Rice Paper Recipes: 21 Irresistible Ideas You’ll Crave All Week

Rice paper — that whisper-thin, translucent wrap you’ve seen hugging Vietnamese spring rolls — is having a moment. And not just for traditional recipes. These days, it’s getting pan-fried, baked, stuffed, even sweetened.

This guide is your go-to for mastering rice paper recipes, whether you’re after crispy, savory, healthy, or dessert-friendly ideas. You’ll learn how to work with it, what not to do, and which dipping sauces to pair. Bonus? You’ll discover 21 epic rice paper recipes ideas you’ll want on repeat.

Introduction to Rice Paper Recipes

What Is Rice Paper?

Rice paper (or bánh tráng) is a thin, round sheet made from rice flour, water, and sometimes tapioca starch to enhance stretchiness. Used widely in Vietnamese and Thai cooking, it becomes pliable when dipped briefly in water — a gateway to wraps, rolls, and dumplings.

History and Cultural Significance

Originating in Vietnam, rice paper is both a culinary staple and a cultural icon. Traditionally used to wrap fresh herbs, rice noodles, and protein, it represents simplicity, balance, and freshness — key pillars of Southeast Asian cuisine. For deeper context, explore Vietnamese cuisine’s cultural roots.

Nutritional Value of Rice Paper Recipes

Rice paper might feel like air in your hands — thin, delicate, almost weightless — but don’t underestimate its power when it comes to building a healthy meal. It’s a smart base for everything from light lunches to satisfying snacks, especially if you’re looking for a gluten-free, low-calorie alternative to bread or tortillas.

Let’s break it down.

What’s in a Sheet?

One standard rice paper sheet (around 22 cm in diameter) typically contains:

• Calories: ~30–40 kcal
• Carbohydrates: ~7–9g
• Protein: <1g
• Fat: ~0g
• Fiber: ~0.3g
• Sodium: Very low or 0g (unless flavored)

Yep — that’s it. No mystery ingredients. No preservatives. Just rice flour, water, and often a touch of tapioca starch for elasticity.

Naturally Gluten-Free

Made without wheat, rice paper is a great option for:

• Celiac-friendly meals
• Gluten-sensitive eaters
• Low-allergen diets

Pair it with nutrient-dense fillings — like avocado, tofu, grilled meats, or fresh vegetables — and you’ve got a balanced, whole-food wrap.

Low-Calorie, But Satisfying

It might be light on calories, but it’s not lacking in satisfaction. That’s because rice paper acts as the perfect vessel for hearty ingredients, all while adding almost no fat or sugar to your meal.

Trying to eat cleaner? Swap your tortilla or sandwich bread for rice paper and instantly lighten up your plate.

Low in Sodium & Preservative-Free

Unlike many store-bought wraps, rice paper contains little to no sodium and zero additives — especially when you opt for the traditional, unseasoned kind.

💡 Pro Tip: Want to keep your whole meal light and clean? Pair your rolls with homemade dipping sauces like a soy-lime-ginger blend instead of heavy dressings.

21 Best Rice Paper Recipes

Let’s get into the real magic: 21 crave-worthy rice paper recipes — from savory wraps to creative desserts. Each one is easy to follow and packs a serious flavor.

1. Classic Vietnamese Spring Rolls

Ingredients:

• Rice paper sheets
• Cooked shrimp (halved lengthwise)
• Rice vermicelli noodles
• Lettuce
• Fresh mint & cilantro
• Cucumber, julienned
• Peanut dipping sauce

Instructions:

1. Dip rice paper in lukewarm water and lay it on a damp surface.
2. Place lettuce, herbs, noodles, cucumber, and shrimp near the bottom.
3. Fold in the sides and roll tightly like a burrito.
4. Serve with peanut sauce.

