Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Tofu Summer Rolls are refreshing, full of flavor, and a great way to incorporate more plant-based ingredients into your meals. The combination of crispy vegetables, creamy tofu, and fresh herbs creates a satisfying bite in every roll. They’re light yet filling, and the peanut dipping sauce adds a rich, savory contrast to the fresh ingredients. Plus, they’re easy to make and perfect for meal prep or a fun hands-on meal with family and friends. These rolls are naturally vegan, gluten-free, and customizable to suit your tastes.

Ingredients

For the summer rolls:

1 block firm tofu, drained and cut into strips
8-10 rice paper wrappers (found in most grocery stores or Asian markets)
1 medium cucumber, julienned
1 medium carrot, julienned
1 avocado, sliced
Fresh cilantro or mint leaves (optional)
Fresh basil leaves (optional)
Lettuce leaves (optional, for extra crunch)

For the peanut dipping sauce:

1/4 cup peanut butter (smooth or chunky)
2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1-2 tablespoons warm water (to thin the sauce, if needed)
1/2 teaspoon sriracha or chili paste (optional, for spice)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the tofu:

To press the tofu, place it between two clean towels or paper towels and set a heavy object on top (like a cast iron pan or a few cans) to remove excess water. After pressing, cut the tofu into strips or cubes.

Heat a skillet over medium heat with a teaspoon of oil. Add the tofu and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and crispy on all sides. Once cooked, set aside to cool slightly.

2. Prepare the veggies and herbs:

While the tofu is cooling, prepare your vegetables. Julienne the cucumber and carrot into thin strips. Slice the avocado into thin slices. Set aside fresh cilantro, mint, and basil leaves if you’re using them.

3. Make the peanut dipping sauce:

In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup (or honey), lime juice, sesame oil, and sriracha (if using). Add warm water, one tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches a smooth, dippable consistency. Adjust seasoning to taste.

4. Assemble the summer rolls:

Fill a shallow dish with warm water. Take one rice paper wrapper and dip it in the warm water for about 10-15 seconds until it softens but isn’t too soggy. Lay the wrapper flat on a clean surface.

On the lower third of the wrapper, add a few strips of cooked tofu, a few pieces of cucumber, carrot, avocado, and a few fresh herb leaves. Add a leaf of lettuce if desired.

5. Roll the summer rolls:

Carefully fold in the sides of the rice paper, then roll it up tightly from the bottom, making sure the filling is secure inside the wrapper. Repeat with the remaining rice paper wrappers and fillings.

6. Serve:

Arrange the summer rolls on a serving platter and serve with the peanut dipping sauce on the side.

Enjoy:
These Tofu Summer Rolls are fresh, healthy, and full of flavor. Dip them into the peanut sauce and enjoy a light and satisfying meal!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 2-3 (makes 8-10 rolls)
Total time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

Grilled Tofu: For extra flavor, marinate the tofu in soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic before grilling it instead of pan-frying.
Add Rice Noodles: For a more filling roll, add cooked rice noodles to the filling.
Vegetable Summer Rolls: You can make these rolls without tofu for a purely vegetable-based option, adding more avocado, cucumber, carrot, and bell pepper.
Crunchy Peanut Tofu Rolls: Add a handful of chopped peanuts to the roll for extra crunch and texture.
Spicy Tofu: Marinate the tofu in a spicy marinade (with soy sauce, sriracha, and garlic) for a spicy kick.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover summer rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. To keep the rice paper from sticking, you can place a sheet of wax paper or parchment paper between the rolls.
Reheating: Summer rolls are best enjoyed fresh. They do not reheat well, as the rice paper can become tough. If you have leftovers, you can serve them cold with the dipping sauce.

FAQs

1. Can I use cooked shrimp or chicken instead of tofu?

Yes, you can substitute tofu with cooked shrimp, chicken, or even other plant-based proteins like tempeh. The rest of the ingredients will still pair perfectly with these options.

2. Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the rolls a few hours in advance and store them in the fridge. To keep the rice paper from drying out, lightly cover the rolls with a damp paper towel and plastic wrap.

3. Can I use different vegetables in the rolls?

Yes! Feel free to swap out the cucumber or carrots for other veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or even shredded cabbage. Just make sure to cut them into thin strips for easy wrapping.

4. Can I make the peanut dipping sauce spicier?

Yes! You can add more sriracha or chili paste to the peanut dipping sauce for an extra spicy kick. Adjust the heat level according to your taste.

5. Can I use rice paper wrappers that are pre-made?

Yes! You can use store-bought rice paper wrappers. Simply dip them in warm water to soften and fill them with your desired ingredients.

6. Can I use a different sauce besides peanut?

Yes, you can use other dipping sauces like hoisin sauce, soy sauce with ginger, or a simple sesame oil-based dipping sauce.

7. How do I prevent the rice paper from sticking together?

To avoid the rice paper wrappers from sticking together, place a piece of parchment paper or a damp kitchen towel between layers of rolls when storing or serving them.

8. Can I make these rolls without cilantro or mint?

Yes! If you’re not a fan of cilantro or mint, simply omit them and use other fresh herbs like basil or parsley, or skip them entirely.

9. How can I make the rolls more filling?

For a more filling roll, add cooked rice noodles or a larger portion of protein (tofu, tempeh, or shrimp) to the rolls.

10. How do I roll the summer rolls without tearing the rice paper?

Be gentle when dipping and rolling the rice paper to prevent tearing. If the rice paper becomes too soft, it can rip, so make sure not to soak it for too long in water.

Conclusion

These Tofu Summer Rolls are a light, fresh, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a healthy meal or snack. The crisp vegetables, creamy tofu, and fragrant herbs wrapped in rice paper create a satisfying bite, and the peanut dipping sauce adds a rich and nutty finish. These rolls are customizable, easy to make, and a fun hands-on meal, making them great for meal prep, parties, or a light dinner. Whether you’re vegan or simply looking to enjoy more plant-based meals, these summer rolls will become a favorite in your recipe rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients

Directions

1. Prepare the tofu:

2. Prepare the veggies and herbs:

3. Make the peanut dipping sauce:

4. Assemble the summer rolls:

5. Roll the summer rolls:

6. Serve:

Servings and Timing

Variations

Storage/Reheating

FAQs

1. Can I use cooked shrimp or chicken instead of tofu?

2. Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

3. Can I use different vegetables in the rolls?

4. Can I make the peanut dipping sauce spicier?

5. Can I use rice paper wrappers that are pre-made?

6. Can I use a different sauce besides peanut?

7. How do I prevent the rice paper from sticking together?

8. Can I make these rolls without cilantro or mint?

9. How can I make the rolls more filling?

10. How do I roll the summer rolls without tearing the rice paper?

Conclusion

TOfu Summer Rolls Recipe

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition