Mary KellyWhen I first ventured into the world of Asian cuisine, I stumbled upon P.F. Chang’s. The restaurant’s vibrant energy and amazing food captivated me. Among the many items on their menu, one particularly stood out—vegetable spring rolls.
These delightful snacks are not just appetizers; they’re a journey of flavors and textures. Today, I’m excited to share an in-depth look at these spring rolls, including a homemade version that will make you feel like a culinary hero.
What Are P.F. Chang’s Vegetable Spring Rolls?
P.F. Chang’s vegetable spring rolls are a delightful fusion of fresh vegetables, wrapped in thin rice paper or spring roll wrappers. These rolls are typically crispy on the outside, with a fresh, crunchy filling that often includes a variety of classic Asian vegetables.
While you can find them in many restaurants, creating them in your own kitchen is both fun and rewarding. They are served alongside a sweet and tangy dipping sauce that elevates the entire experience.
Why You’ll Love P.F. Chang’s Vegetable Spring Rolls
So why are these spring rolls a must-try? First, they are light yet satisfying. You can enjoy them as a snack, appetizer, or part of a meal. The freshness of the ingredients shines through, making each bite refreshing.
Plus, they’re a wonderful way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet, all while indulging in a delightful crunch.
I’ve made these rolls countless times, and every single time, they vanish faster than I can make them. They’re perfect for gatherings or perfect for a cozy night in. If fresh, tasty food is your vibe, these spring rolls should be on your radar.
The Ingredients
Let’s talk about what goes into these beautiful rolls. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 small ripe mango, thinly sliced
- 1 Persian cucumber, julienned
- 1/2 cup matchstick carrots
- 1 small red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
- 4 butter lettuce leaves, roughly torn
- 16 fresh mint leaves
- 8 rice paper wrappers (6 to 8 inches in diameter)
- 1/2 cup P.F. Chang’s® Home Menu Mango Sweet & Sour Sauce
- 1/4 cup Earth Balance® Creamy Coconut & Peanut Spread
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon sambal oelek
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon seasoned rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup sliced scallions
Each of these ingredients contributes something special. The mango adds sweetness, while the cucumber and carrots bring crunch. The fresh mint leaves infuse a hint of freshness you didn’t know you needed.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s get into the fun part: making these spring rolls!
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Before diving in, have all your ingredients prepped and in place. Julienne the cucumber, thinly slice the mango, and matchstick the carrots. It keeps everything organized and makes the process smoother.
Step 2: Soften the Rice Paper Wrappers
Fill a shallow bowl or plate with warm water. Take a rice paper wrapper and dip it in the water for about 10-15 seconds, or until it softens. Don’t worry if it feels sticky, that’s normal. Lay it flat on a clean surface.
Step 3: Assemble the Rolls
Now, it’s time for the fun part—assembling! Place a few pieces of lettuce on the bottom third of the wrapper. Add a few slices of mango, cucumber, carrots, bell pepper, and a few mint leaves. Make sure not to overcrowd; less is more here!
Step 4: Roll It Up
Fold the sides of the wrapper over the filling, and then pull the bottom up and over the filling. Tuck it in tightly to keep everything secure. Roll it upwards until fully wrapped. It may take a few tries to get it just right, but practice makes perfect!
Step 5: Repeat!
Repeat Steps 2 through 4 with the remaining wrappers and filling ingredients until everything is rolled up. You might notice your skills improving as you go.
Step 6: Prepare the Dipping Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together the P.F. Chang’s® Home Menu Mango Sweet & Sour Sauce, Earth Balance® Creamy Coconut & Peanut Spread, soy sauce, water, sambal oelek, sesame oil, rice vinegar, lime juice, and scallions. Whisk until combined. Taste and adjust to your liking.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Arrange your beautiful vegetable spring rolls on a platter with the dipping sauce on the side. Watch as your guests marvel at your culinary talents.
Tips & Tricks
- Don’t Overfill: Less is often more when it comes to filling. If you pack too much in, rolling will become a challenge.
- Keep Wrappers Moist: If you’re working in batches, keep unwrapped rice paper wrappers damp. Cover them with a clean, damp cloth if necessary.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshness makes a difference in flavor and texture. Try to choose crisp, vibrant produce.
- Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to add in herbs like cilantro or basil for an extra kick.
