Cheesy Spicy Noodles Rice Paper Combo's
Cheesy Spicy Noodles Rice Paper Combo's is a easy Vietnamese recipe that serves 4. 150 calories per serving. Recipe by Carla Huijbers on YouTube.
Prep: 25 min | Cook: 5 min | Total: 40 min
Cost: $26.23 total, $6.56 per serving
Ingredients
- 12 pieces Rice Paper Sheets (12‑inch round, store‑bought)
- 200 g Rice Vermicelli Noodles (Thin rice noodles, cooked according to package)
- 2 tbsp Sriracha Chili Sauce (Adjust to heat preference)
- 2 tbsp Soy Sauce (Low‑sodium preferred)
- 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar (Adds brightness)
- 1 tsp Sesame Oil (Toasted, for aroma)
- 1 tsp Honey (Can substitute agave for vegan)
- 1 clove Garlic, minced (Freshly minced)
- 1 tbsp Chinese Rice Wine (Shaoxing) (Used only in the rice‑wine roll variation)
- 4 large Butter Lettuce Leaves (Whole leaves, washed and patted dry)
- 2 sheets Nori Seaweed Sheets (Cut into 2‑inch strips for the seaweed roll)
- 1 handful Fresh Mint Leaves (Roughly chopped)
- 1 handful Fresh Cilantro Leaves (Roughly chopped)
- 1 medium Carrot (Julienned into thin strips)
- 1/2 piece Cucumber (Julienned, seedless preferred)
- 2 tbsp Crushed Peanuts (Optional garnish for extra crunch)
Instructions
Cook the Rice Vermicelli
Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add the rice vermicelli and cook for 4‑5 minutes until tender but still al dente. Drain in a colander and rinse briefly with cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: boiling
Prepare the Spicy Sauce
In a small bowl combine sriracha, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey and minced garlic. Stir until honey dissolves. Taste and adjust heat or sweetness as desired.
Time: PT5M
Prep Fresh Vegetables and Herbs
Wash and dry the lettuce leaves. Julienne the carrot and cucumber. Roughly chop the mint and cilantro. Set all components in separate piles for easy assembly.
Time: PT5M
Cut the Nori Sheets
Using kitchen scissors, cut each nori sheet into 2‑inch wide strips. Set aside for the seaweed roll variation.
Time: PT2M
Soak Rice Paper
Fill a shallow dish with warm water (not boiling). Submerge one rice paper sheet for about 10 seconds until pliable, then lay it flat on a clean plate. Repeat for all sheets, keeping them covered with a damp towel to prevent drying out.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: warm
Assemble the Rice‑Wine Roll
Place a soaked rice paper on the plate. In the center, add a small handful of cooked noodles, a few carrot and cucumber strips, mint, cilantro and a leaf of lettuce. Drizzle 1 tsp of rice wine over the filling. Fold the sides inward and roll tightly. Slice in half if desired.
Time: PT5M
Assemble the Lettuce Crunch Roll
Using another soaked rice paper, layer noodles, carrot, cucumber, a generous amount of lettuce, mint and cilantro. No rice wine is added. Roll tightly and slice.
Time: PT5M
Assemble the Seaweed Roll
Lay a soaked rice paper, add noodles, carrot, cucumber, mint, cilantro and a strip of nori. Roll tightly, ensuring the nori stays inside the roll for extra umami. Slice and sprinkle with crushed peanuts if using.
Time: PT5M
Serve with Sauce
Arrange the three roll types on a serving platter. Serve the spicy sauce in a small dipping bowl alongside the rolls. Garnish with extra crushed peanuts or fresh herbs if desired.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 150
- Protein
- 3g
- Carbohydrates
- 30g
- Fat
- 3g
- Fiber
- 2g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Can be made vegan by using agave instead of honey and tamari instead of soy sauce
Allergens: Soy, Peanuts, Sesame
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Rice Paper Sheets: Gluten‑free rice paper
- Instead of Rice Vermicelli Noodles: Glass noodles
- Instead of Sriracha Chili Sauce: Thai chili paste
- Instead of Soy Sauce: Tamari (gluten‑free)
- Instead of Rice Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar
- Instead of Sesame Oil: Peanut oil
- Instead of Honey: Agave nectar
- Instead of Garlic, minced: Garlic paste
- Instead of Chinese Rice Wine (Shaoxing): Dry sherry
- Instead of Butter Lettuce Leaves: Romaine or iceberg
- Instead of Nori Seaweed Sheets: Soy paper
- Instead of Fresh Mint Leaves: Thai basil
- Instead of Fresh Cilantro Leaves: Parsley
- Instead of Carrot: Daikon radish
- Instead of Cucumber: Zucchini
- Instead of Crushed Peanuts: Toasted sesame seeds
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Colander
- Mixing Bowl
- Small Bowl
- Cutting Board
- Chef’s Knife
- Tongs
- Plate for Assembling
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Soaking the rice paper correctly to avoid tearing
- Cooking the vermicelli just to al dente
- Rolling the rolls tightly to keep fillings inside
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra flavor, add a splash of lime juice to the dipping sauce.
