Fresh and flavorful avocado shiitake spring rolls are a light, tasty meal. Fresh veggies and spicy noodles add texture and bright flavor to these fresh rolls.
recipe originally published February 27, 2013
TABLE OF CONTENTS - Jump to any section:
Why you'll love these spring rolls
I love a fresh spring roll, and these avocado shiitake spring rolls are a favorite. They have great flavor and texture, and make a perfect light meal. I like just about any ingredients except cilantro. I do know cilantro adds a bold flavor, so include it if you like. Cilantro would only add to the fresh flavors in this avocado shiitake roll. Here's why you'll love these.
- The spicy almond sauce adds great flavor to these rolls. We toss the ramen noodles in it and use it as a dipping sauce. The bell pepper adds a bright fresh flavor, and the avocado and cashews are rich and buttery. Finally, the pan seared shiitakes bring a deep savory flavor.
- There are many textures going on here, with crunch from the bell pepper and cashew pieces, creamy cool avocado and a chewy noodle and shiitake. If you cook the shiitakes without disturbing them too much, they develop deliciously crispy edges that are wonderful.
- This recipe is very easy to do - please don't be intimidated by the rice paper. I have made so many rice paper rolls over the years, and my rice paper hydrating technique is pretty foolproof. The rest is sautéing the shiitakes and prepping the rest of the short ingredient list while the ramen noodles boil.
Continue reading to see my super easy rice paper hydrating method and this delicious recipe!
Tips for making fresh spring rolls
- Choose ingredients that vary in flavor and texture - fresh veggies, noodles, crunchy nuts, herbs, tofu
- Prep all ingredients and sauce in advance
- Make a "rolling station" with a flat surface - a cutting board or large plate
- Arrange all fillings and sauces around this surface, so you can easily reach everything to assemble rolls
- Arrange the fillings in a line just a bit off from the center, leaving about one and a half inches on each short side.
- When rolling, fold the short sides in first. The rice paper will be sticky and should stick. Then fold the end the filling is closer to first, up and over the fillings. Roll as tightly as you can.
- Use my easy rice paper technique for easy handling and rolling:
Rice paper hydrating technique
Once you have all spring roll ingredients prepped and ready, and a flat surface to assemble your rolls, it is time to hydrate your rice paper.
Hold one rice paper wrapper under water faucet running cool water, literally for one second each side. Just hold it under the running water, flip it over, and that is it.
At this point the rice paper will still have structure and will be firm. That is what you want, and it will continue to soften as you assemble the roll. Work quickly, one rice paper roll at a time.
Place the rice paper on your flat surface and start adding ingredients. Once you are finished and ready to roll, the rice paper should be pliable enough to wrap.
What to serve with fresh spring rolls
I will eat several of these avocado shiitake spring rolls for lunch and that is often enough, especially if I add tofu for more protein. If you are serving these as a side dish, this crispy coconut tofu is a great main to pair with spring rolls.
For a meal that mimics take out, add vegetable fried rice or sesame scallop fried rice. For even more fresh flavors, this edamame cucumber salad is a terrific choice.
Vegan crab cakes might not sound traditional, but it was the last dish I enjoyed these spring rolls with.
Did you make these spring rolls?
Follow spabettie on Instagram and tag us with #spabettie
We love seeing your recipe photos and remakes - thank you!
Avocado Shiitake Spring Rolls
These salad rolls are fresh and flavorful with crisp textures and bright spice.
Ingredients
- 1 block gluten free ramen noodle
- 6 large shiitake mushrooms
- 1 avocado, peeled, pitted and sliced
- â…“ cup raw cashew pieces
- 6 tablespoons spicy almond sauce (plus extra for dipping)
- ½ orange bell pepper, sliced into matchsticks
- 6 pieces rice paper
Instructions
Prepare the roll fillings
- Boil block of ramen according to package instructions.
- In a skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil or vegetable broth.
- Add sliced mushrooms to skillet, and sauté until softened with crispy edges. Remove from heat and set aside while you prep the remaining roll ingredients.
- When ramen has finished cooking, drain and set aside to cool.
- In small bowl, combine 6 tablespoons spicy almond coconut sauce with rice noodles and cashew pieces.
Filling and rolling rolls
- Place 3 slices avocado in middle of hydrated rice paper.
- Top with 2 tablespoons sauced rice noodles.
- Add several shiitake slices and 4-5 slices bell pepper.
- Roll tightly like a burrito: fold short sides over filling, then fold one long side over filling and roll / tuck / roll / tuck until completely enclosed.
Notes
Tips for making fresh spring rolls
- Choose ingredients that vary in flavor and texture - fresh veggies, noodles, crunchy nuts, herbs, tofu
- Prep all ingredients and sauce in advance
- Make a "rolling station" with a flat surface - a cutting board or large plate
- Arrange all fillings and sauces around this surface, so you can easily reach everything to assemble rolls
- Arrange the fillings in a line just a bit off from the center, leaving about one and a half inches on each short side.
