How to use rice paper

5 from 1 vote

Learn to use rice paper wrappers with this comprehensive guide with techniques and tips to create delicious spring rolls and dumplings.

Cuisine Vietnamese

Keyword rice paper, rice sheets, rice wrappers

Wrapping time per roll: 1

Total Time 16

Servings sheets

Prepare Water: Fill a shallow bowl with room temperature water. The bowl should be wide enough to fit the rice paper easily.
Create a Non-stick Surface: Lay a non-stick cookie sheet or a large chopping board on your counter. This will help prevent the rice paper from sticking as you roll.
Optional Tools: Consider using a special "rice paper tray" designed to prevent sticking and a rice paper water bowl for easier dipping and softening of the sheets.

Dip One Sheet at a Time: Take one rice paper sheet and dip it halfway into the water. Rotate it quickly to wet the entire sheet. You only need to dip it for about 5-7 seconds. The paper should still feel a bit firm when you take it out of the water. It will continue to soften on your work surface, getting ready for rolling.

Place the Rice Paper: Lay the rice paper smooth side down on your non-stick surface. The rice paper will continue to soften as you fill it with ingredients and as you roll.
Add Filling: Place about 2 heaping tablespoons of your chosen filling on the lower third of the sheet.
Roll It Up: Carefully roll the rice paper up tightly, folding in the sides as you go. For extra durability, you can use a second sheet of rice paper as reinforcement.

Enjoy: Serve your rice paper rolls with a variety of delicious sauces and enjoy!

When selecting fillings for your rice paper rolls, take the length and thickness into considerations - the softer and the flatter the filling the better to avoid tearing the rice sheets.
Slice the fillings into thin strips to fit neatly within the rolls. Avoid using hard or rigid ingredients as they might puncture the delicate sheets.