What to Serve with Spring Rolls: 31+ Delicious Side Pairings

Hey there, food lovers! Have you ever wondered what to serve with spring rolls to create the perfect meal? Well, you’re in luck! I’m about to take you on a mouthwatering journey through spring roll pairings. 

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just spicing up your weeknight dinner, I’ve got you covered with a variety of delicious options that’ll make your taste buds dance. 

From classic dipping sauces to unexpected fusion dishes, I’ll present the best companion for these crispy or fresh delights. So, let’s dive in and discover the ideal sidekicks for your spring roll feast!

What Are Spring Rolls?

Spring rolls are a type of appetizer or snack that typically consists of vegetables, sometimes meat, wrapped in a thin pastry skin. They can be served fresh or fried, depending on the recipe and preference. I remember the first time I tried a spring roll – it was love at first bite!

Types of Spring Rolls (Fresh Vs. Fried)

Spring rolls come in two main types: fresh and fried. Both are delicious, offering distinct flavors, textures, and ingredients to enjoy.

1. Fresh Spring Rolls: Also known as summer rolls or Vietnamese spring rolls, these are made with rice paper wrappers and filled with raw vegetables, herbs, and sometimes cooked shrimp or pork. They’re light, refreshing, and perfect for hot summer days.

2. Fried Spring Rolls: These crispy delights are made with thin wheat flour wrappers and filled with a savory mixture of vegetables and sometimes ground.

Common Ingredients in Spring Rolls

Spring rolls can contain a variety of ingredients, but some common ones include:

• Vegetables: Carrots, cucumber, lettuce, bean sprouts
• Proteins: Shrimp, pork, chicken, tofu
• Herbs: Mint, cilantro, basil
• Noodles: Rice vermicelli or glass noodles

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s explore what to serve with these tasty morsels!

Best Side Dishes for Spring Rolls

Now that we’ve established the importance of side dishes, let’s dive into the best options that will complement your spring rolls, adding balance, flavor, and a bit of variety.

Dipping Sauces

No spring roll experience is complete without a good dipping sauce. Here are some classic options that’ll take your spring rolls to the next level:

• Peanut Sauce: A creamy peanut dipping sauce adds richness and depth to vegetable spring rolls. The savory and slightly sweet flavors of peanut sauce pair perfectly with fresh vegetables and the delicate crunch of the spring roll wrapper.

• Sweet Chili Sauce: For those who like a balance of sweetness and heat, sweet chili sauce is a great option. It’s a savory sauce with just enough kick to complement both fried and fresh spring rolls.

• Nuoc Cham (Vietnamese Dipping Sauce): This fish sauce-based dip is light and tangy, making it ideal for Vietnamese spring rolls. The combination of fish sauce, lime juice, garlic, and sugar creates a perfect balance of flavors.

• Chili Garlic Sauce: Looking for some extra heat? Chili garlic sauce provides that spicy kick that pairs wonderfully with the freshness of spring rolls.

• Sesame Ginger Dressing: The nuttiness of sesame combined with the warmth of ginger creates a unique and flavorful dip. It’s especially delicious with fresh Vietnamese spring rolls made with rice paper.

• Hoisin Sauce: A thick, savory-sweet sauce that’s popular in Asian cuisine, hoisin works wonderfully as a dipping sauce for both crispy spring rolls and the softer, rice paper-wrapped versions.

Dipping sauces are essential for enhancing spring rolls. Whether it’s the savory peanut sauce or the sweet chili sauce, each dip adds another flavor element to your meal.

Salads and Slaws

When I’m looking for something light and refreshing to serve with spring rolls, salads, and slaws are my go-to options. Here are some fantastic choices that’ll complement your rolls perfectly:

• Asian Slaw: Made with red cabbage, snap peas, and sesame paste, this crunchy slaw is a zesty addition that provides a fresh contrast to the soft fillings inside spring rolls.

• Mango Salad: The sweet and tangy flavors of a mango salad are a perfect contrast to savory spring rolls. The cold temperature and smooth texture of the mango make it a great accompaniment.

• Cucumber Salad: Cucumber salad is a simple yet refreshing side that pairs well with spring rolls. Tossed with rice vinegar and a bit of soy sauce, this light and refreshing dish will balance out richer spring rolls.

• Avocado Salad: Creamy avocado combined with fresh herbs, cucumbers, and a touch of lime juice creates a refreshing and healthy salad to go with your spring rolls.

• Papaya Salad: Similar to the mango salad, papaya salad offers a mix of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors that are the perfect refreshing side dish for savory spring rolls.

• Jicama Slaw: Jicama adds an interesting crunch to the meal, and when combined with fresh herbs and a touch of lime, it provides a nice contrast to the soft and savory spring roll filling.

These salads and slaws not only provide a burst of freshness but also complement the spring rolls’ flavors, making for a well-rounded plate.

Noodle Sides for Spring Rolls

Noodles are a staple in Asian cuisine, and they make excellent companions to spring rolls. Here are some options to consider:

• Vermicelli Noodle Salad: Light, refreshing, and full of herbs, this noodle salad pairs perfectly with the delicate flavors of fresh Vietnamese spring rolls.

• Cold Sesame Noodles: Made with a creamy sesame sauce and garnished with fresh vegetables, this noodle dish is both rich and light at the same time. The cold noodles provide a perfect contrast to warm, fried spring rolls.

• Pad Thai: This popular Thai noodle dish is flavorful and satisfying. Its mix of textures works well alongside crispy spring rolls. Check out more ideas for what to serve with Pad Thai.

• Pancit: A traditional Filipino noodle dish, Pancit combines vegetables, noodles, and sometimes protein like chicken or shrimp. It’s a great side to bring out the savory elements of spring rolls.

