Spring Rolls: Baking Time For Cooked Beef (2024)

Baked spring rolls with cooked beef are a delicious and healthier alternative to the traditional fried variety. They are typically baked in the oven for around 20 minutes at a temperature of approximately 400°F (200°C). This method of cooking results in golden brown spring rolls with a crispy texture.

The filling for these spring rolls is a simple yet tasty combination of ground beef, vegetables, and spices. The beef is cooked until no longer pink, and then mixed with ingredients such as green onions, garlic, ginger, and hoisin sauce. This savoury mixture is then wrapped in spring roll wrappers, brushed with oil, and baked until golden.

While frying is the classic way to prepare spring rolls, baking is a convenient and healthier option that still yields delicious results. The spring rolls emerge from the oven with a satisfying crispness and a golden exterior, making them a tempting treat for any occasion.

How to roll spring rolls

Spring rolls are a favourite appetiser and can be baked, fried, or eaten fresh. The key to rolling a successful spring roll is to ensure it is uniform in shape, density, and tightness, without tearing the wrapper. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to roll a spring roll:

Step 1: Prepare the Wrapper and Filling

• If using rice paper wrappers, cut the sheets into four equal wedges. This will provide reinforcement for the wrapper, especially where the meat goes, to prevent tearing.
• Dip one sheet of rice paper in lukewarm water. You can also dip a reinforcement piece of rice paper in water and place it where the meat will go.
• Place the wrapper with the smooth side down in a diamond position.
• Place a heaped amount of filling (about 1-2 tablespoons) on the bottom third of the wrapper, leaving a small border. The amount of filling will depend on the size of the wrapper and the desired amount of filling.

Step 2: Add the Ingredients

• Add cooked rice noodles to the bottom of the wrapper. The width of the noodles will dictate the length of your roll.
• Add lettuce on top of the noodles, cutting or breaking off parts as needed so that it matches or is shorter than the width of the noodles.
• Add any desired herbs, keeping them narrower than the lettuce or noodles.
• Add a row of meat, such as pork or shrimp, right up against where the noodles end. Keep the width of the meat the same as or narrower than the noodles.

Step 3: Begin Rolling and Folding

• Fold the left and right edges of the wrapper inward towards the middle, up to where the ingredients end. This will determine the final length of the roll.
• Begin to roll the wrapper upwards, continually pushing and compressing the ingredients to maintain an even tightness. This is the most difficult part, as you will need to ensure the roll is tight around the noodles and veggies.
• Once you reach the meat, loosen the pressure a bit, as it is more rigid. If your roll has a reinforcement layer of rice paper, be careful not to make it too tight, or the spring roll can break.
• Continue rolling until you run out of wrapper, and your spring roll is complete!

Additional Tips:

• Use a vertical water bowl to dip the wrappers in, saving space on your table.
• Use noodle sheets (bánh hỏi) to speed up the process and create more uniform rolls.
• Pre-assemble your veggies, herbs, and noodles in bulk to save time.
• For Chinese spring rolls, seal the wrapper using a slurry of cornstarch and hot water. This will give you a clean, even golden brown colour.
• For Vietnamese spring rolls, use dried rice paper wrappers, which can be found near the dried rice noodles in the supermarket. These wrappers are shelf-stable and will stick to themselves, so you don't need anything additional to seal them.

How to seal spring rolls

To seal spring rolls, you can use a mixture of cornstarch and water. You can also use an egg mixture, but this will "stain" the spring rolls.

• Lay the wrapper out flat. If you have a square wrapper, lay it out like a diamond.
• Place the filling on the wrapper near the bottom, spreading it out in a line that's about 1/2 to 2/3 inches tall.
• Fold the left and right sides of the wrapper over the filling until they touch or come close to touching.
• Fold the bottom of the wrapper up and over the filling, tucking it under the front side of the mixture (the side away from you).
• Continue to fold and roll the wrapper until the filling is completely enclosed.
• If the last corner won't fold, spread some of the sealing mixture onto it and stick it to the rest of the roll.
• Place the spring roll wrapper on a plate in the shape of a diamond.
• Put the filling in the lower center of the wrapper, horizontally, leaving at least 2 inches of space between the filling and the left and right corners.
• Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then roll it over the filling once more if desired.
• Fold the left corner into the middle of the roll, so it points in the opposite direction.
• Fold the right corner into the middle of the roll to meet the left corner.
• Roll the bottom of the wrapper upwards until you've finished folding the spring roll.

Once you've sealed your spring rolls, they can be baked or fried until golden brown.

