Gỏi Cuốn

Fact: Gordon Ramsay picked up how to make gỏi cuốn during his Great Escape trip to Vietnam.

Gỏi Cuốn: Basic Information

Pronunciation

[ɣɔj˧˩ kuən˧˦]

Alternative Name(s)

Nem cuốn

Dish Type

Rolls, snacks

Course

Appetizer

Mealtime

Anytime

Gỏi Cuốn: Origin and Region

Origin

Vietnam

Continent’s Region

Southeast Asia

Country’s Region

Nationwide Origin

Associated Region

Unspecified

Popular Gỏi Cuốn Variations

Gỏi Cuốn Chay (Vegetarian/Vegan Fresh Spring Roll)

Gỏi Cuốn Bò Nướng

Filled with flavorful grilled beef.

Gỏi Cuốn Nem Nướng

Contains savory grilled pork sausage.

Gỏi Cuốn Bơ Xoài

A fruitier, tropical twist of gỏi cuốn.

Gỏi Cuốn Cá Hồi

Features salmon, often with a twist of dill.

Gỏi cuốn, also known as Vietnamese fresh spring rolls or summer rolls, is a Vietnamese dish that includes pork, shrimp, vegetables, and rice vermicelli, all wrapped in translucent rice paper.

These rolls are distinctive for being served fresh and at room temperature, not fried like some other spring roll variations.

They are commonly enjoyed as an appetizer and can be dipped in various sauces, such as a peanut sauce, hoisin sauce, or nước mắm tỏi ớt (Vietnamese dipping sauce).

The ingredients and the method of preparation can vary by region within Vietnam and in different countries where they have become popular.

I’ll lead you through the distinct features and flavors of the dish, delve into its components, explore its various forms, suggest pairings, recommend where to enjoy it, weigh its advantages and disadvantages, compare gỏi cuốn with bò bía, address common queries, and look at similar dishes.

Gỏi Cuốn Images

Vietnamese salad rolls with shrimp.

Vietnamese fresh spring roll platter.

Savory gỏi cuốn as street food.

Vietnamese summer rolls with peanut sauce and Vietnamese dipping sauce.

Street stall serving fresh Vietnamese fresh spring rolls.

Preparing Vietnamese summer rolls.

What Are The Main Ingredients of Gỏi Cuốn?

Here are the typical ingredients found in gỏi cuốn:

Pork

One of the primary proteins used in the roll.

Shrimp

Often paired with pork as another source of protein.

Vegetables

Can vary, but commonly includes lettuce (such as green leaf or butter lettuce), mint, cilantro, Thai basils, cucumber, bean sprouts, etc.

Noodles

Bún or rice vermicelli noodles.

Wrapper

Bánh tráng (rice paper).

Other Ingredients

Chives or spring onion (optional, for garnish or added flavor)

Exploring these core components lays the foundation for appreciating the delightful array of gỏi cuốn variations

What Are Different Variations of Gỏi Cuốn?

There are several variations of gỏi cuốn, which can include different fillings based on regional preferences, dietary restrictions, or creative twists. Below is a simple breakdown:

Bì Cuốn

This version is filled with seasoned shredded pork and pork skin (bì), which gives it a unique texture.

Gỏi Cuốn Bò Nướng

Filled with flavorful grilled beef.

Gỏi Cuốn Nem Nướng

Contains savory grilled pork sausage.

Gỏi Cuốn Bơ Xoài

A fruitier, tropical twist of gỏi cuốn.

Gỏi Cuốn Cá Hồi

Features salmon, often with a twist of dill.

The variety of these rolls not only shows the versatility of gỏi cuốn but also highlights the importance of pairing them with the right gỏi cuốn accompaniments to enhance the overall flavor experience.

What to Serve with Gỏi Cuốn?

Gỏi cuốn are typically served with a variety of accompaniments that complement their fresh and light flavor. Here are some suggestions for what to serve with Gỏi cuốn:

Dipping Sauces

The most essential accompaniment for Gỏi cuốn is a dipping sauce. The traditional sauce is nước chấm, a mixture of fish sauce, lime juice or vinegar, water, sugar, garlic, and chili peppers. A hoisin-peanut sauce is also a popular choice, offering a sweet and savory flavor profile.

Pickled Vegetables

Pickled carrots and daikon radish, known as đồ chua, can add a tangy and crunchy element that pairs well with the soft texture of the spring rolls.

Pairing gỏi cuốn with these sides makes the meal more enjoyable, and finding good places to eat gỏi cuốn can turn it into a fun food experience.

Where to Eat Gỏi Cuốn?

If you’re looking for places to eat gỏi cuốn, here are some general tips for finding a good spot:

Visiting these spots is great for enjoying gỏi cuốn and also for weighing the pros and cons, like freshness versus convenience, of eating this Vietnamese specialty.

Pros and Cons of Eating Gỏi Cuốn

Here are some pros and cons associated with bò bía:

Choosing gỏi cuốn comes with both health benefits and practical considerations, much like comparing them to bò bía, with each having its own set of advantages and trade-offs.

Gỏi Cuốn Vs. Bò Bía

Gỏi cuốn and bò bía are both popular dishes in Vietnamese cuisine that share some similarities but also have distinct differences. Below is a detailed explanation about the comparison between them.

Gỏi cuốn (Vietnamese Spring Rolls)

Origin: Vietnamese cuisine
Main Ingredients: Shrimp, pork, herbs, rice vermicelli, wrapped in rice paper
Cooking Method: Fresh, not fried
Serving Temperature: Room temperature or chilled
Texture: Light, refreshing
Dipping Sauce: Hoisin sauce with peanuts or fish sauce-based dip
Customization: Highly customizable with fillings

Bò bía (Vietnamese Popiah)

Origin: Vietnamese adaptation of Chinese Popiah
Main Ingredients: Jicama, carrot, sausage, dried shrimp, egg, wrapped in rice paper
Cooking Method: Fresh, not fried
Serving Temperature: Room temperature or chilled
Texture: Varied textures with a mix of savory and sweet
Dipping Sauce: Often served with a sweet and spicy sauce
Customization: Highly customizable with fillings

Additionally, be sure to check out the commonly asked questions about Gỏi Cuốn.

Gỏi Cuốn FAQs

Bì Cuốn

Bì cuốn is a Vietnamese roll made with shredded pork, pork rinds, vegetables, herbs, and served with a fish sauce-based dip.

Bò Bía

Bò bía is a Vietnamese spring roll with vegetables, Chinese sausage, and egg, wrapped in a thin crepe and served with a sweet sauce.