Thai Beef Spring Rolls: A Gastronomic Delight
Are you ready to impress your friends and family with a beautiful, fresh, and delicious dish? These Thai beef spring rolls, wrapped in delicate rice paper, are not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. Dive into this recipe and explore the vibrant flavors of Vietnam in your kitchen!
Recipe Information
- Servings: 4
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
- 8 rice paper sheets
- 200 grams rice vermicelli (thin)
- 1 chicken broth cube
- 400 grams beef steak (sirloin or flank)
- 8 leaves of butter lettuce
- A handful of mint leaves
- Juice of 1 lime
- 4 tablespoons fish sauce (nuoc mam)
- 1 shallot
- 1 drizzle of grape seed oil
- 1 stick of lemongrass
- ½ bunch of coriander (cilantro)
- ½ red chili (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cane sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the rice vermicelli: Boil water with the chicken broth cube. Pour the boiling water over the vermicelli in a deep dish and let it sit for a few minutes. Rinse with cold water, drain well, and add a few drops of lime juice.
- Chop your ingredients: Finely slice the chili, shallot, lemongrass, coriander, and mint.
- Make the marinade: In a small bowl, squeeze the lime to extract the juice and pulp. Add the fish sauce, coriander, mint, lemongrass, shallot, finely chopped chili, and sugar.
- Cook the beef: In a hot skillet with a drizzle of grape seed oil, sear the beef for 2 minutes on each side and season with salt. The inside should remain rare.
- Slice the beef: Thinly slice the beef and let it marinate for 10 minutes in the herb mixture.
- Prepare for rolling: Fill a large shallow plate with water.
- Soak the rice paper: Dip a rice paper sheet into the water and transfer it onto a clean cutting board.
- Assemble the rolls: Lay a leaf of lettuce, followed by the vermicelli, and finally the marinated beef mix. Roll tightly like a spring roll.
Tips for Success
The key to perfect spring rolls is to balance the ingredients without overstuffing the rice paper. Enjoy a friendly contest to see who can make the best spring roll! Once mastered, they can be dipped in a little sauce and are perfect for an appetizer, starter, or as a unique lunch option—definitely a crowd-pleaser!
Nutrition Information
Each serving contains approximately 320 calories, 12g protein, 10g fat, and 54g carbohydrates.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use different types of meat for this recipe?
- Yes! Chicken, shrimp, or tofu can also be great substitutes for beef.
- How do I store leftover spring rolls?
- Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Is it necessary to marinate the beef?
- Marinating enhances the flavor, but it’s not strictly necessary if you’re short on time.
- Can I make these ahead of time?
- Although best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the filling and ingredients in advance and assemble the rolls shortly before serving.
- What can I serve with these spring rolls?
- They pair beautifully with peanut sauce, sweet chili sauce, or any dipping sauce of your choice.
