What Is Rice Paper?
Rice paper consists of round, hard, fragile, semitransparent sheets made by mixing rice flour and tapioca starch with water, spreading the batter very thin, and drying it. It is a staple wrapper in Vietnamese and Southeast Asian cuisines.
When dry, it is hard like paper; after soaking in warm water for a few seconds, it softens and becomes flexible and slightly sticky. It is used to wrap vegetables, herbs, and protein for fresh spring rolls (gỏi cuốn). It is naturally gluten-free.
Nutritional Value of Rice Paper
Rice paper consists mainly of carbohydrates (starch); 100 g of the dry product contains about 330 kcal, though each sheet weighs very little. It is low in fat and protein and contains no gluten. These values are approximate.
How Should Rice Paper Be Used?
Briefly soak rice paper in warm water for a few seconds until softened, then fill and roll it right away; soaking it too long can cause tearing and sticking. Because it is gluten-free, it is also suitable for people with gluten sensitivity.
This is general information; rice paper is a food, not a medical treatment.
How to Choose Rice Paper
Good rice paper sheets are whole, uncracked, evenly round, and made with simple ingredients (rice and tapioca). Avoid broken, damp, or stained sheets; choose the thickness for the intended use.
- They should be whole and uncracked
- The ingredients should be simple (rice and tapioca)
- They should not be damp or broken
How to Store Rice Paper
Store rice paper in its sealed package in a dry, flat place in a cool area. Because it is fragile, do not place weight on it, and protect it from moisture. It keeps for a long time when stored properly.
Using Rice Paper in the Kitchen
Rice paper is most often used for fresh spring rolls (with vegetables, herbs, shrimp or chicken, and noodles), wraps and snacks, and some fried rolls. Soak, fill, and roll it tightly; serve fresh or lightly fry until crisp.
How to Soak Rice Paper
Dip the entire sheet in a plate of warm water for a few seconds, then remove it. Transfer it to the counter while it is still slightly firm, because it will continue to soften on its own as it sits. Soaking it too long can make it sticky and cause tearing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can rice paper be cooked?
It is used uncooked in fresh rolls; it can also be filled and fried to make crispy rolls. These two uses are both common.
Why does rice paper stick?
When it is soaked too long, its surface becomes overly sticky and it sticks to both the counter and itself. Soak it briefly and work quickly to prevent this; do not stack the sheets on top of one another.
Is rice paper gluten-free?
Yes. Because it is made from rice flour and tapioca starch, it is naturally gluten-free. Check the ingredient label to confirm.