Beef Spring Rolls with Peanut Lime Sauce

Beef Spring Rolls with Peanut Lime Sauce are a delicious and fresh appetizer or snack, with savory beef, crunchy vegetables, and a tangy, creamy peanut lime dipping sauce. These spring rolls are perfect for a light meal or as an appetizer for any occasion. Here’s a simple recipe to make them:

Beef Spring Rolls with Peanut Lime Sauce Recipe

For the Spring Rolls:

• 1 lb ground beef (or thinly sliced beef strips)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or any cooking oil)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup carrots, julienned (or shredded)
• 1/2 cup bell peppers, thinly sliced (red, yellow, or green)
• 1/2 cup cucumber, julienned
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
• 8-10 rice paper wrappers (for rolling)

For the Peanut Lime Sauce:

• 1/4 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger (optional)
• 1-2 tablespoons warm water (to thin the sauce as needed)

Instructions:

Prepare the Beef:

1. Cook the Beef:
   • In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up into small pieces with a spoon. Once browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes), drain any excess fat.
   • Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
   • Stir in the soy sauce and hoisin sauce (if using). Cook for another minute, then remove from heat and set aside to cool.

Prepare the Peanut Lime Sauce:

2. Make the Sauce:
   • In a small bowl, combine the peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and grated ginger (if using).
   • Stir well until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of warm water to reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more lime juice or soy sauce if needed for balance.

Assemble the Spring Rolls:

3. Soften the Rice Paper Wrappers:

   • Fill a large shallow dish with warm water. Dip one rice paper wrapper into the water for about 10-15 seconds, or until it becomes pliable. Don’t leave it too long or it will get too soft to work with.
   • Place the softened rice paper on a clean, flat surface like a cutting board or a countertop.

4. Fill the Rolls:

   • Place a small amount of the cooked beef mixture (about 2 tablespoons) in the center of the rice paper.
   • Add a few pieces of julienned carrots, bell peppers, cucumber, and cilantro (if using).
   • Fold the sides of the rice paper inwards over the filling, then roll it up tightly, similar to rolling a burrito.

5. Repeat the Process:

   • Continue assembling the remaining spring rolls, dipping each rice paper in warm water and filling them with beef and vegetables.

Serve:

6. Serve the Spring Rolls:
   • Arrange the finished spring rolls on a platter. Serve them with the peanut lime dipping sauce on the side for dipping.

Tips:

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the beef filling and peanut lime sauce in advance. Store them separately in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the spring rolls.
• Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other veggies to the filling, such as lettuce, mint, or even avocado slices, for extra flavor and texture.
• Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of heat, add some chili flakes or sriracha to the peanut lime sauce.

These Beef Spring Rolls with Peanut Lime Sauce are fresh, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. The balance of savory beef, crunchy vegetables, and creamy, tangy peanut lime sauce is irresistible!