2. Spicy Shrimp and Avocado Wraps

Ingredients:

• Rice paper
• Cooked shrimp (tossed in chili garlic sauce)
• Avocado slices
• Red cabbage, shredded
• Lime juice

Instructions:

1. Soften rice paper and lay flat.
2. Add shrimp, avocado, and cabbage.
3. Squeeze a little lime over the top.
4. Roll up and serve with sriracha-mayo dip.

3. Rainbow Veggie Rolls

Ingredients:

• Bell peppers (red, yellow, green), julienned
• Carrot and cucumber, thin strips
• Red cabbage, shredded
• Fresh mint
• Rice paper

Instructions:

1. Dip wrapper in water and lay flat.
2. Layer colorful veggies across the center.
3. Roll tight and serve with soy-ginger dipping sauce.

4. Teriyaki Chicken Rice Paper Wraps

Ingredients:

• Grilled chicken breast, sliced
• Teriyaki sauce
• Shredded lettuce
• Carrots
• Rice paper

Instructions:

1. Toss chicken in teriyaki sauce.
2. Add lettuce and carrots to softened rice paper.
3. Roll tightly and serve with extra teriyaki sauce.

5. Tofu and Mango Rolls

Ingredients:

• Firm tofu, pan-seared
• Fresh mango slices
• Basil or mint
• Baby spinach
• Rice paper

Instructions:

1. Place tofu, mango, and greens on moistened wrapper.
2. Roll and dip into sweet chili sauce.

6. Salmon and Cream Cheese Bites

Ingredients:

• Smoked salmon
• Cream cheese (or dairy-free alternative)
• Capers
• Thin cucumber slices
• Dill

Instructions:

1. Spread cream cheese on softened rice paper.
2. Add salmon, cucumber, dill, and capers.
3. Roll and refrigerate for 10 minutes before slicing.

7. Rice Paper Dumplings

Ingredients:

• Mushrooms, finely chopped
• Garlic & green onion
• Soy sauce
• Rice paper
• Oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Sauté mushrooms, garlic, and onion in soy sauce.
2. Place filling in rice paper, fold and seal edges.
3. Pan-fry both sides until golden and crispy.

8. Pizza Rice Paper Rolls

Ingredients:

• Marinara sauce
• Shredded mozzarella
• Pepperoni or veggies
• Oregano
• Rice paper

Instructions:

1. Place marinara, cheese, and toppings in the center.
2. Roll tightly and bake at 400°F for 10–12 minutes.

9. Breakfast Scramble Wraps

Ingredients:

• Scrambled eggs
• Spinach
• Cheddar cheese
• Cherry tomatoes

Instructions:

1. Assemble all fillings on softened rice paper.
2. Roll and pan-sear until lightly golden.

10. Mediterranean Falafel Rolls

Ingredients:

• Pre-cooked falafel (crumbled)
• Hummus
• Cucumber & tomato
• Lettuce
• Tzatziki (optional)

Instructions:

1. Spread hummus, add falafel and veggies.
2. Wrap tightly and dip in tzatziki or lemon tahini.

11. Korean BBQ Beef Wraps

Ingredients:

• Bulgogi-style beef
• Kimchi
• Cucumber
• Rice paper

Instructions:

1. Layer ingredients on softened wrapper.
2. Roll and serve with Korean BBQ sauce.

12. Vegan Pesto and Roasted Veggie Wraps

Ingredients:

• Roasted zucchini, peppers, and eggplant
• Vegan pesto
• Arugula

Instructions:

1. Spread pesto, add veggies and greens.
2. Roll and slice in half diagonally.

13. Tuna Salad Rice Paper Rolls

Ingredients:

• Tuna (with mayo, mustard, salt, pepper)
• Romaine lettuce
• Cucumber

Instructions:

1. Place tuna mix and veggies in the middle.
2. Wrap and refrigerate for 20 minutes before serving.

14. Thai Peanut Chicken Wraps

Ingredients:

• Grilled chicken
• Thai peanut sauce
• Red cabbage
• Carrot ribbons

Instructions:

1. Toss chicken in peanut sauce.
2. Add cabbage and carrots, wrap, and enjoy!

15. Sweet Banana and Nutella Dessert Rolls

Ingredients:

• Ripe bananas
• Nutella
• Crushed walnuts

Instructions:

1. Spread Nutella over rice paper.
2. Add banana and nuts, roll, and pan-sear lightly.

16. Greek Salad Rolls

Ingredients:

• Cherry tomatoes
• Kalamata olives
• Cucumber
• Feta cheese
• Oregano

Instructions:

1. Combine ingredients in wrapper.
2. Serve with a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic glaze.

17. Buffalo Cauliflower Rice Paper Wraps

Ingredients:

• Roasted cauliflower tossed in buffalo sauce
• Slaw mix
• Vegan ranch

Instructions:

1. Lay out slaw and cauliflower.
2. Wrap and dip in ranch.

18. Egg and Spinach Breakfast Rolls

Ingredients:

• Scrambled eggs
• Sautéed spinach
• Feta or cheddar

Instructions:

1. Fill wrapper with eggs, spinach, cheese.
2. Roll and bake or pan-fry until crisp.

19. Creamy Avocado and Tomato Wraps

Ingredients:

• Mashed avocado
• Tomato slices
• Lemon juice
• Microgreens

Instructions:

1. Spread avo, top with tomato and greens.
2. Roll and enjoy fresh.

20. Spicy Kimchi and Tofu Rolls

Ingredients:

• Kimchi
• Tofu strips (pan-fried)
• Carrot and cucumber

Instructions:

1. Lay tofu, kimchi, veggies on rice paper.
2. Roll and serve with sriracha dip.

21. Apple Cinnamon Dessert Rolls

Ingredients:

• Apple slices (sautéed with cinnamon)
• Brown sugar
• Optional: raisins or nuts

Instructions:

Pan-fry or bake until crispy and golden.

Add warm filling to rice paper.

How to Soften and Handle Rice Paper Recipes Properly

Rice paper is magical — until it tears, sticks to your fingers, or turns into a gummy mess. The good news? With a few simple tricks, you can master the art of softening and handling rice paper like a pro.

Let’s roll through it.

Step-by-Step: How to Soften Rice Paper Recipes Correctly

You don’t need boiling water. You don’t even need much time. What you do need is a gentle approach and a little patience.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Prepare a wide shallow bowl or plate with lukewarm water — about the size of your rice paper sheet.
2. Dip the rice paper into the water for 3–5 seconds. No longer!
3. Remove immediately and place it on a damp surface (like a moistened cutting board or damp tea towel).
4. Wait a few seconds. Rice paper continues to soften off the water, becoming pliable but not sticky.

Pro Tip: Don’t soak multiple sheets at once. They’ll clump together and become unusable.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even seasoned home cooks make these — here’s how to steer clear:

• Over-soaking: This is the #1 culprit for tearing and sticking. A quick dip is all you need.
• Dry work surface: Always work on a slightly wet surface to prevent sticking.
• Cold water usage: Cold water slows down softening and creates uneven texture.
• Not prepping fillings first: Rice paper waits for no one. Have your veggies, proteins, and herbs ready before you dip.

Bonus Tip: Keep a Damp Towel Handy

If you’re assembling multiple rolls, place a slightly damp towel over the completed ones to prevent drying or sticking while you work through the batch.

Pro Tips for Rolling Like a Pro

• Use a damp surface (like a wet cutting board) to prevent sticking.
• Place fillings in a narrow row for easier rolling.
• Don’t overstuff. Less is more.
• Roll tight — like a burrito.

Want more roll-friendly meal ideas? Check out these picnic meals recipes that pack up like a dream.

Dipping Sauce Pairings for Every Roll

1. Peanut Sauce

Creamy, savory, nutty — perfect for spring rolls.

2. Nuoc Cham

The classic Vietnamese fish sauce dip — sweet, sour, salty, and umami.

3. Sweet Chili Sauce

Pairs well with fried rice paper snacks and dumplings.