How to bake spring rolls

Ingredients

Spring rolls are usually made up of a mix of meat and vegetables. For the meat, you can use ground pork, chicken, turkey, beef, or crabmeat. For the vegetables, you can use shredded cabbage, carrots, green onions, cilantro, garlic, mushrooms, and bean sprouts. You will also need spring roll wrappers, which can be found in the frozen section of most grocery stores. Other ingredients include:

• Cornstarch
• Oyster sauce
• Soy sauce
• Vegetable oil
• Ginger
• An egg
• Rice noodles

Cooking the Filling

Start by cooking your chosen meat in a skillet or wok over medium heat. Once the meat is cooked, add your vegetables and continue to cook until they are soft. You can also add in your oyster sauce, garlic, and soy sauce at this point. If your mixture looks dry, add a splash of water and continue cooking. Once cooked, spread the mixture on a tray and place it in the refrigerator to cool.

Assembling the Spring Rolls

Take your spring roll wrapper and place it on a flat surface. Place a heaped spoonful of filling onto the bottom of the wrapper. Then, roll it up halfway and fold in the sides before finishing the roll. Use a cornstarch and water mixture to seal the edges of the wrapper.

Baking the Spring Rolls

Preheat your oven to around 200°C/400°F. Place the spring rolls on a rack and spray them generously with oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and crispy. You do not need to turn the spring rolls during baking.

Serving the Spring Rolls

Spring rolls are usually served with a sweet and sour sauce. You can make your own by combining cornstarch, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and tomato ketchup in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until it thickens. Serve the sauce alongside the spring rolls and enjoy!

How to fry spring rolls

Frying is the best way to get that beautifully golden, flaky, and crispy spring roll. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to fry spring rolls:

Prepare the filling

The filling should be a moist mixture of meat and vegetables. For the meat, you can use ground pork, chicken, turkey, beef, shrimp, or cooked prawns. For the vegetables, you can use cabbage, carrots, mushrooms, onions, celery, water chestnuts, bean sprouts, bamboo shoots, or bok choy. You can also add in some sauces like oyster sauce, sweet chilli sauce, soy sauce, or hoisin sauce.

Cook the filling

Cook the filling mixture in a skillet or wok over high heat until the meat is cooked and the vegetables are tender. Make sure the filling is not too watery, as this will make the spring rolls soggy. Let the filling cool down before assembling the spring rolls.

Assemble the spring rolls

Place a heaping tablespoon of the filling onto a spring roll wrapper, forming it into a 3-inch log shape. Fold the bottom corner of the wrapper over the filling, then pull it towards you to make it taut. Roll the wrapper tightly and fold in the sides. Brush a little water on the top corner to help seal the spring roll. Repeat this process until all the filling and wrappers are used up.

Fry the spring rolls

Fill a skillet or pot with about 2 inches of canola or vegetable oil. Heat the oil to medium-high heat, or until it reaches 375°F if you are using a deep-fry thermometer. Gently place the spring rolls into the hot oil, cooking them in batches of 4-5 at a time. Fry each spring roll for 1.5-2 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are deep golden. Remove the spring rolls from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb the excess oil.

Serve the spring rolls

Serve the spring rolls hot with a dipping sauce such as soy sauce, sweet chilli sauce, peanut sauce, or hot Chinese mustard.

What to serve with spring rolls

There are many options to serve with spring rolls, from vegetables to soups and more. Here are some ideas for side dishes to serve with spring rolls:

Crunchy Asian Slaw

A colourful mix of cabbage, carrots, and other veggies, tossed with a tangy dressing. This dish is perfect with spring rolls because its vibrant flavours and crunchy texture contrast well with the soft and crispy rolls. The tangy dressing also helps cut through the richness of the fried rolls.

Steamed Rice

Steamed rice is a simple yet versatile side dish that pairs beautifully with spring rolls. The mild flavour and fluffy texture of the rice help to absorb the flavorful dipping sauces while providing a balance to the bold taste of the spring rolls. It's an ideal option for those who prefer a more subtle side dish.

Stir-fried Vegetables

Stir-fried vegetables are a great way to add colour, flavour, and nutrition to your meal. The variety of vegetables can be customised based on your preferences, and the quick cooking method ensures that they retain their crispness. The bold flavours and slightly charred taste of the stir-fry complement the savoury spring rolls perfectly.

Sweet and Sour Sauce

Spring rolls are usually served with sweet and sour sauce. It is truly worth making your own – it’s really quick and easy!

Peanut Dipping Sauce

Peanut dipping sauce is a popular choice for serving with spring rolls. Its rich and creamy consistency, combined with a blend of sweet, salty, and spicy flavours, creates a delightful contrast to the crispness of the rolls.

Cold Sesame Noodles

Cold sesame noodles are a delicious and refreshing side dish, featuring noodles coated in a rich, nutty sesame sauce. The cold temperature and smooth texture of the noodles provide a lovely contrast to the warm, crispy spring rolls.

Shrimp Fried Rice

The succulent shrimp and flavorful rice offer a delicious contrast to the crisp spring rolls. This tasty side dish brings an extra layer of complexity to your meal, creating a more satisfying dining experience.

Frequently asked questions