Saigon Moonlight Rolls

A Taste of Vietnam: The History of Saigon Moonlight Rolls

Saigon Moonlight Rolls, known for their delicate balance of flavors and textures, are quintessential Vietnamese appetizers. Originating from the vibrant city of Saigon, now known as Ho Chi Minh City, these rolls encapsulate the culinary diversity of the region. Traditionally served as part of a larger meal or as a standalone snack, they reflect Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage influenced by various climatic and geographical features. The use of fresh herbs, vegetables, and rice paper wraps exemplifies Vietnamese cuisine's emphasis on freshness, lightness, and harmony of ingredients.

Ingredients

To make these delightful Saigon Moonlight Rolls, you will need the following ingredients:

• Rice paper
• Shrimp
• Pork belly
• Rice vermicelli
• Lettuce
• Basil
• Mint
• Cilantro
• Bean sprouts
• Cucumber
• Carrot
• Lime
• Fish sauce
• Peanut
• Garlic
• Sugar
• Water
• Chili pepper

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the Shrimp and Pork Belly

Start by peeling and deveining the shrimp, then blanch them in boiling water until they turn pink, which should take around three minutes. Next, slice the pork belly into thin strips and boil them with a little salt for about 20 minutes until fully cooked. Allow both items to cool before assembly.

Step 2: Preparing the Rice Vermicelli

Boil rice vermicelli according to package instructions. Drain them and set aside to cool as you prepare the rest of the ingredients. This will ensure that the vermicelli does not clump together.

Step 3: Vegetables and Herbs

Thinly slice lettuce, cucumber, and carrot. Roughly chop herbs such as basil, mint, and cilantro. Arrange them on a platter for easy access when rolling.

Assembly

Step 4: Assembling the Rolls

Prepare a shallow dish of warm water to soften the rice paper. Dip each sheet of rice paper into the water until it becomes pliable, then lay it flat on a clean surface. Layer a small amount of rice vermicelli, a couple of shrimp, a strip of pork belly, and some mixed vegetables with herbs in the center. Fold the sides of the rice paper over the filling, then roll it tightly from the bottom up to secure the contents. Repeat until all rolls are completed.

Cooking Process

The Saigon Moonlight Rolls do not require cooking but rather careful preparation and assembly of fresh ingredients.

Serving and Enjoying

To fully appreciate the rolls' vibrant flavors, serve them with a tangy dipping sauce. Mix fish sauce, lime juice from a lime, minced garlic, sliced chili pepper, and some sugar to taste. Garnish with crushed peanuts for added crunch. Arrange the rolls on a platter, surround them with dipping sauce bowls, and enjoy these culinary delights with friends and family under the Saigon moonlight.