Goi Cuon, also known as Vietnamese fresh spring rolls, is a delightful dish that showcases the vibrant flavors of Vietnam. These rolls are filled with a harmonious blend of fresh shrimp, tender pork slices, aromatic herbs like mint and cilantro, and delicate vermicelli noodles, all wrapped in translucent rice paper. They are typically served as a healthy appetizer or light meal, accompanied by a tangy and savory dipping sauce made with ingredients like hoisin sauce, peanut butter, garlic, and chili.

The history of Goi Cuon dates back to Vietnam's culinary traditions, where fresh ingredients and simplicity are prized. It is believed that these rolls originated in Southern Vietnam, where the abundance of fresh herbs and seafood inspired this refreshing and flavorful dish. Over time, Goi Cuon has become popular not only in Vietnam but also internationally, appreciated for its fresh flavors, lightness, and versatility.

Today, Goi Cuon is enjoyed worldwide as a symbol of Vietnamese cuisine's freshness and balance, offering a delightful combination of textures and tastes in every bite.

Ingredients:

- Rice paper wrappers

- Cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined

- Cooked pork slices or shredded cooked chicken (optional for variation)

- Rice vermicelli noodles, cooked according to package instructions

- Fresh herbs: mint leaves, cilantro, Thai basil (or any combination you prefer)

- Lettuce leaves

- Carrots, julienned

- Cucumber, julienned

- Spring onions, sliced lengthwise

- Bean sprouts (optional)

- Rice vinegar

- Sugar

- Water

- Hoisin sauce

- Peanut butter

- Garlic, minced

- Chili sauce or fresh chili, chopped (optional for spiciness)

- Crushed peanuts (optional for garnish)

Preparation Method:

1. Prepare the dipping sauce by combining hoisin sauce, peanut butter, minced garlic, sugar, water, and chopped chili (if using). Adjust the sweetness and spiciness to your taste. Set aside.

2. Soften the rice paper wrappers by dipping them briefly in warm water until pliable. Lay each wrapper on a clean, damp kitchen towel.

3. Place a lettuce leaf on the lower third of the wrapper. Add a small handful of vermicelli noodles on top of the lettuce.

4. Arrange shrimp, pork or chicken (if using), julienned carrots, cucumber, spring onions, and herbs on top of the noodles.

5. Fold the sides of the wrapper inward, then roll tightly from the bottom to enclose the filling. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.

6. Serve the Goi Cuon rolls with the prepared dipping sauce on the side, and garnish with crushed peanuts if desired.

Nutrition Value:

1. Rice Paper Wrappers:

  - Calories: Approximately 20 calories per sheet

  - Carbohydrates: Around 4-5 grams per sheet

  - Protein: Negligible

  - Fat: Minimal

  - Sodium: Low

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Nutritional Benefits: Provides carbohydrates for energy; low in calories and fat.

2. Cooked Shrimp, Peeled and Deveined:

  - Calories: About 84 calories per 100 grams

  - Carbohydrates: Negligible

  - Protein: Around 20 grams per 100 grams

  - Fat: Approximately 1 gram per 100 grams

  - Sodium: Varies based on preparation

  - Cholesterol: About 160-200 mg per 100 grams

  - Nutritional Benefits: Excellent source of protein, low in calories, and contains omega-3 fatty acids.

3. Cooked Pork Slices or Shredded Cooked Chicken:

  - Nutritional values vary based on preparation method and cut.

  - Calories, protein, fat, sodium, and cholesterol depend on the specific cut and cooking method.

  - Nutritional Benefits: Pork and chicken are good sources of protein and can add variety to the rolls.

4. Rice Vermicelli Noodles, Cooked:

  - Calories: Approximately 200 calories per cup (cooked)

  - Carbohydrates: Around 45 grams per cup

  - Protein: About 4 grams per cup

  - Fat: Minimal

  - Sodium: Low

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Nutritional Benefits: Provides carbohydrates for energy; gluten-free and low in fat.

5. Fresh Herbs (Mint Leaves, Cilantro, Thai Basil):

  - Calories: Very low (negligible)

  - Carbohydrates: Minimal

  - Protein: Negligible

  - Fat: Minimal

  - Sodium: Low

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Nutritional Benefits: Rich in vitamins (like vitamin C), minerals, and antioxidants.

