Spring Roll Bowl with Peanut Sauce Recipe
Introduction
This Spring Roll Bowl with Peanut Sauce is a fresh, vibrant dish that captures the flavors of classic spring rolls without the wrapping hassle. Loaded with crunchy vegetables, tender rice noodles, and a creamy, tangy peanut sauce, it’s a quick and satisfying meal perfect for any season.

Ingredients
- 8 oz. thin rice noodles*
- 1 large carrot
- 1 small cucumber
- 2 cups red cabbage, thinly sliced
- 3 green onions
- 1/3 cup fresh cilantro (and/or fresh basil)
- Optional toppings: Chopped peanuts, sesame seeds, mung bean sprouts, fresh mint, sriracha, etc.
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (creamy, natural)
- 2 Tbsp. maple syrup or brown sugar
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. tamari (or soy sauce)
- 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon or lime juice
- 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp. fresh grated ginger
- Hot water to thin to desired consistency
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the vegetables by very thinly slicing the carrot, cucumber, red cabbage, and green onions. Roughly chop the cilantro, removing large stems. Set all aside.
- Step 2: Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions, aiming for al dente texture. Drain and set aside.
- Step 3: Make the peanut sauce by combining peanut butter, maple syrup or brown sugar, tamari, lemon or lime juice, garlic, and grated ginger in a medium bowl. Heat about 3/4 cup water to just under boiling, then add it to the bowl a few tablespoons at a time while whisking. Continue adding hot water until the sauce reaches your desired consistency (about 1/2 cup usually works).
- Step 4: Assemble the bowl by placing the cooked noodles in a serving dish, topping with the sliced vegetables, and drizzling generously with the peanut sauce. Garnish with optional toppings like chopped peanuts and sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture.
Tips & Variations
- For a spicy kick, add sriracha or fresh chili flakes to the peanut sauce.
- Substitute tofu, cooked shrimp, or grilled chicken for added protein.
- Use fresh basil in place of cilantro for a different herbal note.
- If you prefer a gluten-free version, be sure to use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce.
Storage
Store any leftover ingredients separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The peanut sauce can be kept in the fridge for up to 5 days. When ready to eat, gently toss noodles and vegetables with sauce again or serve sauce on the side to keep the noodles from getting soggy. Reheat noodles gently or serve cold for best texture.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use different noodles for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute rice noodles with soba noodles, vermicelli, or even thin spaghetti if necessary. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
How can I make the peanut sauce thicker or thinner?
To thicken the sauce, reduce the amount of hot water added or add more peanut butter. To thin it out, gradually add hot water until you reach the desired consistency.
Print
Spring Roll Bowl with Peanut Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A fresh and vibrant Spring Roll Bowl featuring thin rice noodles, crisp vegetables, and a creamy, flavorful peanut sauce. This dish combines the textures and flavors of traditional spring rolls in a convenient, bowl-friendly format, perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz. thin rice noodles
- 1 large carrot, very thinly sliced
- 1 small cucumber, very thinly sliced
- 2 cups red cabbage, thinly sliced
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped (large stems removed)
Peanut Sauce
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (preferably creamy, natural)
- 2 Tbsp. maple syrup or brown sugar
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. tamari (or soy sauce)
- 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon or lime juice
- 1–2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp. fresh grated ginger
- Hot water, about 1/2 cup, to thin sauce to desired consistency
Optional Toppings
- Chopped peanuts
- Sesame seeds
- Mung bean sprouts
- Fresh mint
- Sriracha or other hot sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Very thinly slice the carrot, cucumber, red cabbage, and green onions. Roughly chop the cilantro, removing large stems. Set all prepared vegetables aside.
- Cook the noodles: Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions, ensuring they are left al dente—slightly firm and not mushy. Once cooked, drain the noodles thoroughly.
- Make the peanut sauce: While the noodles cook, combine all peanut sauce ingredients except water (peanut butter, maple syrup or brown sugar, tamari or soy sauce, lemon or lime juice, minced garlic, and grated ginger) in a medium bowl. Heat about 3/4 cup water to just under boiling and gradually add it a couple tablespoons at a time, whisking continuously until the sauce reaches a smooth and pourable consistency, usually about 1/2 cup of water.
- Assemble the bowl: In serving bowls, layer the cooked noodles and the sliced veggies. Drizzle the peanut sauce generously over the top. Garnish with optional toppings like chopped peanuts, sesame seeds, mung bean sprouts, fresh mint, or a drizzle of sriracha to add extra flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use thin rice noodles for the best texture; thicker noodles may overpower the dish.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure tamari is used instead of soy sauce.
- Adjust the thickness of the peanut sauce by adding more or less hot water as desired.
- Optional toppings add crunch and spice; feel free to customize based on preference.
- This dish is best served fresh and not stored for long periods as the noodles may become soggy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Keywords: Spring roll bowl, peanut sauce, rice noodles, Vietnamese-inspired, gluten free, easy lunch, vegetarian

