Discover the versatility of rice paper wraps, also known as bánh tráng or spring roll wrappers. This popular ingredient in Vietnamese, Chinese, and Thai cuisine adds a unique chewy texture to dishes when filled with vegetables, proteins, noodles, spices, and herbs. Made from tapioca flour, rice flour, salt, and water, each translucent sheet is pliable yet strong enough to hold its fillings.
While often used as a wrapper for savory ingredients, rice paper has many other uses – it can be cooked in a pan to make chips, crackers, or steamed dumplings. In the dessert realm, it’s a game-changer, perfect for steaming, frying, and baking. To get you started, I’ve curated some of my favorite recipes that use rice papers. Be on the lookout for #20 – it’s a personal favorite that never fails to impress.
Best Recipes That Use Rice Papers
Rice Paper Dumplings
Indulge in the harmonious fusion of textures and flavors with this delectable dumpling recipe. The perfect bite yields a satisfying crunch, while the center remains delightfully chewy. This culinary masterpiece is elevated by an aromatic medley of fresh shiitake mushrooms, zesty ginger, crunchy coleslaw mix, and other savory elements that will tantalize your taste buds.
These scrumptious dumplings are an excellent snack for the entire family to enjoy on their own or paired with a tangy dipping sauce.
Vietnamese Grilled Rice Paper
A culinary staple that’s gained popularity globally is the street-food favorite known as Banh Mi. For foodies, it’s a must-have addition to their recipe repertoire.
While some may refer to this dish as Vietnamese pizza due to the presence of cheese and various toppings on the crispy wraps, our vegan version takes a different approach.
In place of traditional ingredients, we use a mix of chickpea batter, tofu, or vegan sausage, and corn kernels to create a unique flavor profile.
This innovative twist is perfect for shaking up your lunch routine and trading in dull sandwiches for something more exciting.
Salmon Avocado Crispy Rice Paper Rolls
A harmonious union between salmon and avocado yields a culinary masterpiece in these delectable rice paper rolls. The added texture from the rice papers and vibrant presentation have captured the attention of social media enthusiasts, with numerous appearances on TikTok and Pinterest. To elevate this dish further, consider sprinkling sesame seeds and drizzling soy sauce for an explosion of flavors.
Rice Paper Sushi
When making sushi rolls, rice paper can be a convenient substitute for nori seaweed sheets. This recipe is perfect for those who want to create their own sushi at home but don’t have access to nori. To make these unique wraps, simply fill rice paper with your favorite sushi fillings such as carrots, sushi rice, cucumber, and avocado. This creative approach allows you to enjoy a delicious Japanese-inspired dinner in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Buffalo Chickpea Rice Paper Wraps
Indulge in the delightful combination of flavors and textures that these buffalo chickpea wraps have to offer. Not only do they make for an impressive appetizer or snack, but their visual appeal is matched by their delectable taste. The burst of lemony freshness adds a tangy dimension, expertly balanced by the creamy richness of tahini ranch dip. Meanwhile, the crunchy rice paper wrap provides a satisfying contrast that ties everything together.
Baked Apple Pie Rice Paper Rolls
Think outside the box when it comes to using rice paper wraps – they’re not just limited to savory flavors! These Baked Apple Pie Rice Paper Rolls are a delightful sweet treat that can elevate your gatherings or special occasions. The combination of fresh apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon creates a delicious filling that’s perfectly balanced within the crispy rice paper wrap, which is gently brushed with butter and rolled into a golden, mouthwatering cylinder.
Vietnamese Fresh Spring Rolls With Peanut Sauce
The quintessential Vietnamese fresh spring roll is a culinary delight that’s hard to forget. This beloved dish is a masterclass in simplicity, featuring an assortment of fresh herbs and vegetables such as cilantro, carrots, cucumber, and cabbages expertly wrapped in a delicate rice paper sheet alongside tender rice noodles.
The crowning glory is the accompanying dipping sauce, crafted from rich peanut butter and savory tamari, which adds a depth of flavor that elevates this humble dish to new heights.
Rice Paper Cups With Chickpea Salad
Incorporating popped rice paper cups as a creative vessel for our flavorful chickpea salad was an innovative approach. The star of the show is the ‘chuna’, a delightful mixture of cooked chickpeas, red apples, and onions blended with mayo and Dijon mustard to achieve a richly textured and tantalizing taste experience. By repurposing these rice paper wrappers in this unique manner, we were able to breathe new life into a common material and create something truly exceptional.
Rice Paper Bacon
Discover a game-changing vegan alternative to bacon with this innovative Rice Paper Bacon recipe. By harnessing the power of soy sauce, liquid smoke, and a clever marinating process, you can create a deliciously smoky, savory, and satisfying snack that mimics the classic appeal of traditional bacon – minus the meat. The magic happens when thinly-sliced rice paper is steeped in these flavorful ingredients before being baked to a crispy perfection.