- Serve Fresh: Spring rolls are best enjoyed fresh. If you need to make them ahead, wrap each roll in plastic wrap to keep them from drying out.
Nutrition Information
p.f. chang’s vegetable spring rolls recipe nutrition facts
Can I Store P.F. Chang’s Vegetable Spring Rolls?
Yes, but with a few caveats. You can store leftover spring rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. It’s best to separate layers with wax paper or parchment to keep them from sticking. However, they are best enjoyed fresh. The longer they sit, the softer the wrappers become.
What Can I Serve with P.F. Chang’s Vegetable Spring Rolls?
Spring rolls are versatile and can be paired with numerous dishes. Here are some ideas:
- Stir-Fried Noodles: A simple vegetable stir-fry or some lo mein can complement the rolls.
- Rice Dishes: Jasmine or brown rice pairs beautifully with spring rolls.
- Salads: A light Asian salad with a sesame ginger dressing makes a fresh side.
- Soups: A warm bowl of miso or wonton soup can make for a comforting meal.
- Dipping Sauces: Serve multiple sauces. Consider a peanut sauce, hoisin, or even a spicy chili sauce for the adventurous!
Variations
Looking to switch things up? Here are some fun variations to try:
1. Shrimp Spring Rolls: Add cooked shrimp for added protein. It pairs perfectly with the fresh vegetables.
2. Spicy Tofu Rolls: Incorporate marinated, sautéed tofu for a satisfying vegetarian option that packs a punch.
3. Quinoa Spring Rolls: Add cooked quinoa to the filling for extra texture and protein. It can make the rolls even more filling.
4. Avocado Spring Rolls: Creamy avocado slices can take your rolls to another level of deliciousness. It adds a nice creaminess to the crunch.
5. Sweet Potato Spring Rolls: Substitute traditional veggies with roasted sweet potato for a little sweetness and a lot of heartiness.
P.f. Chang’s Vegetable Spring Rolls Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Before diving in, have all your ingredients prepped and in place. Julienne the cucumber, thinly slice the mango, and matchstick the carrots. It keeps everything organized and makes the process smoother.
- Fill a shallow bowl or plate with warm water. Take a rice paper wrapper and dip it in the water for about 10-15 seconds, or until it softens. Don’t worry if it feels sticky, that’s normal. Lay it flat on a clean surface.
- Now, it’s time for the fun part—assembling! Place a few pieces of lettuce on the bottom third of the wrapper. Add a few slices of mango, cucumber, carrots, bell pepper, and a few mint leaves. Make sure not to overcrowd; less is more here!
- Fold the sides of the wrapper over the filling, and then pull the bottom up and over the filling. Tuck it in tightly to keep everything secure. Roll it upwards until fully wrapped. It may take a few tries to get it just right, but practice makes perfect!
- Repeat Steps 2 through 4 with the remaining wrappers and filling ingredients until everything is rolled up. You might notice your skills improving as you go.
- In a small bowl, mix together the P.F. Chang’s® Home Menu Mango Sweet & Sour Sauce, Earth Balance® Creamy Coconut & Peanut Spread, soy sauce, water, sambal oelek, sesame oil, rice vinegar, lime juice, and scallions. Whisk until combined. Taste and adjust to your liking.
- Arrange your beautiful vegetable spring rolls on a platter with the dipping sauce on the side. Watch as your guests marvel at your culinary talents.
Nutrition
Notes
- Don’t Overfill: Less is often more when it comes to filling. If you pack too much in, rolling will become a challenge.
- Keep Wrappers Moist: If you’re working in batches, keep unwrapped rice paper wrappers damp. Cover them with a clean, damp cloth if necessary.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshness makes a difference in flavor and texture. Try to choose crisp, vibrant produce.
- Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to add in herbs like cilantro or basil for an extra kick.
- Serve Fresh: Spring rolls are best enjoyed fresh. If you need to make them ahead, wrap each roll in plastic wrap to keep them from drying out.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Crafting P.F. Chang’s vegetable spring rolls at home is an exciting endeavor. With fresh ingredients and a touch of creativity, you can enjoy these delightful snacks any time. Whether you are a cooking novice or a seasoned pro, I guarantee these spring rolls will become a beloved recipe in your rotation.
The balance between the crunch of fresh vegetables and the sweetness of mango creates a sensation that’s hard to resist. Plus, serving them to family and friends will surely impress them—and leave you feeling like a kitchen star. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get rolling!
