin
  • 1 tbsp peanut butter
  • 2 tbsp water
  • 1 tsp lime juice
  • 3 tbsp water for nuoc cham
  • 1 tbsp sugar for nuoc cham
  • 1 tbsp fish sauce for nuoc cham
  • 1 tsp grated carrot for nuoc cham

Method
 

Marinate and Cook the Chicken
  1. Combine minced lemongrass, garlic, soy sauce, and fish sauce. Coat chicken and let rest 10–15 minutes.
  2. If short on time, use a stovetop pan over medium-high heat for 6–7 minutes per side, or poach in simmering water for 10–12 minutes until internal temp reaches 74°C (165°F).
  3. Shock cooked chicken in ice water for 3 minutes to stop carryover cooking and firm the meat for shredding.
Prepare Fillings
  1. Cook rice vermicelli according to package, rinse with cold water, and drain.
  2. Julienne carrots and cucumber; shred cabbage; pick herb leaves.
  3. Use a mandoline for uniform vegetable slices and faster prep.
Assemble the Rolls
  1. Fill a wide, shallow dish with warm water. Dip rice paper for ~5 seconds until pliable.
  2. Lay softened wrapper on a clean board. Add a small handful of vermicelli, some chicken, vegetables, and herbs about 2–3 inches from the edge.
  3. Fold bottom edge up, fold sides in, then roll tightly.
  4. Lay finished rolls seam-side down and cover with a damp towel to prevent drying.
Make the Dipping Sauce
  1. For classic hoisin-peanut: mix 3 tbsp hoisin, 1 tbsp peanut butter, 2 tbsp water, and 1 tsp lime.
  2. For nuoc cham: combine 3 tbsp water, 1 tbsp sugar, 1 tbsp lime juice, 1 tbsp fish sauce, and 1 tsp grated carrot and chili.
Serve & Garnish
  1. Slice rolls in half on the bias for presentation (optional). Serve with herbs and dipping sauce.

Notes

For meal prep, cook and chill chicken, pre-cut vegetables, and portion vermicelli; assemble just before serving for best texture.