Shrimp And Rice Sausages With Vietnamese Dipping Sauce Recipes

SHRIMP AND RICE SAUSAGES WITH VIETNAMESE DIPPING SAUCE

Steps:

• 1 English cucumber, cut in half lengthwise, thinly sliced into half-moons 1. In a large bowl whisk 1 tablespoon oil, the fish sauce, and sugar until the sugar dissolves. Stir in the scallions, baking powder, and pepper (the mixture will foam slightly). Chop the shrimp into a chunky paste. Add the shrimp and rice to the scallion mixture and mix thoroughly. Working with 2 tablespoons at a time, shape the mixture into 24 to 30 two-inch long sausages and place on an oiled sheet pan. Brush the top of each sausage with oil. 2. In a small, nonreactive bowl whisk the sauce ingredients until the sugar is dissolved. 3. Prepare a two-zone fire for low heat (250° to 350°F) and preheat the grill pan on the cooking grate over direct heat. 4. Brush the cooking grate clean. Drain and add the wood chips to the charcoal and put the lid on the grill. When the wood begins to smoke, close the bottom vent on the grill and leave the top vent half open. Place the sausages in a single layer on the grill pan and cook over direct low heat, with the lid closed as much as possible, until the sausages are plump, opaque, and golden, 6 to 8 minutes, turning once. Remove from the grill. 5. Place each sausage on a lettuce leaf and top with mint, carrots, and cucumber. Drizzle with the sauce or use sauce for dipping. Serve warm or at room temperature.

VIETNAMESE SPRING ROLLS WITH DIPPING SAUCE

Steps:

• Whisk vinegar, fish sauce, sugar, lime juice, garlic, and red pepper flakes together in a small bowl. Set the dipping sauce aside.
• Fill a large bowl with room temperature water. Add rice vermicelli and soak for 1 hour.
• Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Drop in shrimp and cook until curled and pink, about 1 minute. Remove the shrimp and drain. Slice each shrimp in half lengthwise. Transfer rice vermicelli noodles to the pot of boiling water and cook for 1 minute. Remove and drain in a colander. Immediately rinse the vermicelli with cold water, stirring to separate the noodles.
• To assemble the rolls, dip 1 rice wrapper in a large bowl of room temperature water for a few seconds to soften. Place wrapper on a work surface and top with 4 shrimp halves, 1/4 of the chopped lettuce, 1/2 ounce vermicelli, and 1/4 each of the mint, cilantro, and Thai basil. Fold right and left edges of the wrapper over the ends of the filling and roll up the spring roll. Repeat with remaining wrappers and ingredients. Cut each roll in half and serve with dipping sauce.

VIETNAMESE DIPPING SAUCE FOR PEPPER SHRIMP

Steps:

• In a small bowl, combine lime juice, fish sauce, vinegar, sugar, and chile. Transfer to a serving bowl.

SHRIMP RICE-PAPER ROLLS WITH VIETNAMESE DIPPING SAUCE

Steps:

• For dipping sauce:
• Whisk all ingredients in medium bowl until sugar dissolves. Let stand at least 30 minutes. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover; chill.)
• For rice-paper rolls:
• Heat oil in medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes. Cool.
• Place rice sticks in large bowl; add enough hot water to cover. Let stand until softened, about 30 minutes. Drain. Cut into 6-inch lengths; set aside. Fill same bowl with warm water. Add 1 rice-paper sheet and turn until beginning to soften, about 30 seconds (sheet will still be stiff in a few spots). Remove from water; drain on kitchen towel. Repeat with 5 more rice-paper sheets, arranging in single layer.
• Divide half of mint, cilantro, and basil among softened rice-paper sheets, arranging in line across lower third of each sheet and leaving 1-inch border on each end. Top with half of rice sticks, shaping into compact log. Top with half of lettuce, sprouts, cucumber, carrot, shrimp, and mushrooms. Fold bottom of each rice sheet over filling, then fold in ends and roll into tight cylinder. Place rolls, seam side down, on platter. Repeat soaking with remaining rice-paper sheets, then top with remaining filling to form 6 more rolls. (Can be made 6 hours ahead. Cover with damp paper towel and plastic wrap; chill.) Cut each roll diagonally into thirds. Arrange on platter and serve with sauce.
• *Available at Asian markets.