Spicy & Fresh Kimchi Summer Rolls with Creamy Almond Butter Sauce (Vegan, Gluten-Free!)

Discover your new favorite light and spicy wrap! These Kimchi Summer Rolls feature crunchy raw veggies, tender rice noodles, zesty kimchi, and an addictive almond butter sauce, making them perfect for any meal.

For many, lunch is the most challenging meal of the day to plan and prepare. I often find myself standing in front of the refrigerator, staring blankly at a medley of vegetables, silently wishing for them to magically transform into a cohesive, delicious, and satisfying meal.

When inspiration fails, I typically resort to a simple plate of hummus, assorted veggies, and crackers. While perfectly acceptable, it sometimes leaves me craving something more vibrant and exciting.

My time in Germany introduced me to a culinary concept where a “hot” meal is traditionally eaten only once per day. This usually means a hearty lunch, leaving dinner to be a lighter affair, often consisting of bread with various meats and cheeses. While my dietary preferences don’t align with the latter part of that tradition, I certainly appreciate the efficiency of cooking just once a day.

As the weather warms, my appetite naturally shifts towards cool, light, and wonderfully refreshing dishes for my mid-day meal. This week, I decided it was time to break free from the usual routine and craft something truly fresh, unique, and utterly delightful for lunch. The result? These incredible Kimchi Summer Rolls – destined to become your go-to summer lunch or a show-stopping appetizer.

These vibrant spring rolls are packed with an assortment of crunchy raw vegetables and soft, perfectly cooked rice noodles, all brought together with a generous helping of tangy kimchi and an unbelievably addicting creamy almond butter dipping sauce. Get ready, because these are absolutely going to be on repeat in my kitchen all summer long, and I have a feeling they’ll be a staple in yours too! So, grab your plate and prepare to elevate your lunch game with something truly *good*.

To be completely transparent, there is a small amount of preliminary cooking and preparation involved in bringing this recipe to life. The main component requiring cooking ahead of time is the rice noodles. I highly recommend preparing a batch of these on Sunday, storing them in the refrigerator, and then using them throughout the week to effortlessly create fresh summer rolls whenever the craving strikes.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for a slightly different texture or want to use what you have on hand, jasmine rice can be an excellent substitute for the rice noodles, offering a different but equally delicious variation to these versatile rolls.

Crafting the Irresistible Almond Butter Dipping Sauce

The heart of these Kimchi Summer Rolls lies in their incredibly flavorful and creamy almond butter dipping sauce. This sauce perfectly balances the tangy and spicy notes of the kimchi and fresh vegetables. It’s so good, you’ll want to put it on everything!

What You Need to Make This Delicious Almond Butter Sauce:

• Smooth almond butter (the creamy base)
• Tamari Lite (for umami depth and a gluten-free savory kick)
• Pure maple syrup (to add a touch of natural sweetness that balances the spice)
• Chili garlic sauce (for that essential spicy zing)
• Fresh lime juice (to brighten the flavors with a zesty tang)
• Filtered water (to achieve the perfect, pourable consistency)

That’s truly all it takes to create a sauce that will have you coming back for more!

How to Effortlessly Make the Almond Butter Sauce

Begin by adding all of the almond butter sauce ingredients to a small mixing bowl. Using a fork, vigorously whisk everything together until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined. As you whisk, gradually add filtered water, a tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. You’re aiming for a texture that is thick enough to cling to the rolls but still easily pourable and dippable.

For those who prefer a completely hands-off approach or desire an ultra-smooth consistency, you can certainly combine all ingredients in a high-speed blender or food processor. However, I often opt for the hand-mixing method to save on extra dishes – a small luxury that makes weeknight cooking even easier!

Once prepared, transfer your delectable almond butter sauce to a sealed container and refrigerate it until you are ready to serve. Chilling the sauce allows the flavors to meld beautifully and provides a refreshing contrast to the fresh ingredients in the rolls.

What You Need to Assemble Your Refreshing Kimchi Summer Rolls

Now that our incredible almond butter sauce is chilling and the noodles are prepped, it’s time to gather the vibrant ingredients that will fill our delightful summer rolls.

Essential Ingredients for Your Summer Rolls:

• Rice paper wrappers (the translucent, edible “skin” of your rolls)
• Cooked rice noodles (for a satisfying, soft texture)
• Ripe avocado, sliced (optional, but highly recommended for creamy richness)
• Crisp carrot, peeled and shredded (for vibrant color and crunch)
• Cool cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced (adding a refreshing bite)
• Peppery arugula (for a subtle, sophisticated green note)
• Eden Foods Organic Kimchi Sauerkraut (the star ingredient, offering tangy spice and gut-friendly benefits)
• Fresh cilantro (for a burst of herbal freshness)
• Black sesame seeds (for garnish and a nutty visual appeal)

That’s your complete list for creating these beautiful and flavorful wraps!

Step-by-Step: How to Make Kimchi Summer Rolls

Making summer rolls is an art, but a very forgiving one! Here’s how to assemble them with ease:

1. First, prepare your rice paper wrappers. Fill a large shallow dish or bowl with warm water. Submerge one rice paper wrapper completely in the warm water for about 10-15 seconds, or until it becomes soft, pliable, and slightly transparent to the touch. It’s crucial not to oversoak, as it can become too sticky and difficult to handle.
2. Carefully transfer the softened rice paper wrapper to a clean cutting board or a flat plate. This is your workspace for assembly.
3. Now, arrange your fillings. In a thin, horizontal layer near the bottom edge of the rice paper (about one-third of the way up), add a small portion of cooked rice noodles, a few slices of avocado (if using), shredded carrot, cucumber slices, a handful of arugula, a spoonful of well-drained kimchi, and a few sprigs of fresh cilantro.
4. For the most visually appealing rolls, place your sliced vegetables and greens at the very bottom of your filling layer. This ensures they will be beautifully visible through the translucent wrapper once your roll is complete.
5. To roll, begin by folding the bottom edge of the rice paper snugly over the filling. Then, fold in both sides of the wrapper towards the center, just like you would with a burrito. Finally, tightly roll the wrapper up from the bottom to the top, creating a neat, cylindrical summer roll. The natural stickiness of the wet rice paper will seal the roll.
6. Repeat this process with the remaining rice paper wrappers and fillings until all your ingredients are used up. Arrange your finished summer rolls on a serving platter.

