Easy Spicy Rice Paper Salad (Vietnamese-Inspired)
By Sho @ Hungry for Thai
on
Feb 7th 2025 
This recipe is simple, quick, and made with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen! It’s inspired by Vietnamese Rice Paper Salad (Bánh Tráng Trộn)—an authentic, classic Vietnamese street food dish.
Table of Contents
What you'll need
- Rice Paper – Soft and chewy when soaked, serving as the base of the salad.
- Pepper – Adds a spicy kick and enhances the heat level of the dish.
- Chili Powder – Provides color, depth, and an additional layer of spice.
- Pepper – Adds a spicy kick and enhances the heat level of the dish.
- Minced Garlic – Brings a bold, aromatic flavor that complements the savory dressing.
- Scallions – Adds a mild onion flavor and a fresh, crisp texture.
- Sesame Seeds – Enhances the salad with a nutty aroma and slight crunch.
- Light Soy Sauce – Infuses the dish with a deep, savory umami taste.
- Oyster Sauce – Adds a rich, slightly sweet, and salty depth of flavor.
- Allulose (or sugar/honey substitute) – A natural sugar substitute that balances the acidity and spice.
- Rice Vinegar – Provides a tangy sharpness to brighten the overall flavor.
- Vegetable Oil – Used to heat and activate the spices, creating a fragrant dressing. (In this recipe, I use refined almond oil.)
- Sesame Oil (optional)– A rich, nutty oil made from sesame seeds.
I’ve added my own little twist to create this Spicy Rice Paper Salad (Vietnamese-Inspired). While both dishes share many similarities, there are key differences in ingredients, preparation, and traditional elements that make each version unique. My take on the dish is spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet, with a focus on easy-to-find ingredients and a fuss-free method. If you want a simple, spicy, and chewy salad with common ingredients, try the Spicy Rice Paper Salad
FAQs-Easy Spicy Rice Paper Salad (Vietnamese-Inspired)🥗
- My rice paper keeps sticking together. What should I do? Oh, I feel you! Try soaking them one at a time and laying them out separately. If they’re still sticking, toss them with a little oil before mixing in the sauce. That should help! 😊
- Can I make this ahead of time? I wouldn’t recommend it! Rice paper gets super soft and sticky over time. If you must prep ahead, keep the sauce and soaked rice paper separate and mix them just before serving!
- I don’t like cilantro. Can I skip it? Of course! If cilantro isn’t your thing, just leave it out or swap it with more scallions or fresh herbs like basil or mint. No stress! 🌿
- Can I add more toppings? Absolutely! Try crushed peanuts, crispy fried onions, or even roasted seaweed for extra flavor and crunch. Go wild! 🤩
Give it a try and enjoy a burst of Southeast Asian flavors in just a few simple steps! 😊🔥🥗
Easy Spicy Rice Paper Salad (Vietnamese-Inspired)
Prep time
10 minutes
Cook time
3 minutes
Serves
2
Ingredients
Steps
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Cooking Easy Spicy Rice Paper Salad (Vietnamese-Inspired):
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Cut each rice paper sheet into thin strips (about 1 inch wide). Wait to soak them in the next step.
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In a bowl, combine minced garlic, pepper, light soy sauce, oyster sauce, chili powder, allulose (or sugar/honey), vinegar and sesame seeds. Stir well and set aside.
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Soak the rice paper strips in room temperature water for about 20–30 seconds until they soften but don’t fall apart.
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Drain and let them sit in a bowl before mixing them with the dressing.
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Add the soaked rice paper strips into the dressing sauce.
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Heat vegetable oil in a pan until warm but not smoking and set aside.
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Carefully pour the hot oil over the dressing mix in the bowl (this enhances the flavors and slightly toasts the spices). Gently mix everything together until well coated.
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Garnish with extra sesame seeds or chopped peanuts for added crunch. Serve immediately for a fresh & chewy texture.
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Tips & Tweaks
- Want it fresher? Throw in some shredded carrots, cucumber, or bean sprouts! 🥕🥒
- Need some crunch? Add any kind of nuts you prefer, will do the trick! 🥜
- More protein? Add shrimp, tofu, or chicken—whatever you love! 🍤🐔
- Egg lovers? Toss in sliced boiled eggs, shrimp, or tofu for extra yum. 🥚
- Too spicy? Cut back on the crushed pepper & red pepper powder, or add a little honey to balance it out. 🌶️
- Want it sweeter? Just add a bit more honey or allulose! 🍬
- If you feel it’s too oily, just skip the sesame oil or reduce the vegetable oil. 🧈
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