- When rolling, fold the short sides in first. The rice paper will be sticky and should stick. Then fold the end the filling is closer to first, up and over the fillings. Roll as tightly as you can.
- Use my easy rice paper technique for easy handling and rolling:
Rice paper hydrating technique
The best rice paper hydrating for easy rolling: have a large plate, cutting board, or smooth surface ready to fill roll. Also have fillings prepped and ready before you hydrate the rice paper. Hold wrapper under water faucet running cool water for just a second or two, getting both sides wet. They will still have structure, but as you fill, they will become pliable.
You do not need to submerge rice paper in water - this results in a too wet / sticky paper that is difficult to work with and rips easily.
What to serve with fresh spring rolls
I will eat several of these avocado shiitake spring rolls for lunch and that is often enough, especially if I add tofu for more protein. If you are serving these as a side dish, this crispy coconut tofu is a great main to pair with spring rolls.
For a meal that mimics take out, add vegetable fried rice or sesame scallop fried rice.
For even more fresh flavors, this edamame cucumber salad is a terrific choice.Â
Vegan crab cakes might not sound traditional, but it was the last dish I enjoyed these spring rolls with.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
2Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 120Total Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gSodium: 139mgCarbohydrates: 18gFiber: 5gSugar: 4gProtein: 4g
nutrition calculations results vary by calculator, are for informational purposes only, and are not intended to replace medical advice or treatment.
about Kristina:
Kristina is spabettie! She found cooking at an early age, and created spabettie in 2010 to share vegan recipes. Kristina turned her culinary training into sharing vibrant vegan food! Read more...
spabettie / Kristina Sloggett is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
Alice says
I love your fillings on this!! I have been wanting to make spring rolls for awhile now, I should put them on my menu plan!
Kristina Sloggett says
you definitely should, Alice - these are one of our favorites, especially in the warmer months - they are so light and fresh!
Joanie @ Zagleft says
I can't wait for spring either. Here in Houston, it's cold one day and warm the next and I'm so ready for sandals (yes, it all goes back to shoes...) These sounds so good. I've only worked with rice paper wrappers once but you've inspired me to do it again.
Alisa @ Go Dairy Free says
I JUST made spring rolls for a column that I do - so much fun to make! I love your version though and hadn't thought to add avocado - doing that next time! We order spring rolls at least once a week from a Vietnamese place nearby, so it was about time I started making some at home.
Kristen @ A Mind Full Mom says
Is it wrong I want this for breakfast right now? Pinned and will be making asap!
Rachel Cooks says
I love spring rolls and these look absolutely perfect!
Ruxandra @Gourmandelle says
This looks so good and so healthy! Love it! I featured it on my latest post New Ways to Eat Avocado | 10 Savory and Healthy Avocado Recipes. My readers loved it too!
Joan says
Where to get the spicey sauce. I,m in Canada. They look delicious,JC
Kristina Sloggett says
hi Joan, there is a link to the recipe for spicy sauce. if you mean the sriracha that is part of the recipe, I am not sure where to find sriracha in Canada, but it is an Asian hot sauce that is generally found in the Asian section of condiments. hope that helps, Kristina
Tearei says
Made these for our family dinner tonight and they were devoured! (Amidst a potluck full of comfort food casseroles - I'm the lone vegan) 🙂
The sauce is to die for...I had a feeling it would be, and doubled it from the start - thank goodness!
Was a little worried about the amount of rice products since I have issues with blood sugar, but I checked after eating and everything was peachy.
Had to send the rest of them home with the family or I may have eaten them all night 😉 Your directions for the rice paper wrappers worked perfectly. I had not seen these in their 'dry' form before, and had definitely never worked with them before, but I didn't do half bad! Can't wait to see what I can stuff in them next time....
Amanda Potter Cole says
I found your spring rolls (and blog!) via Pinterest and wanted to let you know that YOU are the reason I finally got over my fear of rice paper!
I made your rolls minus the mushrooms (haven't gotten over my dislike for them enough yet) on Tuesday and then experimented like crazy yesterday!
I also mentioned you (quite a few times) in my blog today: http://ampcideas.wordpress.com/2013/04/13/new-obsession-spring-rolls/ - hope you don't mind. 🙂
Kristina Sloggett says
so happy you conquered the rice paper, Amanda! I know it's intimidating, but it's actually pretty easy, right? your rolls look great!
Amanda Potter Cole says
Thanks so much - yes!! So much easier than I expected. They get kind of rubbery to the touch instead of the squishy/melt-into-counter consistency that I was fearing. I think I made about 5 batches in 2 weeks and have gone through all of my almond butter three times over. I also blame this recipe and you for getting back into eating the proper amount of veggies!
Kath (My Funny Little Life) says
I'm soooooooooo ready for spring! We just had a return of snow last week and it was very icky and cold.
Your spring rolls look wonderfully yummy! 🙂
Kristina Sloggett says
I wish we could sit at my kitchen table together and enjoy these rolls. and conversation. for hours. XXO