There is something absolutely delightful about the vibrant flavors and textures packed into these Kimchi Summer Rolls with Almond Dipping Sauce Recipe. Imagine the fresh crunch of shredded carrots and cabbage, creamy avocado slices, savory sautéed mushrooms, and the tangy kick of spicy kimchi all wrapped in delicate rice paper. Paired with a luscious almond dipping sauce that balances savory, nutty, and a hint of spice, this dish feels like a refreshing bite of summer captured in every roll. Light yet satisfying, it’s a wonderful way to introduce bold Korean-inspired flavors into a fresh, handheld meal that’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate.
Ingredients You'll Need
The beauty of the Kimchi Summer Rolls with Almond Dipping Sauce Recipe lies in its simplicity and the harmony of its ingredients. Each component brings something essential to the table, whether it’s flavor, texture, or color, creating a well-rounded and fresh dish.
- Almond butter: Provides a rich, creamy base for the dipping sauce with a subtle nutty sweetness.
- Low sodium soy sauce or tamari: Adds a salty, umami depth to both the sauce and the mushroom filling without overpowering the fresh ingredients.
- Fresh garlic and ginger: These aromatic staples infuse the rolls and sauce with bright, zesty nuances.
- Sesame oil: Offers a toasted, fragrant note that ties everything together beautifully.
- Jalapeño: Brings a gentle heat to the dipping sauce, adjustable by removing seeds and stems.
- Cremini mushrooms: Give a hearty, meaty texture that complements the fresh vegetables.
- Avocado: Adds creaminess and smoothness, balancing the spice and acidity of the kimchi.
- Black sesame seeds (optional): These tiny black pearls provide a pretty, nutty crunch topping.
- Rice paper: The delicate, pliable wrapper that holds all the vibrant fillings together.
- Spinach, carrots, green cabbage: These fresh, crunchy vegetables add color, nutrition, and refreshment to each roll.
- Nasoya Spicy Kimchi: The star ingredient adding a perfect tangy, spicy bite that makes these rolls unique.
- Cilantro: A burst of fresh herbaceous brightness to lift the flavors.
How to Make Kimchi Summer Rolls with Almond Dipping Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Almond Dipping Sauce
Start by combining almond butter, low sodium soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and diced jalapeño in a food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of water to loosen it up just enough for a perfect dipping consistency. Set this flavorful sauce aside to let all those bold tastes mingle.
Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms
Heat sesame oil in a pan over medium heat, then toss in diced garlic and ginger, cooking just until fragrant, about a minute. Add the diced cremini mushrooms along with soy sauce, and stir them until they soften and brown slightly, about 3 to 5 minutes. This step brings a warm, savory depth that contrasts wonderfully with the fresh ingredients in the rolls. Let the mushrooms cool while you prep the rest.
Step 3: Prepare Fresh Veggies and Rice Paper
Slice the avocado and sprinkle lightly with black sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal. Fill a large bowl with room temperature water and soak one piece of rice paper for 6 to 10 seconds. You want it soft and flexible but still sturdy enough to handle rolling without tearing. The rice paper will continue to soften as you work with it.
Step 4: Assemble the Summer Rolls
Place two soaked rice paper sheets on a flat surface for extra durability. Layer fresh spinach, avocado slices, shredded carrots and cabbage, about a teaspoon of the sautéed mushrooms, two tablespoons of spicy kimchi, and fresh cilantro right in the center. Then, roll them up tightly like a burrito. Repeat this process with all remaining ingredients, stacking the prepared rolls on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to slice each roll into 2 to 3 bite-sized pieces for easy enjoyment.
How to Serve Kimchi Summer Rolls with Almond Dipping Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of additional black sesame seeds over the rolls adds an elegant finishing touch and a nutty crunch. Fresh cilantro leaves placed alongside offer a burst of brightness. If you like a little extra heat, thin slices of fresh jalapeño on the side invite your guests to customize each bite.
Side Dishes
These summer rolls are perfect as a light main dish or a starter. Pair them with a simple miso soup or a refreshing cucumber salad to complement the spicy tang of the kimchi and creamy almond sauce. A chilled glass of crisp white wine or sparkling water with lime makes for a refreshing beverage match.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving these rolls on a rustic wooden board or a vibrant platter scattered with edible flowers makes your dish pop visually. Arrange the almond dipping sauce in little bowls or ramekins placed strategically for communal dipping. You can even present the rolls nestled in lettuce leaves for an extra layer of texture and freshness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the kimchi summer rolls tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The rice paper can get sticky over time, so a damp paper towel between layers can help prevent sticking. Enjoy them within 1 to 2 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing
Because of their fresh veggies and rice paper wrap, these summer rolls are best enjoyed fresh. Freezing is not recommended as it will affect the texture dramatically, making the rice paper tough and the veggies watery upon thawing.
