If you’re looking for a fun, fresh, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for an appetizer or a light meal, these Beef Spring Rolls with Peanut Lime Sauce are about to become your new go-to. These spring rolls are packed with savory ground beef, crisp veggies, and herbs all wrapped in a delicate rice paper, then dipped into a tangy, creamy peanut-lime sauce that will have you hooked after just one bite. The best part? They’re surprisingly easy to make but look like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen—talk about a win!
These spring rolls are like a little bite of fresh, flavorful magic, and trust me, everyone at your table will be reaching for one after another. They’re light, vibrant, and loaded with all the right textures. Oh, and did I mention the peanut-lime sauce? It’s that perfect mix of tangy, creamy, and a hint of spice that takes everything to the next level. You’re going to love it.
Why You’ll Love Beef Spring Rolls with Peanut Lime Sauce
Fresh & Flavorful
The beef is perfectly seasoned, and the crisp veggies and fresh herbs provide a delightful contrast in texture. Everything is wrapped in soft rice paper, making each bite refreshing and satisfying.
Quick & Easy
No need to fret about complicated techniques—these spring rolls come together quickly and require just a few basic ingredients. Plus, they’re the perfect make-ahead snack if you’re prepping for a party.
Crowd-Pleasing
Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer at a dinner party or a quick bite during the week, these spring rolls are guaranteed to impress. The combination of fresh ingredients and the peanut lime dipping sauce is a total crowd-pleaser.
Customizable
You can easily swap out the beef for another protein like chicken, shrimp, or even make them vegetarian with tofu or more veggies. It’s all about what you like best!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these Beef Spring Rolls with Peanut Lime Sauce:
For the Spring Rolls:
- Ground beef: This will be the base of the spring rolls. Ground turkey or chicken would work as well!
- Rice paper: The delicate wrappers that hold everything together.
- Rice noodles: These add texture and help fill out the rolls. You could also use thin vermicelli noodles.
- Shredded carrots: For crunch and sweetness.
- Cucumber: Thinly sliced, adds a refreshing bite.
- Fresh cilantro: For an herby pop of flavor.
- Mint leaves: Fresh mint adds a lovely aromatic kick.
- Lettuce leaves: Crisp leaves like Romaine or butter lettuce add a great texture to balance the beef.
- Salt and pepper: To season the beef.
For the Peanut Lime Sauce:
- Peanut butter: Smooth peanut butter is best for a creamy sauce.
- Lime juice: Fresh lime juice gives the sauce a zesty tang.
- Soy sauce: For that deep umami flavor.
- Honey: To add a hint of sweetness.
- Garlic: A little minced garlic adds an aromatic flavor.
- Water: To thin the sauce to your desired consistency.
- Sriracha or chili flakes: For some heat (optional).
(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)
Instructions
Let’s get these spring rolls rolling!
Step 1: Cook the Beef
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper. Stir occasionally, cooking until browned and fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside to cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Rice Noodles
While the beef is cooking, prepare the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Veggies
Thinly slice the cucumber and shred the carrots. Wash and dry the lettuce leaves, and pick a handful of fresh cilantro and mint leaves.
Step 4: Make the Peanut Lime Sauce
In a small bowl, combine peanut butter, lime juice, soy sauce, honey, and minced garlic. Whisk together until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of water until it reaches your desired consistency. For extra heat, stir in Sriracha or a pinch of chili flakes.
Step 5: Assemble the Spring Rolls
To assemble the spring rolls, dip each rice paper into warm water for 5-10 seconds until it softens (don’t soak it too long!). Place it flat on a clean surface.
In the center of each rice paper, layer a few leaves of lettuce, a small handful of cooked beef, a few rice noodles, shredded carrots, cucumber slices, and a few fresh cilantro and mint leaves. Be careful not to overstuff—leave some space on the edges so you can fold them easily.
Step 6: Roll Them Up
Fold in the sides of the rice paper, then carefully roll up from the bottom, tucking in the filling as you go. Repeat with the remaining rice papers and filling ingredients.
Step 7: Serve with Peanut Lime Sauce
Serve the spring rolls with the peanut lime sauce on the side for dipping. These are best enjoyed fresh, but you can refrigerate them for a few hours if needed.
How to Serve Beef Spring Rolls with Peanut Lime Sauce
Perfect for Appetizers or Snacks
These spring rolls are great for serving as appetizers at a dinner party or a casual gathering. The peanut lime dipping sauce takes them to another level, making them irresistible.
Light Meal Option
Pair the spring rolls with a side salad or fresh fruit for a light, healthy meal that’s still packed with flavor.
