If you're craving a fresh and flavorful Vietnamese dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, look no further than Pho Cuon! This delightful recipe features tender rice paper rolls filled with succulent beef, crisp vegetables, and aromatic herbs, all dipped in a rich peanut sauce. Perfect for a light lunch or an impressive appetizer, these rolls are not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. Get ready to impress your friends and family with your culinary skills as you learn to roll your way to a delicious Vietnamese experience right in your own kitchen!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 200g rice paper
- 300g cooked beef, thinly sliced
- 1 cup lettuce leaves
- 1 cup herbs (mint, cilantro)
- 1 cucumber, julienned
- Peanut sauce for dipping
- Sliced chili for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing herbs and vegetables thoroughly. Pat dry the lettuce and herbs with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Slice the cooked beef into thin, uniform strips approximately 1/4 inch thick. Ensure the beef is at room temperature for easier rolling.
- Julienne the cucumber into long, thin strips. Set aside on a clean plate.
- Create a clean, flat work surface. Fill a large, shallow bowl with warm water for softening rice paper.
- Dip one rice paper sheet quickly into the warm water, rotating to moisten evenly. Remove immediately and place on a clean, damp kitchen towel.
- Wait 30 seconds for the rice paper to become pliable but not too soft. The paper should be slightly translucent and flexible.
- Layer ingredients in the center of the rice paper: first a lettuce leaf, then herbs, beef slices, and cucumber strips.
- Fold the bottom of the rice paper over the filling, then fold in the sides, and roll tightly from bottom to top, creating a neat, compact roll.
- Repeat the process with remaining ingredients, keeping rolled Pho Cuon covered with a damp cloth to prevent drying.
- Prepare the peanut dipping sauce by mixing crushed peanuts, hoisin sauce, and a touch of chili.
- Garnish rolls with sliced fresh chili and serve immediately with peanut sauce on the side.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, wash and prepare all your ingredients in advance. This way, you can focus on rolling the Pho Cuon without any interruptions.
- Perfect Rice Paper: When soaking the rice paper, dip it quickly in warm water to avoid making it too soft. It should be pliable but still slightly firm to hold its shape during rolling.
- Layering is Key: For the best flavor and texture, layer your ingredients thoughtfully. Start with the lettuce for crunch, followed by herbs for freshness, and finish with the beef and cucumber for a satisfying bite.
- Keep it Moist: As you roll the Pho Cuon, cover any completed rolls with a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out while you finish the rest.
- Customize Your Filling: Feel free to get creative with your fillings! You can add shrimp, tofu, or a variety of vegetables to suit your taste.
- Dipping Sauce Variation: Experiment with your peanut sauce by adding lime juice or sriracha for an extra kick!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
