Description
These Beef Spring Rolls with Peanut Lime Sauce are a fresh and flavorful appetizer perfect for any occasion. Ground beef is sautéed with aromatic garlic, onion, and vegetables, then wrapped in delicate rice paper with crisp lettuce. Served alongside a zesty and creamy peanut lime dipping sauce, these spring rolls offer a delightful combination of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors. Ready in just 30 minutes, they make a perfect snack or light meal that’s quick to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Spring Rolls
- 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
- 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 and translucent.
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. If using thinly sliced beef, cook it until browned on all sides and fully cooked.
- Add Flavor and Vegetables: 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 but retain some crispness.
- Finish the Filling: Remove the beef mixture from heat and let it cool slightly. Once cooled, stir in the chopped cilantro for freshness.
- Prepare Rice Paper Wrappers: Fill a shallow dish or large bowl with warm water. Carefully dip one rice paper wrapper into the water and hold for 5-10 seconds until soft and pliable. Avoid soaking too long to prevent tearing.
- Lay Out Wrapper: Place the softened rice paper on a clean flat surface such as a plate or countertop.
- Assemble Rolls: On the lower center of the wrapper, place a small handful of shredded lettuce followed by 2 to 3 tablespoons of the beef mixture.
- Roll the Spring Rolls: Fold the sides of the rice paper inward, then roll tightly from the bottom up to enclose the filling and seal the edge.
- Repeat Assembly: Continue this process for all remaining wrappers and filling until all spring rolls are formed.
- Prepare Peanut Lime Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, lime juice, soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, sesame oil (if using), and chili garlic sauce (if using).
- Adjust Consistency: Add warm water gradually, stirring until the sauce becomes smooth, slightly thick, and perfect for dipping.
- Serve: Present the beef spring rolls fresh with the peanut lime sauce on the side. Enjoy immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with thinly sliced flank steak for a different texture.
- If you prefer vegetarian spring rolls, replace beef with tofu or mushrooms and use vegetarian oyster sauce.
- Rice paper wrappers soften quickly; do not soak too long to prevent tearing.
- The peanut lime sauce can be made spicier by adding more chili garlic sauce.
- Spring rolls are best served fresh but can be wrapped in a damp towel and refrigerated for a few hours.