Meal Prep
They’re great for meal prep too! Make a batch, wrap them up, and store them in the fridge for a quick lunch or snack later in the week.
Additional Tips
- Use Shrimp or Chicken: You can easily swap out the ground beef for shrimp or chicken if you prefer those proteins.
- Make It Spicy: Add some chopped chilies or a drizzle of sriracha to the spring rolls for an extra kick.
- Make Ahead: If you’re preparing these in advance, just keep the filling, wrappers, and sauce separate until you’re ready to roll. This helps prevent the rice paper from getting soggy.
- Extra Dipping Sauces: If you like variety, serve with sweet chili sauce or hoisin sauce alongside the peanut lime dip for even more flavor options.
Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size: 2 spring rolls with sauce
- Calories: 300
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
- Sodium: 700mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 18g
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
FAQ
Q1: Can I use a different protein in these spring rolls?
A1: Absolutely! You can swap the ground beef for chicken, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Q2: How do I store leftovers?
A2: These are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the dipping sauce separate for best results.
Q3: How do I make these spring rolls spicy?
A3: Add chili flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the filling or dipping sauce for some heat.
Q4: Can I make the peanut lime sauce ahead of time?
A4: Yes! You can make the sauce up to 3 days ahead and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before serving.
Q5: How can I make these spring rolls gluten-free?
A5: Use gluten-free soy sauce for the dipping sauce and ensure your rice papers are certified gluten-free.
Q6: Can I prepare these spring rolls in advance?
A6: You can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge. However, it’s best to assemble the rolls just before serving to keep the rice paper from getting soggy.
Q7: How do I make these spring rolls more filling?
A7: Add more noodles, or even some avocado slices for extra creaminess and heartiness.
Q8: Can I freeze the spring rolls?
A8: It’s best to eat these fresh, but if you need to freeze them, wrap each roll in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container. Thaw before serving.
Q9: What other veggies can I add to these spring rolls?
A9: You can add bell peppers, mushrooms, or avocado for extra flavor and texture.
Q10: How do I make the dipping sauce less thick?
A10: If the sauce is too thick, simply add a little more water or lime juice until you reach your desired consistency.
Conclusion
These Beef Spring Rolls with Peanut Lime Sauce are a fresh, flavorful, and fun way to enjoy your favorite ingredients in a light, handheld bite. The combination of seasoned beef, crisp veggies, and that irresistible peanut-lime sauce will have you coming back for more. Perfect for any occasion, these spring rolls are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds. Enjoy!
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Beef Spring Rolls with Peanut Lime Sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 spring rolls (about 3–4 servings) 1x
Description
These Beef Spring Rolls with Peanut Lime Sauce are a perfect balance of savory beef, fresh veggies, and a zesty peanut-lime dipping sauce. Crisp, crunchy, and full of flavor, these spring rolls are perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even a light dinner. They’re fresh, easy to make, and guaranteed to be a hit at your next meal or party!
Ingredients
For the 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
For the 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.
- Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned (about 5-7 minutes). If you’re using sliced beef, cook the beef until it’s browned and cooked through.
- Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), ground ginger, shredded carrots, and bell pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the veggies are softened.
- Remove the beef mixture from the heat and let it cool slightly. Stir in the chopped cilantro.
- Prepare the Rice Paper:
- Fill a shallow dish or large bowl with warm water. Carefully dip one rice paper wrapper into the water, holding it for about 5-10 seconds until it becomes soft and pliable. Be careful not to soak it too long or it may tear.
- Place the softened rice paper onto a clean surface (like a large plate or countertop).
- Assemble the Spring Rolls:
- Place a small handful of the shredded lettuce in the center of the rice paper, followed by 2-3 tablespoons of the beef mixture.
- Gently fold in the sides of the rice paper and roll it tightly from the bottom up, sealing the edge.
- Repeat this process for the remaining rice paper wrappers and filling ingredients.
- Make the Peanut Lime Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, lime juice, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil (if using), and chili garlic sauce (if using).
- Add warm water a little at a time, stirring until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. It should be smooth and slightly thick, but easy to dip.
- Serve:
- Serve the beef spring rolls with the peanut lime dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy fresh and crispy, perfect for a snack, appetizer, or meal!
Notes
- If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute the beef with shrimp, chicken, or tofu.
- For extra flavor, you can add some thinly sliced cucumber or avocado to the spring rolls.
- If you’re preparing these in advance, cover the finished spring rolls with a damp paper towel and plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 spring roll
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg