How to use rice paper: complete guide for preparing spring rolls

Rice paper is becoming increasingly popular in our kitchens as it is endlessly practical and versatile. With rice paper, you can quickly and easily prepare a variety of recipes. It is most often used for preparing spring rolls, but the possibilities are numerous: from fresh wraps with vegetables and crispy bites from an air fryer to burek! If you are wondering how to use rice paper, how long to keep it in water, and what filling to use, below we provide a detailed guide.

How long to soak rice paper?

The basis of proper preparation is short soaking in lukewarm water. Prepare a large bowl or a shallow plate with lukewarm water. Soak one sheet of rice paper for 2–3 seconds. Remove it and place it on a cutting board. Don't worry if it feels stiff – the paper will soften within seconds.

If the paper starts to crumple and fall apart, the water is too hot. Add cold water to achieve the perfect temperature. Lukewarm water is the key to success when handling rice paper!

How to roll spring rolls

Rolling spring rolls requires a little practice, but once you get the rhythm, it goes very easily:

1. Lay the softened sheet of rice paper on the board.
2. Place the filling in the middle – most often fresh vegetables (carrot, cucumber, lettuce), chicken, tofu, or shrimp.
3. Fold the bottom edge over the filling, then fold the sides.
4. Roll tightly to the end – similar to how you roll a pancake or burrito.

Tip: don’t overfill, as the paper will tear more easily.

What to do if rice paper sticks to the surface?

1. Use a clean, slightly damp kitchen towel
   Place the softened sheet on the towel – this prevents sticking and makes rolling easier.
2. Work on a slightly damp board
   If you are working on a wooden or plastic board, sprinkle it with a little water before placing the rice paper.
3. Do not soak too long
   If the paper is too soft, it becomes sticky and hard to shape. 2–3 seconds in lukewarm water is sufficient.
4. Work quickly
   Rice paper softens while sitting – so fill and roll immediately after soaking.
5. Use one sheet at a time
   Never soak more sheets at once, as they will stick to each other and become unusable.

Fillings for rice paper: ideas and combinations

Rice paper allows freedom in choosing fillings. Vegetarian rolls often include fresh vegetables, avocado, tofu, and rice noodles. Meat lovers choose chicken, turkey, or beef marinated in soy sauce, while seafood such as shrimp, salmon, and tuna pair perfectly with vegetables and spices. If you love fusion flavors, you can add hummus, feta cheese, or herbs like mint and cilantro for freshness and authenticity.

Rice paper in the oven or air fryer

In addition to fresh spring rolls, rice paper is also great for preparing crispy snacks. In the oven, rolls are arranged on baking paper, lightly brushed with oil, and baked until golden brown. In an air fryer, just ten minutes at 180 °C is sufficient, while frying in oil yields traditional crispy nem rolls – it is important to seal the edges well so that the filling doesn’t leak out.

Calories and nutritional values of rice paper

Rice paper itself has very few calories – on average around 35–40 kcal per sheet (8–10 g). Since it is made mainly from rice flour and water, it is naturally gluten-free and suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets.

The real nutritional value depends on the filling: fresh rolls with vegetables and tofu will be light and healthy, while fried rolls with meat will have more calories and fat.

The most common mistakes when using rice paper

• Soaking too long → paper becomes too soft and sticky.
• Soaking more sheets at once → they will stick together and cannot be separated.
• Too much filling → paper tears when rolling.
• Insufficiently sealed edges → filling leaks out during baking or frying.

Rice paper is a simple and versatile ingredient that can be used for fresh or fried spring rolls, light wraps, or crispy snacks from the oven. The key to success is short soaking in lukewarm water and careful rolling. With the right technique and a bit of creativity in choosing fillings, rice paper can become the base for numerous healthy and delicious recipes.