Rice paper is a versatile ingredient that plays a central role in Vietnamese cuisine and has gained popularity worldwide for its light texture, gluten-free nature, and wide culinary applications. Whether you’re searching for how to use rice paper, different types of rice paper wrappers, or the best ways to store rice paper, this guide provides clear answers. From traditional Vietnamese rice paper rolls to creative fusion recipes, rice paper is not only healthy but also easy to incorporate into daily cooking. By the end of this article, you’ll understand what rice paper is, its nutritional value, and step-by-step methods to prepare delicious meals at home.
What Is Rice Paper (Bánh Tráng)?
Rice paper, also known as bánh tráng in Vietnam, is a thin, edible wrapper made primarily from rice flour and water. It has a translucent texture and becomes flexible when briefly soaked in warm water, making it the perfect base for fresh spring rolls, summer rolls, or crispy fried snacks. Unlike wheat-based wraps or tortillas, rice paper is naturally gluten-free, low in calories, and easy to digest, which makes it a favorite for those looking for healthy alternatives.
In Vietnam, rice paper has been a culinary staple for centuries, often used in family gatherings, street food, and festive meals. Today, it is available in supermarkets worldwide, sold in round sheets of different sizes, typically 22 cm (8.5 inches). Whether you’re preparing traditional Vietnamese spring rolls or experimenting with creative recipes, rice paper offers versatility, convenience, and a unique cultural story that connects food lovers across the globe.
What Is Rice Paper Made Of and Where Did It Come From?
Rice paper is usually made from a simple combination of rice flour, water, and salt, but many modern brands also add tapioca starch to make the wrappers thinner, more pliable, and easier to roll. This mixture is steamed into thin sheets and then dried on woven bamboo mats, which give the wrappers their distinct grid pattern.
The history of rice paper dates back hundreds of years in Vietnam, where families traditionally crafted rice wrappers for everyday meals and community celebrations. It later spread to other Asian cuisines, particularly in China and Thailand, but the Vietnamese version remains the most recognized worldwide.
There are different types of rice paper:
- Pure rice paper – stronger flavor but harder to soften.
- Rice + tapioca paper – smoother texture, more flexible, preferred by home cooks.
- Special varieties – baked rice paper (bánh tráng nướng) or thick rice crepes (bánh đa nem).
This cultural background explains why rice paper is not just an ingredient—it’s a piece of culinary heritage still loved today.
How to Use Rice Paper in Everyday Cooking
How to Soften and Roll Rice Paper
Using rice paper is simple but requires a bit of practice. To soften it, quickly dip a sheet into warm water for about 5–10 seconds, then place it on a clean, damp surface. The paper will continue to soften as you add fillings. Over-soaking can cause it to tear, so timing is key. Many home cooks recommend using a shallow dish or pie plate for dipping, as it’s easier to control water absorption.
Once softened, place your fillings (vegetables, herbs, shrimp, tofu, or noodles) in the center, fold the sides, and roll tightly—similar to making a burrito. If the wrapper tears, you can layer two sheets for extra strength. This technique works for both fresh rolls and fried spring rolls.
From personal experience, beginners often overfill the wrapper, making it hard to roll. A good rule is to leave about one inch of space at the edges. With practice, rice paper becomes one of the easiest wrappers to use at home.
Creative Ways to Cook with Rice Paper
While most people associate rice paper with Vietnamese spring rolls, its versatility goes far beyond that. In Vietnam, it is also grilled into crispy snacks known as bánh tráng nướng (often called Vietnamese pizza) or deep-fried into crunchy rice paper chips. Food bloggers in the West have even popularized recipes like rice paper dumplings, vegan bacon strips, and rice paper “lasagna” sheets.
Health-conscious cooks appreciate rice paper because it provides a light, gluten-free alternative to bread or tortillas. According to Healthline, one sheet typically contains only about 35 calories and less than 1 gram of fat, making it an excellent choice for low-calorie diets.
Experimenting is encouraged: try using rice paper as a wrap for roasted vegetables, as a crunchy topping for salads, or even baked into desserts with fruits and nuts. Its ability to adapt to different cuisines makes rice paper a modern pantry essential.
