Spring Roll Bowls

As the weather warms up, the desire for lighter and fresher meals grows stronger. Spring roll bowls are a fantastic way to enjoy all the flavors of traditional spring rolls without the hassle of wrapping. They are quick to assemble, bursting with vibrant colors and flavors, and they make for a nutritious meal. Here’s how to create your very own spring roll bowls, complete with a deliciously tangy peanut sauce.

Ingredients

For the Peanut Sauce:

• 1/3 cup natural peanut butter
• 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce (use tamari for a gluten-free option)
• 1 teaspoon sriracha
• 1/2 teaspoon fish sauce (optional, but adds a depth of flavor)
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon grated garlic
• 3-4 tablespoons hot water (to adjust consistency)

For the Bowls:

• 1 pound peeled and deveined shrimp
• 8 ounces uncooked rice noodles
• 1 avocado, peeled and sliced
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup sliced cucumbers
• 1 cup thinly sliced red cabbage
• 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced

Directions

1. Preparation of Ingredients:
   • Begin by prepping your vegetables. Wash, peel, and chop all veggies as described in the ingredients list. This includes shredding carrots, slicing the red bell pepper, cucumbers, red cabbage, and jalapeño, and peeling and slicing the avocado.
2. Cooking the Noodles:
   • Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and keep them from sticking.
3. Making the Peanut Sauce:
   • In a bowl, combine peanut butter, lime juice, honey, soy sauce, sriracha, fish sauce, ginger, and garlic. Whisk these together until smooth. Gradually add hot water to reach the desired consistency. The sauce should be creamy and pourable, not too thick.
4. Cooking the Shrimp:
   • Heat a splash of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Lay the shrimp in the skillet in a single layer and cook for about 1-2 minutes per side until they turn opaque and are cooked through.
5. Assembling the Bowls:
   • To assemble, place a portion of the cooked rice noodles in each bowl. Arrange the avocado slices, shredded carrots, sliced bell pepper, cucumber, red cabbage, and jalapeño beautifully over the noodles. Top with the cooked shrimp.
   • Drizzle each bowl generously with the homemade peanut sauce. For an extra touch of freshness, garnish with cilantro and a wedge of lime if desired.

Nutritional Information

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Calories: 450 kcal per serving
• Servings: 4

Conclusion

These spring roll bowls are not only a feast for the eyes but are also packed with nutrition. They offer a balance of protein, healthy fats, and a wide array of vitamins and minerals from the assorted vegetables. The homemade peanut sauce adds a rich, savory element that ties all the ingredients together beautifully. Whether it’s for a quick lunch or a leisurely dinner, these bowls are perfect for any day of the week. Enjoy the freshness and simplicity of this delightful meal!