These Blackened Shrimp Spring Rolls are a tasty twist on a favorite! Filled with juicy shrimp and fresh veggies, they bring a delicious crunch with every bite. Plus, that spicy blackened seasoning adds a fun kick!
Making these is a breeze! I love rolling them up and serving with some sweet dipping sauce. They disappear quickly at parties—everyone just loves them! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp are best for this recipe. If you have a shellfish allergy or prefer a vegetarian option, try using tofu or tempeh marinated in the same blackened seasoning instead!
Blackened Seasoning: You can make your own mix with equal parts paprika and cayenne, then add garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. If you’re looking for a milder flavor, adjust the cayenne to your taste.
Rice Paper Wrappers: These give the rolls their unique texture. If you can’t find them, try using lettuce leaves as a wrap instead for a low-carb alternative.
Vegetables: Cabbage and carrots are great, but you can substitute with bell peppers, bean sprouts, or other crunchy veggies you enjoy. Fresh herbs like cilantro and mint add freshness, but feel free to skip them if you’re not a fan.
Dipping Sauce: If peanut allergies are a concern, you can use sunflower seed butter or omit the nut altogether. Adjust the chili sauce based on your spice preference.
How Do I Assemble Spring Rolls Without Them Falling Apart?
Assembling spring rolls can be tricky, but with a few simple tips, you’ll do great! Make sure the rice paper is softened enough but not too soggy; about 10-15 seconds in warm water is ideal. Here’s how to assemble:
- Place the softened wrapper flat on a clean surface.
- Layer fresh lettuce leaves first, then add a small amount of the veggie mixture and shrimp.
- Fold the sides inward to keep the filling from spilling out, then roll tightly from the bottom up.
- Don’t overfill; it’s easier to roll when there’s less pressure!
Practice makes perfect, so don’t worry too much if your first few rolls aren’t perfect!
How to Make Blackened Shrimp Spring Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp blackened seasoning (paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt, pepper)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Spring Rolls:
- 8-10 rice paper wrappers
- 2 cups shredded cabbage (green or mixed)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 cucumber, julienned
- 1 cup fresh mint leaves (optional)
- 2 cups fresh lettuce leaves or baby spinach
- 1/2 cup cooked vermicelli noodles (optional)
For the Dipping Sauce:
- 1/2 cup hoisin sauce
- 2 tbsp peanut butter
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp chili garlic sauce or sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup crushed peanuts (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare, plus a few minutes to cook the shrimp. The fresh spring rolls are best served immediately after assembling, but you can also prepare the filling ingredients ahead of time to save some time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp:
First, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. In a mixing bowl, toss the shrimp with the blackened seasoning until they are evenly coated in the spices.
2. Cook the Shrimp:
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp are blackened and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the heat and set aside to cool slightly.
3. Prepare the Vegetables:
In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, fresh cilantro, julienned cucumber, and mint leaves (if using). If you’re using vermicelli noodles, soak them according to the package instructions, then drain and add them to the vegetable mix. Toss gently to mix everything together.
4. Prepare the Rice Paper Wrappers:
Fill a large shallow dish or pie plate with warm water. Dip one rice paper wrapper into the water for about 10-15 seconds, or until it becomes soft and pliable. Carefully lay the softened wrapper flat on a clean surface or cutting board.
5. Assemble the Rolls:
On the bottom third of the wrapper, place a few fresh lettuce leaves. Add a small handful of the vegetable mixture on top of the lettuce, followed by 2-3 pieces of blackened shrimp.
6. Roll It Up:
Now it’s time to roll! Fold the sides of the rice paper wrapper inward, then tightly roll it from the bottom up to enclose all the delicious filling. Repeat the process with the remaining wrappers and ingredients until you have made all your spring rolls.
7. Make the Dipping Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the hoisin sauce, peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, and chili garlic sauce until smooth. If you like it crunchy, sprinkle crushed peanuts on top for garnish.
8. Serve:
Slice the rolls in half diagonally if you prefer and serve them right away with the dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy these fresh and flavorful Blackened Shrimp Spring Rolls as a delightful appetizer or light meal!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. The best way is to let them sit in the fridge overnight or place them in a sealed bag submerged in cold water for quicker thawing. Pat them dry before seasoning and cooking.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Rice Paper Wrappers?
No worries! If you can’t find rice paper wrappers, you can use large lettuce leaves (like butter or romaine) as a fresh alternative. They won’t have the same texture, but they’ll still hold the filling well and add a crunch.
Can I Prepare These Spring Rolls in Advance?
While it’s best to eat spring rolls fresh, you can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a day. Just assemble the rolls right before serving to keep the wrappers from getting soggy.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level in the Dipping Sauce?
If you prefer a milder sauce, simply reduce or omit the chili garlic sauce or sriracha. You can always start with a little and taste as you go, adding more if you want extra heat!