Introduction
These beef rice paper rolls are a delicious fusion of juicy marinated beef, crisp vegetables, and fresh herbs all wrapped in soft, chewy rice paper. They’re light, refreshing, and incredibly satisfying. Served with a bold dipping sauce, they’re great as an appetizer, main course, or a healthy snack. Perfect for warm weather meals or anytime you’re craving something fresh and full of flavor.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Beef Marinade:
- 300g (10 oz) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Rolls:
- 10 rice paper wrappers (22cm size)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce or mixed greens
- 1 small cucumber, julienned
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- ½ red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- ½ cup fresh mint leaves
- ½ cup fresh cilantro
- ½ cup fresh Thai basil (optional)
- Cooked vermicelli rice noodles (optional, about 100g)
For the Dipping Sauce (Nuoc Cham):
- 3 tbsp fish sauce
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 small red chili, finely chopped
🔪 Instructions & Methods
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
- In a bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, garlic, and pepper.
- Add sliced beef and toss to coat evenly.
- Cover and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours for more flavor).
Step 2: Cook the Beef
- Heat a pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add a little oil and quickly sear the marinated beef for 2–3 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Set aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Prepare the Dipping Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix fish sauce, lime juice, water, and sugar until sugar dissolves.
- Add minced garlic and chopped chili.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Set aside.
Step 4: Prep the Rolling Station
- Fill a large bowl with warm water.
- Arrange all your fillings (veggies, herbs, cooked beef, noodles) on a work surface.
- Dip one rice paper sheet into the warm water for 5–7 seconds until soft but not too fragile.
- Place on a clean, damp kitchen towel or plate.
Step 5: Assemble the Rolls
- In the center of the softened rice paper, layer a few pieces of lettuce, vermicelli noodles (if using), vegetables, fresh herbs, and a few slices of cooked beef.
- Fold the bottom of the rice paper up over the filling.
- Fold in the sides, then roll tightly like a burrito.
- Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve the rolls whole or cut in half diagonally.
- Dip into the nuoc cham sauce and enjoy immediately.
👩🍳 Tips & Variations
- Want more heat? Add sriracha to the beef marinade or dipping sauce.
- For crunch, add thin slices of green apple or pickled radish.
- These rolls are best served fresh but can be stored (wrapped in damp paper towels, covered in plastic) in the fridge for a few hours.