Crispy Beef Spring Rolls
If you’re looking for a golden, crunchy, flavorful appetizer that never disappoints, these beef spring rolls are the perfect choice. The crispy shell paired with a savory beef and vegetable filling makes them a delicious snack, dinner starter, or party finger food. They fry beautifully and hold together perfectly, making them an excellent make-ahead and freezer-friendly option.
What makes this recipe even better is that you can customize it easily: add vegetables for extra freshness or leave them out for a simpler, meat-forward filling. Either way, the result is always delicious.
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons oil of your choice
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 scallions, finely sliced
- 1 stock cube
- 1 teaspoon chili pepper
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- Salt to taste
- 3/4 cup shredded cabbage (optional)
- 3/4 cup shredded carrots (optional)
For Sealing Paste
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup water
For Spring Roll Wrappers
- 200 g all-purpose flour
- 300 ml water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For Frying
- Enough oil for deep frying (heated to 350°F / 175°C)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and scallions, sautéing until softened and translucent.
- Stir in chili pepper, black pepper, curry powder, stock cube, and salt. Cook briefly to release the flavors.
- Add the ground beef and use a wooden spoon to break it into small pieces as it cooks.
- Once the beef is browned and fully cooked, stir in the shredded cabbage and carrots if using. Mix well, then remove from heat immediately. This prevents the vegetables from becoming soggy.
- Allow the filling to cool completely before assembling the spring rolls.
Step 2: Make the Wrapper Paste
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and water until a smooth paste forms. Set aside.
Step 3: Make the Spring Roll Wrappers (Optional if using store-bought)
- Mix the flour and salt in a bowl, then slowly whisk in the water until smooth and lump-free.
- Strain the batter to remove any remaining lumps.
- Heat a non-stick pan over very low heat.
- Using a small brush, quickly paint a thin, even layer of batter on the warm surface to form a circle.
- Slightly increase the heat and cook until the wrapper turns white and releases from the pan. Set aside and repeat until all batter is used.
Step 4: Assemble the Rolls
- Place a wrapper on a clean surface and add about 1 tablespoon of filling near the edge.
- Fold tightly over the filling, then fold in both sides and continue rolling firmly.
- Brush the sealing paste along the edge to secure.
- Keep both filled and empty wrappers covered with a damp towel to prevent drying.
Step 5: Fry the Spring Rolls
- Heat frying oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the spring rolls in batches until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove and drain on a paper towel.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce such as sweet chili sauce, garlic yogurt dip, spicy ketchup, or soy-based dipping sauce.
Tips and Variations
- For extra crunch, add thinly sliced bell peppers or bean sprouts.
- To bake instead of fry, brush the rolls lightly with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway.
- These freeze well. Assemble, freeze on a tray, then store in a sealed freezer bag. Fry from frozen—no thawing needed.