Rice Paper Wrappers vs Other Wrappers
When comparing rice paper to other types of wrappers, several key differences emerge:
- Rice paper: Gluten-free, translucent, and made primarily from rice and tapioca.
- Spring roll wrappers: Often made from wheat flour, these wrappers are not gluten-free and have a different texture.
- Wonton wrappers: Typically wheat-based and may contain egg, making them unsuitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
For fresh spring rolls, look for rice paper that is thin yet durable, allowing for easy wrapping without tearing.
How to Choose and Store Rice Paper
Tips for Choosing the Best Rice Paper
Not all rice paper is the same. When shopping, look for brands that list rice as the first ingredient rather than tapioca. While tapioca makes wrappers more flexible, too much can result in papers that tear too easily. Popular and trusted brands include Three Ladies and those with a rose emblem, both widely available in Asian supermarkets and online stores.
Size also matters-22 cm (8.5-inch) wrappers are the most versatile for spring rolls, while smaller ones are better for appetizers and desserts. Some premium brands are certified gluten-free, which is a great option for health-conscious buyers.
From personal experience, a higher-quality rice paper feels firm in its dry form but becomes soft and pliable quickly in water. Cheaper options sometimes break apart even before soaking, which can be frustrating for beginners.
How to Store Rice Paper Properly
Rice paper is shelf-stable when unopened, but once you break the seal, it’s best to protect it from moisture. Store opened packages in a resealable plastic bag or airtight container in a cool, dry place. This prevents humidity from making the sheets sticky or brittle.
According to USDA food storage guidelines, keeping dry rice products in low humidity extends their shelf life up to 12 months. Rice paper can last just as long if stored correctly. If you live in a humid climate, adding a small food-safe silica pack inside the container can help.
Practical tip: never refrigerate or freeze rice paper, as it may warp and become unusable. Keeping it in a pantry cabinet is the safest choice.
Cultural Story: Rice Paper in Vietnamese Cuisine
In Vietnamese cuisine, rice paper is more than just an ingredient—it’s a symbol of hospitality and community. Families often gather to prepare gỏi cuốn (fresh spring rolls), where everyone rolls their own at the table. It’s both interactive and social, reinforcing bonds through food. Street vendors across Vietnam sell rice paper snacks like bánh tráng trộn (shredded rice paper salad) and bánh tráng nướng, which are especially popular among young people.
Outside Vietnam, rice paper has been embraced globally as a healthy and versatile cooking tool. However, many English speakers confuse edible rice paper with artistic “rice paper,” which actually refers to washi (Japanese mulberry paper) or pith paper from China. This distinction is important—when food lovers search for “rice paper,” they should ensure they’re looking at culinary content, not art supplies.
This dual meaning highlights rice paper’s fascinating journey across cultures—as both a practical material and a beloved food tradition.
Common Questions about Rice Paper
Q: What is rice paper made of?A: Rice paper is typically made from rice flour, tapioca, and water.
Q: Is rice paper gluten free?A: Yes, rice paper is gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Q: Is rice paper vegan?A: Yes, rice paper is vegan, as it contains no animal products.
Q: Can you eat rice paper raw?A: Yes, rice paper can be eaten raw when softened properly in water.
Q: What are square and round rice paper for?A: Round rice paper is generally used for making rolls, while square rice paper is better suited for chips and folding.
Q: Is it safe to eat rice paper?A: Yes, rice paper is safe to eat when it is fresh and dry.
Conclusion
Rice paper is more than just a wrapper for spring rolls – it’s a versatile, gluten-free ingredient that fits into both traditional and modern recipes. Whether you’re curious about its nutritional benefits, exploring different types of rice paper, or learning the best ways to store and use it, this guide gives you a trusted foundation backed by culinary experts and credible sources like Healthline and USDA.
By understanding how rice paper is made, how to work with it properly, and the creative ways you can include it in your meals, you’ll not only cook more confidently but also expand your kitchen skills. From Vietnamese classics to healthy snacks, rice paper opens the door to endless possibilities.
