If you’re craving something fresh, vibrant, and packed with flavor, you’re going to love this Lemongrass Chicken Rice Paper Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce Recipe. These rolls combine tender, fragrant chicken with crisp vegetables, delicate vermicelli noodles, and fresh herbs all wrapped in soft rice paper. Paired with a creamy, tangy peanut dipping sauce, every bite feels like a burst of sunshine for your taste buds. Whether you’re making a light lunch or impressing friends at a gathering, these rolls are a surefire way to get everyone smiling.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an important role – from the juicy, marinated chicken thighs to the crunchy cabbage and fresh herbs, all wrapped in delicate rice paper. Together, they create layers of flavor and texture that make every roll irresistible.
- 350g boneless chicken thighs: Thinly sliced for quick marinating and cooking, they deliver juicy, flavorful meat with a perfect texture.
- 1½ tbsp fish sauce: Adds that classic umami punch, but feel free to substitute with light soy sauce for a milder version.
- 2 tbsp brown sugar: Balances the savory and sour components with a touch of sweetness.
- 1 tbsp grated lemongrass: The star herb that brightens and elevates the chicken with its fresh citrus aroma.
- 1 tbsp lime juice: Gives a lovely zing that wakes up the whole roll, with vinegar as an optional substitute.
- 1 garlic clove, grated: Offers subtle pungency that deepens the marinade’s flavor.
- 1 tbsp canola oil: Perfect neutral oil for quickly searing the chicken to caramelized perfection.
- 10 sheets round rice paper (~22cm): These thin wrappers soften just right to encase your fresh fillings without tearing.
- 70g dried vermicelli noodles: Light and delicate, they add a pleasant chewiness and volume to the rolls.
- 1 cup green cabbage, finely sliced: Softens when rolled for gentle crunch and a mild taste.
- 1 cup red cabbage, finely sliced: Adds color contrast and a slightly earthier crunch.
- 1 carrot, julienned: Brings sweetness and a fresh crispness that brightens every bite.
- ¼ cup coriander leaves, roughly chopped: Bursts of herbal freshness that tie the flavors beautifully together.
- ¾ cup small mint leaves: Invigorating and fragrant, these lift the roll’s overall aroma.
- 1½ tbsp natural peanut butter: The foundation of the dipping sauce, adding creamy texture and nutty richness.
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce: Deep, sweet-savory note that makes the sauce utterly addictive.
- 1 tbsp white vinegar: Balances the richness of the peanut butter with a gentle tartness.
- ¼–⅓ cup milk: Adjusts the sauce’s consistency to silky smoothness; water can be a lighter alternative.
- 1 small garlic clove, grated: Adds a subtle kick to the dipping sauce.
- 2 tsp brown sugar: Sweetens the sauce just enough without overpowering.
- â…› tsp cooking salt: Enhances all the flavors beautifully.
- ½ tsp crushed chilli or sambal oelek (optional): Adds a customizable heat level to your peanut sauce—for those who like a little fire.
How to Make Lemongrass Chicken Rice Paper Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by combining the fish sauce, brown sugar, grated lemongrass, lime juice, and garlic in a bowl to make your marinade. Toss in the finely sliced chicken thighs and give everything a good mix so the chicken is beautifully coated. Let this sit for at least 15 minutes to soak up the incredible flavors — or pop it in the fridge overnight for dinner that practically makes itself the next day!
Step 2: Prepare the Peanut Dipping Sauce
The sauce is where the magic happens to complement the fresh rolls. Simply whisk together the peanut butter, hoisin, vinegar, grated garlic, brown sugar, salt, and chili paste. Add milk little by little until it reaches a luxuriously smooth consistency that’s perfect for dipping. Set this aside and get ready to dive into rolling.
Step 3: Cook the Vermicelli Noodles
Pour hot water over the dried vermicelli noodles and let them soak for about 2 minutes until tender but still springy. Drain well and let cool. These noodles add a light chewy texture to your rolls, balancing the crisp veggies and tender chicken beautifully.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Heat your neutral oil in a non-stick pan over high heat until it’s shimmering hot. Add half the marinated chicken and stir constantly for about 3 minutes, allowing it to caramelize slightly and develop those gorgeous golden edges. Spread out the cooked chicken on a plate to cool before repeating with the rest. This caramelization gives the chicken a stunning depth of flavor that shines through every roll.
Step 5: Soften the Rice Paper
Fill a large bowl with warm water. Submerge one rice paper sheet for about 2 seconds, even if you have to do this by sections due to bowl size. Lay the softened sheet smooth-side down on a cutting board. This method is quick and ensures your rice paper is supple and ready to wrap, without getting too sticky or tearing.
Step 6: Assemble the Rolls
Place a small handful of fresh herbs like coriander right beneath the middle of the rice paper, then layer on about a tenth of the chicken, julienned carrots, green and red cabbage, a generous mound of mint, and finish with some noodles to weigh everything down. The order isn’t strict, but stacking symmetrically helps keep your roles neat and easy to roll.
Step 7: Roll and Seal
Fold the bottom edge of the rice paper up over the filling, then tuck the sides in tightly before rolling away. The rice paper will gently stick to itself to seal the roll just like magic. Don’t stress if your rolls aren’t perfect-looking — they will taste fantastic every single time.
How to Serve Lemongrass Chicken Rice Paper Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts on top of the peanut dipping sauce or the rolls themselves adds an extra layer of crunch and flavor. A few whole mint or coriander leaves can also brighten up your serving plate and boost the freshness.
Side Dishes
These rolls are versatile and pair beautifully with other light sides such as a simple cucumber salad, fresh fruit slices like mango or papaya, or even a bowl of fragrant jasmine rice. They also make an incredible appetizer alongside a cold, crisp white wine or an ice-cold beer.
Creative Ways to Present
For a beautiful party platter, cut the rolls in half at a diagonal and stand them upright. This shows off the colorful layers and makes them easy to grab. Alternatively, serve them individually wrapped in parchment tied with a ribbon for a charming grab-and-go snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover rolls, store them in an airtight container lined with damp paper towels to keep the rice paper soft. They’re best eaten within 24 hours as they tend to dry out or stick together after that.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for rice paper rolls because the texture changes dramatically and becomes rubbery when thawed. Fresh is definitely best to preserve the delightful contrast of crunch and softness.
Reheating
These rolls are meant to be enjoyed fresh and cold, so reheating is usually unnecessary. If you want to warm the chicken filling separately, do so gently on the stove or microwave, then assemble fresh rolls for the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breast works fine, but thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful when cooked quickly. Just slice the breast thinly to match the thighs’ texture.
What can I substitute for lemongrass if I can’t find it?
If fresh lemongrass isn’t available, a good quality lemongrass paste works well, or you can use finely grated lemon zest mixed with a touch of ginger for a similar bright note.
Is it possible to make these rolls vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the chicken for marinated tofu or grilled mushrooms, and adjust the dipping sauce by omitting fish sauce and using soy sauce instead. Filling the rolls with extra veggies and herbs will keep them fresh and vibrant.
How long can I marinate the chicken?
Marinating for 15 minutes is perfect for this recipe, but you can leave it refrigerated for up to 24 hours for deeper flavor penetration without losing texture.
What’s the best way to store the peanut dipping sauce?
Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Stir well before serving, as some ingredients may separate over time.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Lemongrass Chicken Rice Paper Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce Recipe that makes every meal feel lively and nourishing. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy fresh ingredients, bright flavors, and textures that keep you coming back for more. Give it a try, share it with your loved ones, and watch it quickly become one of your favorite dishes to make again and again!
