Description
These Beef Spring Rolls with Peanut Lime Sauce are a fresh and flavorful appetizer or snack featuring savory ground beef and crisp vegetables wrapped in delicate rice paper. The rolls are served with a zesty, creamy peanut lime dipping sauce that perfectly complements the savory filling, making them a delightful treat for gatherings or light meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Filling
- 1 lb ground beef (or thinly sliced beef, such as flank steak)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper (any color)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Assembly
- 12 rice paper wrappers (medium size)
- 1 cup lettuce (like Romaine or butter lettuce), shredded
Peanut Lime Sauce
- 1/4 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
- 2 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp sesame oil (optional)
- 1/2-1 tbsp warm water (to adjust consistency)
- 1/2 tsp chili garlic sauce (optional for heat)
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet or wok, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. If using thinly sliced beef, cook until browned and fully cooked through.
- Add Flavor and Veggies: Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), ground ginger, shredded carrots, and chopped bell pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables soften.
- Cool and Add Cilantro: Remove the beef mixture from heat and let it cool slightly. Stir in the chopped cilantro to freshen the filling.
- Prepare Rice Paper: Fill a shallow dish or large bowl with warm water. Dip one rice paper wrapper into the water for 5-10 seconds until soft and pliable. Avoid soaking too long to prevent tearing.
- Ready the Wrapper: Place the softened rice paper on a clean surface like a plate or countertop.
- Assemble Spring Rolls: On the center of the rice paper, place a small handful of shredded lettuce, then add 2-3 tablespoons of the beef mixture.
- Roll Tightly: Fold in the sides of the rice paper and roll it tightly from the bottom to the top, sealing the edge.
- Repeat: Continue the dipping and rolling process with the remaining rice paper wrappers and filling ingredients.
- Prepare Peanut Lime Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, lime juice, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil (if using), and chili garlic sauce (if using).
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: Gradually add warm water, stirring until the sauce reaches a smooth, slightly thick yet easily dippable consistency.
- Serve: Serve the fresh beef spring rolls with the peanut lime dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For vegetarian option, substitute beef with tofu or tempeh and omit oyster sauce.
- Rice paper wrappers become fragile when over-soaked; handle carefully to avoid tearing.
- Use freshly chopped cilantro for best flavor and freshness.
- Peanut lime sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; stir well before serving.
- Customize the heat by adjusting or omitting chili garlic sauce in the dipping sauce.
- Serve immediately as rice paper tends to soften over time and lose crispness.
