These Vietnamese Baked Salmon Spring Rolls are fresh and healthy! Packed with tasty salmon, crunchy veggies, and wrapped in rice paper, they make a fun snack or light meal.
Who doesn’t love a little dip? I like to serve them with a zesty dipping sauce for extra flavor. These rolls are easy to make, and there’s no frying mess—just bake and enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets are ideal for this recipe. If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use baked or grilled chicken, shrimp, or even tofu for a plant-based option.
Rice Paper Wrappers: Essential for making spring rolls. If these are hard to find, use large lettuce leaves to wrap the ingredients instead. It won’t have the same texture, but it’s a fresh alternative!
Vermicelli Noodles: These noodles add texture. You can swap them with other noodles or skip them entirely for lighter rolls. Zoodles (zucchini noodles) could be a fun twist!
Sriracha: I love the kick that sriracha brings, but you can replace it with any hot sauce you enjoy or skip it altogether for milder rolls.
Fresh Herbs: These are key for flavor. If you can’t find fresh mint, cilantro, or basil, substitute dried herbs, but use less as dried herbs can be stronger in flavor.
How Do You Roll Spring Rolls Without Them Falling Apart?
Rolling spring rolls can be tricky! Start by soaking the rice paper until it’s soft but not too mushy. Lay it flat on a clean surface, and remember to place your fillings towards the bottom third of the wrapper. This way, you’ll have enough room to properly fold the sides and roll it up tightly.
- After adding the ingredients, fold the sides in first, and then roll tightly from the bottom to the top.
- Ensure the filling is snug, but don’t overstuff, or it may burst!
- Practice makes perfect. The first few might be awkward, but don’t worry; they’ll taste delicious regardless!
How to Make Vietnamese Baked Salmon Spring Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Spring Rolls:
- 8 rice paper wrappers
- 12 oz (340g) salmon fillet, skin removed
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp sriracha or chili sauce (optional for heat)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 cup cooked vermicelli rice noodles
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1/2 cucumber, julienned
- 1 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves (Thai basil preferred)
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced
- 1 lime, sliced for garnish
- Lettuce leaves (butter or romaine), for serving
- Cooking oil spray or a small amount for baking sheet
For the Dipping Sauce:
- 3 tbsp fish sauce
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp sugar or honey
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- 1 small red chili, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp water
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 15 minutes preparing the salmon and toppings, and about 15 minutes assembling the spring rolls and making the dipping sauce. Get ready for a tasty treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. This keeps the salmon from sticking.
2. Prepare the Salmon:
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), sriracha (if you’re using it), and sesame oil. Brush this lovely mixture onto the salmon fillet on both sides. This will add amazing flavor!
3. Bake the Salmon:
Place the seasoned salmon on the prepared baking sheet. Bake it in the preheated oven for about 12–15 minutes until it’s cooked through and slightly caramelized on top. Once it’s done, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
4. Soak the Noodles:
While your salmon is baking, soak the vermicelli noodles in hot water for about 5 minutes until they’re soft. Once soft, drain them and set them aside for later.
5. Prepare Your Veggies and Herbs:
Take a moment to julienne the carrot and cucumber, and wash and dry the mint, cilantro, and basil leaves. Fresh herbs are a key highlight in this recipe!
6. Soften the Rice Paper:
Fill a large shallow dish with warm water. Dip one rice paper wrapper into the water for about 5 seconds to soften it. Then, lay it flat on a clean surface to prepare for filling.
7. Assemble the Spring Rolls:
On the bottom third of the softened wrapper, place a few mint, basil, and cilantro leaves. Next, add a small handful of the soaked vermicelli noodles, slices of cucumber and carrot, a little green onion, and some of the baked salmon (flaked into pieces) on top of the herbs.
8. Roll It Up:
Now it’s time to fold! Fold the sides of the rice paper over the filling, then tightly roll it up from bottom to top like a burrito. Make sure it’s sealed well so nothing spills out!
9. Finish Rolling:
Repeat this process with the remaining rice paper wrappers and ingredients until you’re all done.
10. Plate & Serve:
Arrange the freshly made spring rolls on a plate alongside some fresh lettuce leaves and slices of lime. They make for a lovely presentation!
11. Make the Dipping Sauce:
In a bowl, whisk together the fish sauce, lime juice, sugar (or honey), minced garlic, chopped chili, and water until the sugar is dissolved. This tangy sauce will elevate your spring rolls!
12. Enjoy!
Serve the baked salmon spring rolls with the dipping sauce on the side. Dive into these flavorful, healthy delights as a fantastic appetizer or a light meal. Enjoy!
Can I Use Other Proteins Instead of Salmon?
Absolutely! You can substitute salmon with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a vegetarian option. Just ensure that the protein is cooked properly before adding it to the rolls.
How Do I Store Leftover Spring Rolls?
If you have leftover spring rolls, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the rice paper may lose its crispness, so it’s best to enjoy them fresh!
What Can I Use Instead of Fish Sauce for a Vegetarian Option?
Try using soy sauce or a combination of soy sauce and a little lime juice for a similar tangy flavor. This will keep your dipping sauce flavorful without using fish sauce!
Can I Prepare These Spring Rolls in Advance?
You can prep the fillings and even the fish ahead of time, but assemble the spring rolls closer to serving time for the best texture. If making in advance, store the ingredients separately in the fridge.