Why You’ll Love Delicious Lemongrass Beef Spring Rolls Recipe
These spring rolls are light yet satisfying, packed with fresh ingredients and bold flavor. The lemongrass-infused beef adds depth and aroma, while the herbs and vegetables keep everything crisp and vibrant. They’re easy to customize, perfect for entertaining, and fun to assemble, making them a great choice for gatherings or relaxed meals at home.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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ribeye or sirloin steak, thinly sliced
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lemongrass, finely minced
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garlic, minced
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shallot, minced
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fish sauce
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soy sauce
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oyster sauce
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brown sugar or honey
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rice paper wrappers
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lettuce leaves
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fresh mint, with optional cilantro or basil
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cucumbers, thinly sliced
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cooked vermicelli rice noodles
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Vietnamese-style dipping sauce
Directions
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In a bowl, combine lemongrass, garlic, shallot, fish sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar or honey, and a small amount of oil. Add the beef slices and toss until evenly coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for deeper flavor.
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Cook the vermicelli noodles according to package instructions, then rinse with cold water and drain well. Prepare the lettuce, herbs, and cucumber.
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Heat a pan over high heat. Cook the marinated beef quickly, about 1 to 2 minutes per side, until browned and just cooked through. Remove from heat and allow it to rest briefly.
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Fill a shallow dish with warm water. Dip one rice paper wrapper into the water for a few seconds until pliable, then place it on a clean surface.
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Arrange lettuce, herbs, cucumber, noodles, and a few slices of beef on the lower third of the wrapper.
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Fold in the sides and roll tightly from the bottom to form a neat spring roll. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
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Serve immediately with the dipping sauce.
Servings and timing
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Servings: approximately 8 spring rolls, depending on size and filling amount
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Prep time: 30 to 45 minutes, plus marinating time
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Cook time: 10 to 15 minutes
Variations
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Protein swap: Replace beef with grilled chicken, shrimp, or marinated tofu.
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Extra crunch: Add shredded carrots, bean sprouts, or thinly sliced bell peppers.
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Herb variation: Use Thai basil, cilantro, or a mix of herbs for different flavor profiles.
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Spicy option: Add sliced chili or a spoon of chili sauce to the filling or dipping sauce.
Storage/Reheating
Spring rolls are best enjoyed fresh, as rice paper can dry out or become soggy once stored. If needed, store the components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 1 to 2 days. Reheat the beef gently in a pan before assembling fresh rolls.
FAQs
What is lemongrass and can it be substituted?
Lemongrass is a citrusy herb commonly used in Southeast Asian cooking. If unavailable, lime zest combined with a small amount of lime juice can provide a similar brightness.
Do rice paper wrappers need to be cooked?
No, rice paper only needs to be briefly dipped in warm water to soften before wrapping.
Can these spring rolls be made ahead of time?
They are best assembled just before serving, but all components can be prepared in advance and stored separately.
How do I keep rice paper from tearing?
Dip the rice paper briefly in warm water and let it soften gradually on your work surface rather than over-soaking it.
What dipping sauce pairs best with these rolls?
A Vietnamese-style dipping sauce with sweet, sour, salty, and spicy notes complements the flavors perfectly.
Can I use different noodles?
Thin rice noodles or vermicelli work best, but other fine noodles can be used if needed.
Are these spring rolls gluten-free?
They can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce and ensuring all sauces meet dietary needs.
How long does cooked beef last in the fridge?
Cooked beef can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 to 3 days in an airtight container.
Can spring rolls be frozen?
Freezing assembled fresh spring rolls is not recommended, as the rice paper does not hold up well after thawing.
Which herbs work best in this recipe?
Mint, cilantro, and Thai basil are all excellent choices and pair well with lemongrass and beef.
Conclusion
Lemongrass beef spring rolls are a fresh and flavorful dish that highlights aromatic herbs, tender beef, and crisp vegetables wrapped in delicate rice paper. Whether served as an appetizer or a light meal, they’re easy to customize and always impressive. With their vibrant flavors and refreshing texture, these spring rolls are a delicious way to bring bold Southeast Asian-inspired tastes to your table.
Delicious Lemongrass Beef Spring Rolls
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- Author: Mia
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 spring rolls
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Fresh and flavorful Vietnamese-style spring rolls filled with fragrant lemongrass beef, crisp vegetables, and herbs, wrapped in rice paper and served with a savory dipping sauce.
Ingredients
- 300 g beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
- 2 stalks fresh lemongrass, finely minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 12 rice paper wrappers
- 1 cup rice vermicelli noodles, cooked
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1 cucumber, julienned
- Fresh mint leaves
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine sliced beef, lemongrass, garlic, soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar. Mix well and marinate for 15 minutes.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and stir-fry the marinated beef until fully cooked and slightly caramelized. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Prepare all vegetables and herbs, and cook the rice vermicelli according to package instructions.
- Soften one rice paper wrapper at a time by dipping it briefly in warm water.
- Lay the wrapper flat and layer lettuce, vermicelli, beef, vegetables, and herbs in the center.
- Fold in the sides and roll tightly to form a spring roll.
- Repeat with remaining ingredients and serve fresh with dipping sauce of choice.
Notes
- Slice beef very thinly for the most tender texture.
- Do not over-soak rice paper to prevent tearing.
- These rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be wrapped tightly and chilled for a few hours.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stir-Fry & Rolling
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 spring roll
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