Caramelized Pork Summer Rolls
In Vietnam, Caramelized Pork Summer Rolls are a beloved street snack that’s easy to see why they’re so well-liked. The pork’s rich flavor starts with a marinade featuring garlic, salt, and pepper, as well as sweet notes from sugar, savory depth from fish sauce, and nutty undertones from sesame oil.
Once the pork is caramelized after being cooked over high heat, it’s wrapped in delicate rice paper along with fresh herbs and crisp vegetables, creating a harmonious balance of textures and tastes that’s hard to resist.
Salmon Spring Rolls
Indulge in the delight of Salmon Spring Rolls, a refreshing twist on traditional fish dishes. This recipe cleverly combines succulent salmon with crunchy veggies, all wrapped up in crisp lettuce and rice paper wrappers. The added bonus? A flavorful dip in either peanut or chili sauce that will leave you craving more.
Spanakopita
Indulge in the classic Greek flavors of spanakopita without compromising on guilt with these innovative rice paper wraps. The filling, comprising spinach, feta cheese, and ricotta, is carefully blended to create a rich and creamy mixture that’s then wrapped in a delicate rice paper wrapper.
As the rice paper wraps are fried, they transform into a crispy golden exterior, while remaining tender and flavorful on the inside.
Apple Strudel On Rice Paper
Indulge in the sweet delight of apple strudel reimagined in a unique package. Instead of traditional pastry, try wrapping your taste buds around crunchy rice paper wraps filled with a delightful mix of apples, cinnamon, and oats. The combination is then sealed within the crispy rice paper and fried to a golden brown perfection. Take it to the next level by adding plump raisins for added sweetness.
Serve warm with a generous dollop of whipped cream or creamy vanilla ice cream for an unforgettable dessert experience.
Rice Paper Samosas
Reinventing the classic samosa experience, these rice paper samosas offer an innovative Indian-inspired twist. The filling, comprising potatoes, peas, and a medley of spices, is expertly blended to deliver a rich flavor profile. To fully appreciate the essence of this recipe, be sure to dip them in either a refreshing mint chutney or the sweetness of mango chutney, allowing the flavors to meld together in perfect harmony.
Ramen Rice Paper Rolls
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these innovative Ramen Rice Paper Rolls. By transforming your beloved bowl of noodles into a portable snack, you can now savor every bite without worrying about getting sauce all over your hands or clothes.
The star of the show is the scrumptious filling, which features perfectly cooked ramen noodles, crisp cabbage, and sweet carrots. These ingredients are carefully wrapped in a delicate rice paper wrapper and then fried to a golden crispy perfection.
Mango & Shrimp Fresh Spring Rolls
Indulge in the harmonious union of sweet and savory flavors as these Mango & Shrimp Fresh Spring Rolls transport you to a tropical paradise. The succulent taste of mango perfectly complements the juicy shrimp, creating a delightful culinary experience. For an added layer of excitement, dip these fresh spring rolls into your favorite sauce – whether it’s creamy peanut or something entirely new – and let the flavors meld together in a symphony of delight.
Fried Rice Paper Chips
Satisfy your cravings for something satisfyingly crunchy with a delicious solution: fried rice paper chips. These addictive snacks are made by thinly slicing rice paper and then deep-frying the strips until they reach the perfect texture – crispy on the outside, yielding on the inside. With each bite, you’ll experience the delightful crackle that will leave you wanting more.
Lemongrass Beef With Rice Paper
In the culinary landscape of Southeast Asia, lemongrass beef is a beloved staple that plays a significant role in many local recipes. Its unique flavor profile, characterized by notes of citrusy freshness and earthy depth, has captivated palates across the region. And for those seeking a convenient yet flavorful way to indulge in this savory delight, these bite-sized lemongrass beef rice paper wraps are an absolute treat.
Spicy Salmon Poke On Crispy Seaweed Rice Paper Chips
For sushi enthusiasts, this dish is a culinary revelation. The seaweed chips, crafted from a harmonious blend of seaweed and rice paper, provide a satisfying crunch that complements the flavors to come. Meanwhile, the poke boasts an irresistible medley of succulent salmon, creamy mayo, spicy sriracha, and savory chili oil. Before you know it, you’ll be hooked on this mouthwatering masterpiece!
Vegan Pork Rinds
When it comes to creating another tasty snack using rice paper, the process is surprisingly straightforward. Simply deep fry strips of rice paper until they puff up and turn golden brown. Once cooked, season them with your preferred spices or herbs, such as smoked paprika and umami mushroom powder, for a vegan take on traditional pork rinds that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.
Rice Paper Noodles
Running out of options when it comes to pasta? Think again! Rice paper noodles offer a delicious and versatile alternative. To get started, simply cut thin strips of rice paper and cook them in boiling water until they’re soft and pliable. Once cooked, you can incorporate these noodles into your favorite stir-fry, soup, or salad recipe, giving you a fresh take on a classic meal.
The bottom line
Elevate your culinary game by incorporating rice paper into your recipes. Not only can it add a creative twist to classic dishes, but it also offers a delicious and healthy alternative for snacking.
