Making Vietnamese Fresh Spring Rolls might seem intricate at first, but it’s actually a fun and relatively simple process once you get the hang of it. Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your own delicious rolls:

1. Prepare the Ingredients: The key to efficient spring roll assembly is to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go.
   • Cook the Shrimp: If using raw shrimp, cook them by your preferred method (boiling, steaming, or pan-frying) until they are pink and opaque. Let them cool slightly before handling. You can slice them in half lengthwise for easier rolling and even distribution within the spring roll.
   • Cook the Vermicelli Noodles: Cook the rice vermicelli noodles according to the package directions. Usually, this involves soaking them in boiling water for a few minutes until they are tender but still slightly firm (al dente). Drain them thoroughly and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking. You may want to cut the noodles into shorter lengths for easier handling in the rolls.
   • Wash and Prep Vegetables & Herbs: Wash all your vegetables and herbs thoroughly. Pat them dry. Prepare the lettuce leaves by separating them and selecting the best ones for rolling. Julienne or thinly slice the cucumber and carrots. Pick fresh mint and cilantro leaves. Rinse the bean sprouts.
   • Make the Peanut Dipping Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, hoisin sauce, water, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey or sugar, chili garlic sauce (if using), and sesame oil (if using). Adjust the ingredients to your taste, adding more water for a thinner sauce or more peanut butter for a richer flavor. Set aside.
2. Soak the Rice Paper Wrappers: This is the most crucial step and might take a little practice.
   • Prepare a Shallow Dish of Warm Water: Fill a shallow dish or pie plate with warm water. The water should be warm to the touch but not too hot, as very hot water can make the rice paper sticky and difficult to handle. Too cold water, and it won’t soften properly.
   • Soak One Rice Paper Wrapper at a Time: Take one rice paper wrapper and fully submerge it in the warm water for a few seconds, usually 5-10 seconds. You want it to become pliable but not too soft or mushy. Over-soaking will make it tear easily. It will continue to soften slightly as you work with it.
   • Remove and Place on a Damp Surface: Carefully remove the softened rice paper wrapper from the water and place it flat on a clean, damp surface. A damp cutting board or a clean, slightly damp kitchen towel works well. The dampness prevents the wrapper from sticking to the surface.
3. Assemble the Spring Rolls: Now for the fun part – filling and rolling!
   • Layer the Fillings (Bottom Third): Working quickly while the rice paper is still pliable, arrange your fillings on the bottom third of the rice paper wrapper, closer to you. Start with a lettuce leaf as a base. Then, add a small portion of vermicelli noodles, a few slices of shrimp (cut side up, so they are visible through the wrapper), julienned carrots, cucumber, bean sprouts, mint leaves, and cilantro leaves. Don’t overfill, as this will make rolling difficult and the rolls might burst.
   • Fold and Roll:
     • Fold the Bottom Edge: Gently fold the bottom edge of the rice paper wrapper up and over the fillings, tucking them in slightly.
     • Fold the Sides: Fold in both the left and right sides of the wrapper towards the center, like you’re wrapping a burrito.
     • Roll Tightly: Starting from the folded bottom edge, tightly roll the spring roll away from you, keeping the fillings tucked in as you go. Apply gentle pressure to ensure a tight roll. The rice paper will naturally stick to itself as you roll.
4. Repeat and Serve: Continue soaking, filling, and rolling the remaining rice paper wrappers until all ingredients are used up.
   • Serve Immediately: Vietnamese Fresh Spring Rolls are best enjoyed fresh, soon after they are made, when the rice paper is still soft and pliable and the ingredients are at their peak freshness.
   • Optional Cutting: If desired, you can cut the spring rolls in half diagonally before serving to make them easier to dip and eat, and to showcase the beautiful cross-section of fillings.
   • Serve with Peanut Dipping Sauce: Arrange the spring rolls on a platter and serve immediately with the prepared peanut dipping sauce on the side.