Get ready to transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Vietnam with these irresistible Fresh Spring Rolls with Lemongrass Beef! Imagine delicate rice paper wrapped around tender, aromatic beef, crisp vegetables, and fragrant herbs – a perfect symphony of flavors and textures that will make your mouth water. These aren't just spring rolls; they're a culinary adventure that combines fresh ingredients, simple techniques, and explosive taste in every single bite!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 8 rice paper wrappers
- 1/2 lb lemongrass beef, cooked and sliced
- 1 cup lettuce, shredded
- 1/2 cup carrots, julienned
- 1/2 cup cucumber, julienned
- Fresh mint leaves
- Fresh cilantro leaves
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all the ingredients. Make sure the lemongrass beef is cooked and sliced into thin strips. If you haven't cooked the beef yet, marinate it with minced lemongrass, garlic, soy sauce, and a touch of sugar for at least 15 minutes before grilling or pan-frying it until fully cooked.
- Fill a shallow dish or a large plate with warm water. This will be used to soften the rice paper wrappers. Make sure the water is not boiling, just warm enough to soften the wrappers without tearing them.
- Take one rice paper wrapper and dip it into the warm water for about 10-15 seconds, or until it becomes pliable. Remove it from the water and gently shake off any excess water.
- Place the softened rice paper wrapper on a clean, flat surface, such as a cutting board or a plate. Start layering your ingredients on the lower third of the wrapper.
- Begin with a small handful of shredded lettuce, spreading it evenly across the wrapper. Next, add a few strips of the lemongrass beef on top of the lettuce.
- Add a small amount of julienned carrots and cucumbers on top of the beef. Be careful not to overfill the wrapper, as this will make it difficult to roll.
- Finish with a few fresh mint and cilantro leaves for added flavor. You can adjust the amount of herbs based on your preference.
- To roll the spring roll, start by folding the bottom of the wrapper over the filling. Then, fold in the sides of the wrapper tightly. Finally, roll it up from the bottom to the top, ensuring that the filling is secure inside the wrapper.
- Repeat the process with the remaining rice paper wrappers and filling ingredients until all are used.
- Once all spring rolls are rolled, serve them immediately with your choice of dipping sauce, such as hoisin sauce or peanut sauce. Enjoy your fresh Vietnamese spring rolls!
Tips
- Water Temperature is Key: Use warm (not hot) water to soften rice paper wrappers. Too hot, and they'll tear; too cold, and they won't become pliable.
- Don't Overfill: Less is more when rolling spring rolls. Overfilling makes rolling difficult and can cause tears in the delicate wrapper.
- Work Quickly: Once the rice paper is wet, it becomes fragile. Have all ingredients ready before you start softening the wrapper.
- Keep Ingredients Uniform: Julienne your vegetables into thin, even strips for easier rolling and a more aesthetically pleasing presentation.
- Serve Immediately: Fresh spring rolls are best enjoyed right after preparation to maintain the perfect texture of the wrapper and freshness of ingredients.Pro Tip: Invest in a good dipping sauce to elevate these spring rolls from great to absolutely extraordinary!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 363kcal
Carbohydrates: 33g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 70mg