6. Lettuce Leaves:

  - Calories: Low (around 5-10 calories per leaf)

  - Carbohydrates: Minimal

  - Protein: Negligible

  - Fat: Minimal

  - Sodium: Low

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Nutritional Benefits: Provides dietary fiber, vitamins (like vitamin K), and minerals.

7. Carrots, Julienned:

  - Calories: Approximately 25 calories per 100 grams

  - Carbohydrates: Around 6 grams per 100 grams

  - Protein: About 0.5 grams per 100 grams

  - Fat: Minimal

  - Sodium: Low

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Nutritional Benefits: Good source of vitamin A, fiber, and antioxidants.

8. Cucumber, Julienned:

  - Calories: About 16 calories per 100 grams

  - Carbohydrates: Around 3 grams per 100 grams

  - Protein: Approximately 0.6 grams per 100 grams

  - Fat: Minimal

  - Sodium: Low

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Nutritional Benefits: Hydrating, contains vitamins (like vitamin K), and minerals.

9. Spring Onions, Sliced Lengthwise:

  - Calories: Low (around 32 calories per 100 grams)

  - Carbohydrates: About 7 grams per 100 grams

  - Protein: Approximately 1.8 grams per 100 grams

  - Fat: Minimal

  - Sodium: Low

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Nutritional Benefits: Contains vitamins (like vitamin C), antioxidants, and fiber.

10. Bean Sprouts (Optional):

  - Calories: Around 31 calories per cup

  - Carbohydrates: About 6 grams per cup

  - Protein: Approximately 3 grams per cup

  - Fat: Minimal

  - Sodium: Low

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Nutritional Benefits: Good source of protein, vitamins (like vitamin C), and minerals.

11. Rice Vinegar:

  - Calories: Low (negligible)

  - Carbohydrates: Minimal

  - Protein: Negligible

  - Fat: Minimal

  - Sodium: Low

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Nutritional Benefits: Adds flavor without significant calories; may aid digestion.

12. Sugar:

  - Calories: Provides 16 calories per teaspoon

  - Carbohydrates: About 4 grams per teaspoon

  - Protein: Negligible

  - Fat: None

  - Sodium: None

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Nutritional Benefits: Provides quick energy but should be consumed in moderation.

13. Water:

  - Calories: None

  - Carbohydrates: None

  - Protein: None

  - Fat: None

  - Sodium: None

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Nutritional Benefits: Essential for hydration and overall health.

14. Hoisin Sauce:

  - Calories: About 50 calories per tablespoon

  - Carbohydrates: Around 11 grams per tablespoon

  - Protein: Negligible

  - Fat: Minimal

  - Sodium: Varies (check labels for sodium content)

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Nutritional Benefits: Adds sweetness and umami flavor; contains some vitamins and minerals.

15. Peanut Butter:

  - Calories: Around 95 calories per tablespoon

  - Carbohydrates: About 3 grams per tablespoon

  - Protein: Approximately 4 grams per tablespoon

  - Fat: About 8 grams per tablespoon (mostly healthy fats)

  - Sodium: Minimal

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Nutritional Benefits: Good source of protein, healthy fats, and vitamins (like vitamin E).

16. Garlic, Minced:

  - Calories: Low (around 4 calories per clove)

  - Carbohydrates: About 1 gram per clove

  - Protein: Negligible

  - Fat: Minimal

  - Sodium: Low

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Nutritional Benefits: Contains antioxidants and may have antibacterial properties.

17. Chili Sauce or Fresh Chili (Optional):

  - Calories: Minimal (depends on quantity)

  - Carbohydrates: Minimal

  - Protein: Negligible

  - Fat: Minimal

  - Sodium: Varies (check labels for sodium content)

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Nutritional Benefits: Adds spice and flavor; may boost metabolism and provide vitamin C.

18. Crushed Peanuts (Optional for Garnish):

  - Calories: About 160 calories per ounce (28 grams)

  - Carbohydrates: Around 6 grams per ounce

  - Protein: Approximately 7 grams per ounce

  - Fat: About 14 grams per ounce (mostly healthy fats)

  - Sodium: Minimal

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Nutritional Benefits: Good source of protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients like magnesium and vitamin E.

These nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific brands and preparation methods. Adjustments can be made based on dietary preferences and nutritional goals