Spring rolls are a beloved dish worldwide, known for their crispy exterior and flavorful fillings. Whether you enjoy them as an appetizer, a snack, or part of a full meal, these rolls are incredibly versatile. However, the question often arises: what to have with spring rolls? To elevate your dining experience, it’s important to pair them with the right sides. From light, refreshing salads to savory dipping sauces, here are some tasty accompaniments that complement spring rolls perfectly.
Fresh Salads to Balance the Crunch
One of the best ways to complement the crispy texture of spring rolls is with a fresh, vibrant salad. The lightness of the vegetables contrasts beautifully with the richness of the rolls, creating a balanced meal that’s both refreshing and satisfying.
Vietnamese-Style Noodle Salad
A Vietnamese-style noodle salad, also known as the bun, is a fantastic choice. This dish combines vermicelli noodles with fresh herbs, lettuce, cucumbers, and pickled carrots, then drizzles everything with a tangy fish sauce dressing. The light and tangy flavors enhance the richness of the spring rolls, while the noodles add a pleasant texture contrast.
Thai Papaya Salad
Another great option is a Thai papaya salad (Som Tam). This tangy, slightly spicy salad made from green papaya, lime juice, chili, and peanuts offers a zesty kick that complements the fried goodness of spring rolls. It’s a great way to add some spice and crunch to your meal.
Flavorful Dipping Sauces
No spring roll experience is complete without a dipping sauce. The right sauce can enhance the flavors of the filling while adding a new dimension to the dish. Whether you prefer something sweet, spicy, or savory, there’s a dipping sauce that pairs perfectly with your spring rolls.
Classic Peanut Sauce
A creamy peanut sauce is a classic choice when thinking about what to have with spring rolls. Made with peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, and a bit of sugar, this sauce adds richness to the rolls without overpowering the fresh flavors inside. The sweet and salty combination works particularly well with both vegetarian and meat-filled rolls.
Sweet Chili Sauce
For a slightly sweeter option, sweet chili sauce is another popular pairing. This sauce offers a nice balance of heat and sweetness that enhances the crispness of the rolls. The combination of spicy and sweet flavors makes it a favorite for both fried and fresh spring rolls.
Rice Dishes for a Hearty Meal
If you’re serving spring rolls as part of a main meal, pairing them with a rice dish can make the meal more substantial. Rice is a neutral side that doesn’t compete with the flavors of the rolls, yet it complements the meal perfectly.
Fried Rice
A side of fried rice adds a deliciously savory element to your meal. Whether you prefer classic egg fried rice or something more flavorful like shrimp or chicken fried rice, this side will provide a filling base to go along with your crispy rolls.
Steamed Jasmine Rice
For a lighter option, steamed jasmine rice works wonderfully. Its subtle fragrance and soft texture make it the perfect backdrop for the bold flavors of spring rolls and dipping sauces.
Soups to Warm Your Soul
If you’re looking to create a complete meal that balances the crispness of spring rolls with something warm and comforting, soups are an excellent choice.
Hot and Sour Soup
Hot and sour soup is a fantastic companion to spring rolls. The tangy and spicy broth, along with ingredients like tofu, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots, complements the crunchy texture of the rolls. The combination creates a harmonious balance of flavors and textures.
Miso Soup
For something lighter, miso soup offers a warm and savory side that pairs beautifully with the fried texture of the rolls. Its umami-rich broth helps cleanse your palate between bites, making every roll taste as fresh as the first.
Conclusion
Spring rolls are a versatile dish that can be enhanced with the right sides and sauces. Whether you’re pairing them with a fresh salad, a rich dipping sauce, or a warm soup, the key is to find balance. Now that you know what to have with spring rolls, you can elevate your next meal by adding flavorful accompaniments that complement these beloved rolls perfectly. Enjoy your delicious, well-rounded meal.