Reheating
This dish shines best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is unnecessary. Instead, simply bring any refrigerated rolls to room temperature before serving to revive their flavors and textures.
FAQs
Can I substitute the almond butter for another nut butter?
Absolutely! Cashew or peanut butter can work well in the almond dipping sauce, though the flavor will shift slightly. Just be sure to choose a smooth, natural nut butter for the best texture.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just use tamari instead of regular soy sauce to keep the recipe gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.
How spicy are these summer rolls?
The spice level is moderate thanks to the spicy kimchi and jalapeño in the sauce. You can reduce the heat by removing jalapeño seeds or use a mild kimchi if preferred.
Can I prepare the rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the ingredients in advance, but it's best to assemble the rolls close to serving time to avoid sogginess and maintain their fresh crunch.
What if I can’t find cremini mushrooms?
Feel free to substitute with button mushrooms or shiitakes. Each brings a slightly different flavor but will still provide that savory, tender texture needed for the rolls.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something fresh, vibrant, and packed with exciting flavors, these Kimchi Summer Rolls with Almond Dipping Sauce Recipe truly deliver. They feel like a celebration of textures and tastes rolled into one, and the almond dipping sauce is an unforgettable complement that elevates the whole experience. Give this recipe a try—you might just discover your new favorite summer dish that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family.
PrintKimchi Summer Rolls with Almond Dipping Sauce Recipe
These Kimchi Summer Rolls with Almond Dipping Sauce are a refreshing, flavorful vegetarian appetizer filled with fresh veggies, sautéed cremini mushrooms, creamy avocado, and tangy spicy kimchi. Wrapped in delicate rice paper, they offer a perfect balance of textures and a deliciously nutty, garlicky almond dipping sauce to complement every bite.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 summer rolls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Almond Dipping Sauce
- ½ cup almond butter
- ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce or tamari (gluten free option)
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled
- ½ inch fresh ginger, peeled
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 jalapeño, diced, seeds and stems removed for less spice
Kimchi Summer Rolls
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, diced
- 1 inch fresh ginger, peeled and diced
- 1 tbsp low sodium soy sauce or tamari (gluten free option)
- 1 cup cremini mushrooms, diced
- 2 small avocados, sliced
- Black sesame seeds (optional)
- 12 pieces rice paper
- 1 cup spinach
- 1 cup carrots, shredded
- 1 cup green cabbage, shredded
- ¾ cup Nasoya Spicy Kimchi
- Fresh cilantro leaves
Instructions
- Prepare the Almond Dipping Sauce: Combine the almond butter, soy sauce or tamari, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and jalapeño in a food processor. Pulse until smooth and combined. If the sauce is too thick, add water a tablespoon at a time until reaching desired consistency. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
- Sauté the Mushrooms: Heat sesame oil in a pan over medium heat. Add diced garlic and ginger, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the diced cremini mushrooms and soy sauce, cooking for 3 to 5 minutes until the mushrooms are slightly browned. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
- Prepare the Avocado: Slice the avocados and sprinkle with black sesame seeds, if using, for added texture and flavor.
- Soften the Rice Paper: Fill a large bowl with room temperature water. Submerge one piece of rice paper in the water for 6 to 10 seconds until it softens but remains pliable. The rice paper will continue to soften as you begin assembling the rolls.
- Assemble the Rolls: Place two softened rice papers on top of each other on a flat surface. In the center, layer a handful of spinach, sliced avocado, shredded carrots, shredded cabbage, about 1 teaspoon of the cooked mushrooms, 2 tablespoons of spicy kimchi, and fresh cilantro leaves. Carefully roll up the rice paper like a burrito, folding in the sides as you go, and place on a cutting board. Repeat the process with the remaining ingredients.
- Slice and Serve: Using a sharp knife, cut each roll into 2 to 3 bite-sized pieces. Serve the sliced summer rolls with the prepared almond dipping sauce for dipping and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
- If the almond dipping sauce is too thick, add water gradually to thin it out to preferred consistency.
- Remove jalapeño seeds to reduce heat or leave some seeds for extra spice.
- Rice paper softens quickly—work efficiently to avoid tearing.
- Customize fillings with other vegetables like bell peppers or cucumber if desired.

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