4. Soy-Ginger-Lime

Zesty and sharp. Try it with veggie or tofu rolls.

Need help choosing oil or dipping-friendly prep? Read more about air fryer cooking and how it enhances flavor without all the grease.

Storing and Reheating Rice Paper Wraps

• Wrap in damp paper towels and store in an airtight container
• Avoid direct refrigeration if possible — it can dry them out
• Reheat fried rolls in oven or air fryer for crispiness

FAQs About Rice Paper Recipes

What can you do with rice paper?

More than you think! Rice paper recipes are wildly versatile—think beyond traditional spring rolls. You can:

• Make fresh Vietnamese-style rolls with shrimp, noodles, and herbs
• Create crispy rice paper dumplings, folded and pan-fried to golden perfection
• Roll up fillings like cheese, veggies, or tofu and air-fry them for easy appetizers
• Bake them into samosa-style wraps or even use them as layers in a gluten-free lasagna
• Whip up sweet treats like banana coconut rolls or fruity dessert wraps
• Turn them into rice paper chips or “Vietnamese pizza” (bánh tráng nướng)

Craving more rollable, wrap-able ideas? Check out our stuffed bell peppers for another flavorful, fold-and-bake dish you can riff off using rice paper.

Is rice paper healthy for weight loss?

Yes—if used smartly, rice paper recipes can fit into a weight loss plan.

Each sheet typically contains just 30–40 calories, and it’s gluten-free, fat-free, and made from just a few simple ingredients like rice flour and water. The key is what you wrap inside. Pack it with:

• Lean proteins like tofu, grilled chicken, or shrimp
• Fresh herbs, greens, and crunchy veggies
• Light sauces or healthy dips like hummus or cottage cheese-based fillings

Rice paper makes portion control easier, too—since they’re delicate, you can’t overstuff them (at least not without a tear 😅).

Pro tip: Pair a couple of fresh rolls with something hearty like lentil and rice stew for a balanced, filling meal.

Do I dip rice paper in warm or cold water?

Always go with warm water—but not hot!

Dip each sheet for just 5–7 seconds in warm water. That’s enough to make it pliable without turning it into a soggy mess. If your water is too hot, the rice paper will get gummy and fall apart fast.

Here’s how to do it right:

1. Fill a wide, shallow dish or plate with warm water (not boiling).
2. Submerge the rice paper for a few seconds, rotating gently.
3. Lay it flat on a damp surface like a wet towel or cutting board.
4. Let it rest for 10–15 seconds while you prep fillings—it will soften more on its own.

If you’re just getting started, try it out with basic vegetable fried rice or fresh rolls, where the fillings are forgiving and the process is fun.

Can you fry rice paper wraps?

Absolutely—and it’s one of the best things you can do with rice paper!

Frying gives rice paper a crispy, golden exterior that crackles with every bite. You can pan-fry, deep-fry, or even air-fry it, depending on the recipe. Popular options include:

• Crispy dumplings – Stuffed with cabbage or mushrooms and folded like envelopes
• Cheesy pockets – Mozzarella, herbs, and jalapeños in a crispy shell
• Pizza rolls – Tomato sauce, pepperoni, and cheese wrapped up and pan-seared
• Vegan rice paper bacon – Baked or air-fried until ultra crispy.

Want a crispy bite with no deep-frying required? Try our crispy baked snacks or air-fried dumpling ideas using rice paper recipes.

Just remember to lightly coat the surface with oil or cooking spray for that perfect golden crunch!

Conclusion

Rice paper Recipes are a kitchen MVP. With just a few sheets, you can create:

• Elegant appetizers
• Hearty lunches
• Sweet desserts
• Healthy snacks
• Low-carb meals

From breakfast to dessert, there a rice paper recipes for every craving. Keep it stocked in your pantry and you’ll never run out of delicious ideas. Need more inspiration for gluten-free or on-the-go recipes? Check out this sub in a tub recipe for a low-carb pairing that fits right in. recipes for high-protein, low-carb snacks, and meals.