Tofu Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce

As spring begins in March, it’s the perfect time to embrace fresh, vibrant meals that nourish the body and celebrate the season of renewal. We’re thrilled to share a simple and delicious recipe from Ginger Hultin, clinical nutrition supervisor at Bastyr Center for Natural Health. These gluten-free and vegetarian spring rolls make the perfect snack or meal for the whole family to enjoy.

Not only is this recipe packed with nutrients, but it’s also light and easy to prepare, making it a great dish to welcome the new season! With plant-based protein from tofu, crunchy vegetables, and a savory peanut sauce, these spring rolls offer a healthy, balanced option that’s both satisfying and refreshing. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the arrival of spring and National Nutrition Month®!

Tofu Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce

Fresh veggies, tofu, and vermicelli rice noodles come together in this simple and balanced spring roll recipe. Wrapped in rice paper and paired with a creamy peanut sauce, they make for a delicious appetizer, snack, or light meal that everyone will enjoy.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Author: Ginger Hultin

Ingredients

• 1 block extra firm tofu, drained, pressed dry, and sliced into thin cubes
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 1 small lime, juiced with seeds removed
• 3 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon Sriracha sauce
• 3 medium garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup warm water (more if needed for consistency)
• 4 ounces Vermicelli rice noodles
• 1/4 cup cilantro leaves
• 6 medium carrots, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 serrano or jalapeno peppers, thinly sliced
• 1/2 small green or purple cabbage, cut into thin slices
• 8 rice paper sheets
• 8 large hearts of romaine lettuce

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees

2. Grease the baking sheet with the coconut oil and arrange the tofu to allow the pieces to bake evenly. Bake the tofu for 30 minutes or until golden.

3. Dip the rice paper in water and let it drip dry. Place the wrapper on a flat surface with the lettuce in the center, add the tofu, vegetables, noodles and sauce and wrap up one side, tuck in the ends and roll up like a burrito. Cover the rolls with a damp paper towel.

4. Once prepared, store the rolls in an airtight container to prevent drying and cracking.

5. While the tofu is cooking, make the sauce: combine the peanut butter, hoisin sauce, lime juice, soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and water in a small bowl, whisking until combined. Set aside.

6. Prepare the noodles, rinse with cold water, drain, and set aside.

7. Thinly slice the cilantro leaves, carrots, peppers and cabbage.

8. To prepare the rolls, clear an area and set up stations with: dry rice paper, warm/hot water (not so hot you can’t put your hands in it), lettuce, tofu, vegetables, noodles and sauce. 

Enjoy your light, flavorful, and nutrient-packed Tofu Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce! They're a great way to celebrate spring while keeping things fresh and nutritious.