My Favorite Kimchi: The Secret to These Rolls

The star of these summer rolls, without a doubt, is the kimchi. I simply adore getting a flavorful bite of Eden Foods Organic Kimchi Sauerkraut with every single mouthful. It’s truly the best addition to spring rolls!

What makes this particular sauerkraut so special is its unique fusion of traditional kimchi spice with the more mellow, comforting flavors of classic sauerkraut. This combination creates a “best of both worlds” experience, especially for someone like me who enjoys a bit of spice but can be sensitive to intense heat. It offers that signature tangy, umami-rich kimchi flavor without overwhelming the palate.

Beyond its incredible taste, this Kimchi Sauerkraut is a fermented food, meaning it’s packed with a plethora of health benefits! Fermentation is a natural process that produces many healthy compounds not typically found in raw foods, significantly boosting gut health and strengthening the immune system. Consuming fermented foods regularly can contribute to a balanced microbiome, which is vital for overall well-being and digestion.

Eden Foods’ version is crafted with antioxidant-rich vegetables, herbs, and spices, including 100% organic red bell peppers, onions, garlic, ginger root, cayenne pepper, yellow mustard seed, and chili pepper. This thoughtful blend ensures not only fantastic flavor but also a nutrient-dense addition to your meal.

It’s absolutely delicious, and I wholeheartedly recommend wrapping a spoonful (or even two!) of this wonderful kimchi sauerkraut into each of your summer rolls. It truly elevates the entire dish.

Pro tip for perfect rolls: Be sure to drain the kimchi sauerkraut exceptionally well before adding it to your rolls. Excess liquid can make the rice paper soggy, leading to less-than-ideal spring rolls. A quick squeeze in a paper towel or through a fine-mesh sieve will do the trick!

Notes on Meal Prep and Storage

Once your beautiful Kimchi Summer Rolls are assembled, transfer them to a platter. Serve them immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of black sesame seeds and a generous side of the creamy almond butter sauce.

For optimal freshness and to prevent sogginess, it’s best to store any leftover ingredients separately. Keep your pre-cooked rice noodles, sliced vegetables, and kimchi in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Then, simply reassemble the wraps just before you’re ready to serve them again. This ensures each roll is as crisp and fresh as the first.

While already assembled wraps will keep in the refrigerator for 1-2 days, they are undoubtedly at their absolute best when enjoyed fresh. The rice paper can become a bit firmer and less pliable over time, and some ingredients might release moisture. Therefore, for the ultimate experience, assemble only what you plan to eat right away.

Creative Ways to Serve Your Kimchi Summer Rolls

These Kimchi Summer Rolls are incredibly versatile and perfect for a variety of occasions. Enjoy them as a fun, light, and mildly spicy summer meal that will tantalize your taste buds without weighing you down. Their refreshing nature makes them an ideal choice for a light lunch by the pool, a beachside picnic, or simply savored in the cool comfort of your air-conditioned home.

I personally love the combination of crunchy raw vegetables I’ve chosen for this recipe, but feel completely free to customize these rolls to your liking. Don’t hesitate to swap out vegetables based on what’s in season, what you have on hand, or what your family prefers. Think thinly sliced bell peppers for extra crunch and color, shredded purple cabbage for a vibrant pop, or even fresh mint leaves for an added layer of herbaceous freshness. You could also add marinated baked tofu or tempeh for an extra protein boost!

For an extra layer of texture and visual appeal, try sprinkling a bit of black sesame seeds on top of each roll or on your dipping sauce. They add a delicate crunch and a beautiful contrast against the colorful fillings.

And don’t let any leftover Almond Butter Sauce go to waste! Its rich and creamy flavor makes it incredibly versatile. Use it as a delectable dip for raw veggies, drizzle it generously over your favorite grain bowls, or transform it into a unique and flavorful dressing for salads. It’s so good, you’ll find endless ways to enjoy it!

Enjoy these delightful, healthy, and easy-to-make Kimchi Summer Rolls – a perfect blend of fresh flavors and satisfying textures!

More Delicious Vegan Roll Recipes to Explore

If you loved these Kimchi Summer Rolls, you’re in for a treat! Here are a few more of my favorite vegan roll recipes that are equally fresh, flavorful, and perfect for a healthy meal:

• Vegan Avocado & Roasted Red Pepper Sushi

• Sweet Potato Avocado Rolls with Sriracha Tahini

• Rainbow Rice Paper Wraps with Black Sesame Sauce

I Want to Hear From You!

If you make this incredible Kimchi Summer Rolls recipe, I would absolutely love to hear about it!

Be sure to leave me a comment, rating, and review below so I can use your valuable feedback to create even more delicious recipes and “yums” for you.

Also, give me a shout on Instagram and use the hashtag #floraandvino to share your beautiful creations with me. I love seeing what you cook up!

Don’t forget to check out my Pinterest page to pin this recipe and discover many more like it to try out later.

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XO Lauren

 

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