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Beef Rice Paper Noodle Rolls

Beef Rice Paper Noodle Rolls

Cheung Fun (腸粉) is a traditional Cantonese dim sum dish made from a thin, steamed rice noodle sheet that’s rolled around a filling — often beef, shrimp, or vegetables — and served with a soy-based sauce. The texture is what makes it special: soft, slippery, and silky-smooth, with a mild flavor that pairs beautifully with the umami-rich sauce.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Servings: 5
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Chinese

Ingredients
  

For the filling:
  • ½ lb 225 g ground beef (or finely chopped beef)
  • 2 green onions finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • ½ teaspoon sugar
  • ½ teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • Black pepper to taste
For the rolls:
  • 8 –10 rice paper sheets round or square
  • Warm water for softening rice paper
  • A bit of oil for brushing
For the sauce:
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce optional for deeper color
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • ½ teaspoon sesame oil
Garnish:
  • Toasted sesame seeds
  • Chopped scallions

Method
 

Prepare the beef filling
  1. In a skillet, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, cornstarch, and green onions. Cook for another minute, then remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
Make the sauce
  1. In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, water, and sesame oil. Bring to a simmer over low heat and stir until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and keep warm.
Prepare the rice paper
  1. Fill a large shallow dish or pan with warm water. Dip a sheet of rice paper into the water for about 5–10 seconds until it starts to soften (don’t over-soak, or it will tear easily).
  2. Place it flat on a clean, damp surface.
Assemble the rolls
  1. Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of the beef filling onto the lower third of the rice paper. Gently roll it up like a spring roll — fold the sides over the filling, then roll it up tightly. Repeat with the remaining rice paper sheets and beef mixture.
Pan-steam the rolls
  1. Brush a non-stick skillet lightly with oil and place the rolls seam-side down. Cover with a lid and let them steam over low heat for 2–3 minutes, just until the rice paper becomes translucent and slightly glossy.
Serve
  1. Place the rolls on a plate, drizzle the warm soy sauce mixture over them, and sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions.

Notes

  • Work quickly: Rice paper gets sticky fast, so roll soon after softening.
  • Don’t overfill: A small amount of filling ensures smooth, tight rolls.
  • Keep them covered: Use a damp towel to prevent the rolls from drying out.
  • Add texture: You can mix in chopped water chestnuts or mushrooms with the beef.