• Garlic Sesame Noodles: These noodles are tossed in a fragrant garlic and sesame sauce, creating a deliciously savory dish that pairs wonderfully with spring rolls.

• Sesame Soba Noodles: This Japanese-inspired dish features nutty sesame flavors and smooth soba noodles, making it a light yet flavorful side dish.

Noodle dishes offer a hearty balance to the lightness of spring rolls, especially when they’re served with rice vermicelli or other types of rice noodles.

Rice Side Dishes for Spring Rolls

Rice is always a good option when considering what to serve with spring rolls. It offers a starchiness that balances out the lighter, crisper textures of spring rolls. Whether you go for something simple or more flavorful, rice dishes make great sides.

• Fried Rice: Whether you choose shrimp fried rice or the ever-popular bacon fried rice, this dish offers a savory richness that contrasts with the lighter texture of the spring rolls. For more ideas, check out these side dishes for fried rice.

• Steamed Rice: Simple and light, steamed rice is a perfect side when you don’t want anything too overpowering.

• Coconut Rice: Slightly sweet and aromatic, coconut rice brings an exotic flair to the meal and complements fresh spring rolls nicely.

Adding a rice dish is a great way to round out the meal, especially if you’re serving vegetarian appetizers like tofu spring rolls or fresh Vietnamese rice paper rolls.

Vegetable Dishes

I love pairing spring rolls with flavorful vegetable dishes for a more nutritious meal. Stir-fried, steamed, or sautéed vegetables provide a perfect balance of savory and fresh flavors with great texture contrast.

• Stir-Fried Vegetables: Lightly sautéed veggies like snap peas, red cabbage, and broccoli make for a healthy, colorful side dish that complements the crispiness of spring rolls.

• Bok Choy: This leafy green, either steamed or stir-fried, adds a light and refreshing element to the meal. With a simple garlic sauce or soy sauce, it enhances the savory notes in crispy spring rolls.

• Edamame: These steamed green soybeans are not only a fun snack but also a tasty, protein-rich side dish that goes well with both fried and fresh spring rolls.

• Tempura Vegetables: Lightly battered and fried vegetables like sweet potatoes, zucchini, or carrots add an extra crunch. These go perfectly with the light and crispy texture of spring rolls.

Vegetable side dishes bring a natural freshness to the table that complements both the savory spring rolls and the dipping sauces. Whether you prefer them stir-fried, steamed, or lightly fried, these vegetable options are sure to balance out your meal.

Other Side Dish Options

Beyond salads, noodles, and vegetables, plenty of side dishes like dumplings and satay skewers add variety and flavor, turning a simple spring roll meal into a feast.

• Dumplings: Whether you choose steamed dumplings or crispy gyoza, these bite-sized treats are perfect for pairing with spring rolls. They also work well with many of the same dipping sauces.

• Crab Rangoon: These crispy wontons filled with cream cheese and crab make a delightful addition to any spring roll platter, adding a creamy element to the meal.

• Satay Skewers: Grilled chicken or tofu skewers with a peanut dipping sauce are another delicious addition to the meal. The savory peanut sauce ties the flavors together beautifully with spring rolls.

• Egg Roll in a Bowl: This deconstructed version of an egg roll is a fun, flavorful side dish. Made with ground meat and cabbage, it’s a great option if you’re looking for something a little more filling.

• Teriyaki Chicken: A savory-sweet option, teriyaki chicken brings a rich flavor that balances out the lighter, crisper texture of the spring rolls.

These sides add an element of variety to your meal and create a full spread of savory and crunchy textures, making your spring rolls shine even more.

Beverages to Serve with Spring Rolls

Of course, no meal is complete without the right drink. When thinking about what to serve with spring rolls, beverages are just as important as the side dishes. Here are a few drinks that will complement the flavors of your meal:

• Thai Iced Tea: This sweet, creamy drink, made with black tea, sugar, and condensed milk, is a refreshing contrast to the savory flavors of spring rolls.

• Vietnamese Iced Coffee: Strong and sweet, Vietnamese iced coffee offers bold flavors that balance perfectly with both fresh and fried spring rolls, enhancing the richness of the meal.

• Bubble Tea: A fun and flavorful drink, bubble tea can be made in various fruity or milky flavors, offering something unique to go alongside your meal.

• Lemongrass Iced Tea: Light and slightly citrusy, lemongrass iced tea is a great palate cleanser when eating rich or spicy dishes like spring rolls with peanut dipping sauce.

• Asian-Inspired Cocktails: Cocktails like Sake-tinis or Lychee Mojitos are wonderful additions to your spring roll meal, offering something both refreshing and slightly fruity to pair with the savory rolls.

The right drink can balance and enhance the meal’s flavors, so don’t forget to offer some tasty beverages alongside your spring rolls! For more inspiration, explore the best-rated beverages in Asia.

How to Serve Spring Rolls with Side Dishes

When planning to serve spring rolls with side dishes, presentation is key. Here are some tips to ensure your meal looks as good as it tastes:

• Arrange everything on a large platter: This family-style approach encourages sharing and makes it easy for everyone to reach their favorite side dishes.

• Provide small bowls for sauces: Individual bowls for each dipping sauce make it easy for guests to dip their spring rolls without making a mess. Consider offering a variety of sauces, from peanut to sweet chili sauce.

• Encourage guests to mix and match: Let your guests create their own combinations. Some may prefer a cucumber salad with their spring roll, while others might go for cold sesame noodles or fried rice.

• Keep everything bite-sized: Ensure that the side dishes are easy to grab, dip, and enjoy in a few bites—just like the spring rolls themselves!

Serving your meal in this family-style manner not only makes it easier for guests to enjoy but also enhances the overall experience, allowing everyone to try different flavor combinations.

FAQs:  Spring Rolls Serving