Avocado Shiitake Spring Rolls (Printable Version)

Light rice paper rolls filled with fresh vegetables, creamy avocado, and savory mushrooms for a healthy appetizer or snack.

# What You Need:

→ Vegetables & Mushrooms

01 - 1 ripe avocado, sliced
02 - 4 oz 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

# How to Make It:

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 - Slice avocado, julienne carrot and cucumber, thinly slice bell pepper, and arrange spinach, scallions, cilantro, and mint within easy reach for assembly.
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 cutting board.
04 - Place spinach in the center of the rice paper. Top with avocado, sautéed shiitake mushrooms, carrot, cucumber, bell pepper, scallions, and herbs. Fold bottom over filling, fold in both sides, and roll tightly. Repeat to make 8 rolls.
05 - Whisk soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, maple syrup, grated ginger, and minced garlic in a small bowl until smooth. Add water to adjust consistency if needed.
06 - Serve spring rolls immediately, whole or sliced in half, with dipping sauce on the side.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • No cooking required for the rolls themselves, making them perfect for hot days when turning on the stove feels like a punishment
  • The contrast between creamy avocado, earthy shiitake, and crisp fresh vegetables creates this incredible texture party in every bite
  • These rolls look ridiculously impressive but take about 30 minutes from start to finish, making you look like a kitchen wizard with minimal effort
02 -
  • Room temperature ingredients roll better than cold ones, so let your vegetables sit out for 15 minutes before starting
  • Rice paper continues to soften after rolling, so do not worry if it feels slightly stiff when you first fold it
  • The dipping sauce can be made up to three days ahead and actually tastes better after the flavors have time to mingle
03 -
  • Work with one rice paper sheet at a time and keep the rest sealed until you need them, as rice paper dries out quickly once exposed to air
  • If your rice paper keeps tearing, try dipping it for a shorter time or using slightly cooler water
  • The dipping sauce doubles as a marinade for grilled tofu or vegetables if you want to add some cooked elements to your filling