Avocado Shiitake Spring Rolls (Print version)
Fresh rolls featuring creamy avocado, earthy shiitake mushrooms, and julienned vegetables in rice paper with zesty ginger dipping sauce.
# What you need:
→ Vegetables & Mushrooms
01 - 1 ripe avocado, sliced
02 - 4 ounces fresh shiitake mushrooms, stems removed, sliced
03 - 1 medium carrot, julienned
04 - 1 small cucumber, julienned
05 - 1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced
06 - 1 cup fresh baby spinach or lettuce leaves
07 - 2 tablespoons scallions, finely sliced
→ Rice Paper & Garnishes
08 - 8 sheets rice paper (8.5 inch diameter)
09 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves
10 - 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves
→ Dipping Sauce
11 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
12 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
13 - 1 teaspoon sesame oil
14 - 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey
15 - 1 teaspoon grated ginger
16 - 1 small garlic clove, minced
17 - 1 tablespoon water (as needed to thin)
# Directions:
01 - Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add sliced shiitake mushrooms and sauté for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender. Set aside to cool.
02 - Prepare all fresh vegetables (avocado, carrot, cucumber, bell pepper, spinach, scallions, herbs) and arrange them within easy reach.
03 - Fill a shallow dish with warm water. Dip one rice paper sheet in the water for 10-15 seconds until just softened, then carefully lay flat on a clean kitchen towel or board.
04 - Lay a small handful of spinach or lettuce in the center of the rice paper. Top with a few slices each of avocado, sautéed shiitake, carrot, cucumber, bell pepper, scallions, and a sprinkle of herbs.
05 - Fold the bottom of the rice paper over the filling, then fold in both sides and roll up tightly to close. Repeat with remaining ingredients to make 8 rolls.
06 - Whisk all sauce ingredients together in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust consistency with water if needed.
07 - Serve spring rolls immediately, whole or sliced in half, with dipping sauce on the side.
# Expert advice:
01 -
- You get that restaurant fresh spring roll experience without leaving your house or paying restaurant prices
- The creamy avocado against the earthy sautéed shiitakes creates this incredible texture contrast that keeps you coming back for more
02 -
- Rice paper continues softening after you remove it from water, so err on the side of undersoaking rather than ending up with a gummy torn mess
- Work with just one or two rolls at a time until you develop a rhythm, because rice paper dries out and becomes difficult to work with if left sitting too long
03 -
- Keep a small bowl of water nearby to wet your fingers if the rice paper starts sticking to your hands while rolling
- Room temperature ingredients roll more easily than cold ones, so let your prepped vegetables sit out for 15 minutes before starting