- Use a bamboo rolling mat for more even pressure when rolling.
- If you like extra heat, add thinly sliced fresh red chili to the filling.
Troubleshooting
Rice paper tears while rolling
Soak the sheet a few seconds longer and keep it on a damp towel before handling.
Noodles clump together
Rinse the cooked vermicelli under cold water and toss with a drizzle of sesame oil to keep them separate.
Rolls feel soggy
Pat all fresh vegetables dry and do not over‑soak the rice paper. Serve immediately after assembling.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store rolls in an airtight container for up to 2 days; keep sauce separate.
Freezer: Not recommended – rice paper becomes soggy when frozen.
Room temperature: Can sit at room temperature for up to 1 hour before serving.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the spicy sauce up to 2 days ahead and store in the refrigerator
- Cook and rinse the vermicelli ahead of time; keep it covered with a damp cloth
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of spicy noodle rice paper rolls in Vietnamese cuisine?
Rice paper rolls, known as gỏi cuốn, are a staple of Vietnamese street food, traditionally filled with fresh herbs, vermicelli and protein. The spicy version adds chili‑based sauces, reflecting modern Vietnamese tastes that love a balance of heat, sour and sweet.
What are the traditional regional variations of spicy noodle rice paper rolls in Vietnam?
In the north, rolls often feature herbs like dill and a lighter sauce, while central Vietnam prefers spicier chili oil. Southern versions include more fresh lettuce and sometimes shrimp. The three variations in this recipe showcase a fusion of those regional preferences.
How is a spicy noodle rice paper roll authentically served in Vietnam?
Authentic Vietnamese rolls are served at room temperature on a platter with a small bowl of nuoc cham (fish‑sauce‑based dip). For a spicy twist, the dip is enriched with sriracha or fresh chilies, as demonstrated in this recipe.
What occasions or celebrations are spicy noodle rice paper rolls traditionally associated with in Vietnamese culture?
Rice paper rolls are popular at family gatherings, Lunar New Year (Tết), and casual street‑food outings. Their fresh, light nature makes them ideal for warm weather celebrations and as appetizers during festive meals.
What other Vietnamese dishes pair well with spicy noodle rice paper rolls?
They pair beautifully with pho broth, bánh mì sandwiches, or a simple Vietnamese cucumber salad. A cold jasmine tea or a light lemongrass iced drink also complements the heat of the rolls.
What makes these three spicy noodle rice paper rolls special in Vietnamese cuisine?
Each roll highlights a different texture: the rice‑wine roll adds a subtle aromatic depth, the lettuce roll offers crisp freshness, and the seaweed roll introduces umami and a hint of oceanic flavor, creating a balanced tasting experience.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making spicy noodle rice paper rolls?
Common errors include over‑soaking the rice paper (causing tears), overcooking the vermicelli (making rolls soggy), and overfilling which makes rolling difficult. Follow the critical steps to ensure tidy, flavorful rolls.
Why does this recipe use a quick‑soak method for rice paper instead of steaming?
Quick soaking keeps the rice paper pliable without making it too soft, which is essential for rolling tight, bite‑size rolls. Steaming would make the sheets overly wet and prone to tearing.
Can I make these spicy noodle rice paper rolls ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes, you can assemble the rolls up to 2 hours ahead; keep them covered with a damp kitchen towel and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep the dipping sauce separate to maintain crispness.
What texture and appearance should I look for when making the spicy noodle rice paper rolls?
The rice paper should be translucent yet sturdy, the noodles should be glossy and separate, and the vegetables should remain crisp. A well‑rolled roll looks neat, with fillings visible at the ends when sliced.
What does the YouTube channel Carla Huijbers specialize in?
The YouTube channel Carla Huijbers focuses on quick, health‑focused Asian-inspired meals, emphasizing fresh ingredients, simple techniques, and adaptable recipes for busy home cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Carla Huijbers' approach to Vietnamese cooking differ from other Vietnamese cooking channels?
Carla Huijbers blends traditional Vietnamese flavors with modern, health‑conscious twists—like using rice wine for depth and offering vegan alternatives—while keeping videos short, visually clear, and ingredient‑budget friendly.
Last updated: August 30, 2026








