Taiwanese Beef Rolls

Taiwanese Beef Rolls, also known as “Niu Rou Juan Bing” (牛肉捲餅), are a beloved street food in Taiwan and a must-try for anyone who loves bold, savory flavors. This dish features thinly sliced tender beef, fragrant scallions, and a sweet-and-savory hoisin-based sauce, all wrapped in a flaky, crispy scallion pancake. The result is a mouthwatering combination of textures and flavors: the chewiness of the pancake, the tender, juicy beef, and the sweetness of the sauce that ties it all together.

This dish is the epitome of Taiwanese comfort food and is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re preparing a family dinner, hosting a party, or just treating yourself to a flavorful snack. Taiwanese Beef Rolls are surprisingly easy to make at home, and the satisfaction of biting into a freshly rolled pancake filled with juicy beef is unmatched.

While scallion pancakes can be purchased ready-made at Asian grocery stores, making them from scratch adds an extra layer of authenticity to this dish. In this recipe, you’ll learn how to prepare both the scallion pancakes and the beef filling, as well as tips for customizing the rolls to suit your preferences.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic Taiwanese Flavors: This recipe captures the sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors of traditional Taiwanese street food.
• Crispy Yet Tender Texture: The flaky scallion pancakes provide the perfect contrast to the tender beef and rich sauce.
• Customizable: You can tweak the sauce, add fresh veggies, or substitute proteins to make it your own.
• Great for Sharing: Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or main dish for family gatherings or dinner parties.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Both the beef and scallion pancakes can be prepped in advance, making this dish a breeze to assemble.
• Halal-Friendly: With simple substitutions, this recipe can easily be adapted for halal diets.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep time: 40 minutes
• Cook time: 40 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 beef rolls
• Serving Size: 1 beef roll

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 310
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Protein: 18g
• Fat: 14g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 5g

Ingredients

For the Scallion Pancakes

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup hot water (plus more as needed)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup scallions, finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, for cooking

For the Beef Filling

• 1 pound beef flank steak or brisket, thinly sliced against the grain
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce (use halal-certified if needed)
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, use a vegetarian alternative for halal diets)
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, for cooking

For Assembly

• 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce (for spreading)
• 1 tablespoon Sriracha (optional, for heat)
• 1 cup fresh scallions, julienned
• 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves

Optional Additions

• Pickled vegetables (such as radishes or carrots)
• Sliced cucumbers
• Shredded lettuce

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Scallion Pancake Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and hot water. Mix with a wooden spoon or chopsticks until the dough comes together. Once cool enough to handle, knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with a damp towel and let it rest for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Beef Filling

In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Add the thinly sliced beef to the marinade, ensuring every piece is evenly coated. Cover and let the beef marinate for at least 20 minutes (or up to 1 hour for deeper flavor).

Step 3: Roll Out the Scallion Pancakes

Divide the rested dough into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball. Working with one ball at a time, roll it out into a thin circle (about 8 inches in diameter). Brush the surface with sesame oil, sprinkle a pinch of salt, and scatter ¼ cup of chopped scallions evenly across the dough. Roll the dough into a tight log, then coil it into a spiral. Flatten the spiral with your palm and roll it out again into an 8-inch circle. Repeat with the remaining dough.

Step 4: Cook the Scallion Pancakes

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook each scallion pancake for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the skillet and keep warm under a kitchen towel. Repeat with the remaining pancakes.

Step 5: Cook the Beef

Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes, or until the beef is cooked through and slightly caramelized. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 6: Assemble the Beef Rolls

Place one scallion pancake on a flat surface. Spread a thin layer of hoisin sauce over the pancake, adding a drizzle of Sriracha if you prefer some heat. Add a few slices of cooked beef, a handful of julienned scallions, fresh cilantro leaves, and any additional toppings like pickled vegetables or cucumbers. Roll the pancake tightly around the filling, tucking in the edges as you go. Repeat with the remaining pancakes and filling.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Cut each beef roll in half diagonally and serve warm. These rolls can be enjoyed as is or with a side of dipping sauce, such as soy sauce mixed with a touch of rice vinegar and sesame oil.

Ingredient Background

Scallion Pancakes: A classic in Chinese and Taiwanese cuisine, scallion pancakes are made from a simple dough of flour and water, layered with scallions and sesame oil for flavor. They’re flaky, crispy, and the perfect vessel for savory fillings like beef.
Beef Flank or Brisket: These cuts of beef are ideal for stir-frying because they’re flavorful and tender when sliced thinly. Marinating the beef enhances its flavor and keeps it juicy.
Hoisin Sauce: A sweet-and-savory sauce made from soybeans, hoisin is a key ingredient that adds depth and richness to the beef rolls.
Scallions and Cilantro: These fresh herbs provide brightness and balance to the rich, savory flavors of the beef and sauce.

Technique Tips

• Thinly Slice the Beef: Slicing the beef against the grain and as thinly as possible ensures that it cooks quickly and remains tender. Freezing the beef for 15-20 minutes beforehand makes slicing easier.
• Rest the Dough: Allowing the scallion pancake dough to rest makes it easier to roll out and improves the texture of the finished pancakes.
• Don’t Skip the Spiral: Rolling the dough into a spiral after adding the scallions helps create the flaky layers that make scallion pancakes so irresistible.
• High Heat for the Beef: Stir-fry the beef over medium-high heat to achieve caramelization and lock in the marinade flavors.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

• Mini Beef Rolls: Divide the dough into smaller portions and create mini rolls for bite-sized appetizers, perfect for parties.
• Open-Faced Beef Pancakes: Instead of rolling the pancakes, serve them flat with the beef and toppings layered on top for an open-faced presentation.
• Beef Wrap Bowls: Skip the rolling entirely and serve the beef and scallion pancakes as part of a DIY bowl with rice and fresh veggies.

Additional Tips for Success

• Pre-Made Pancakes: For a quicker option, use store-bought frozen scallion pancakes, which are widely available at Asian grocery stores.
• Customizable Fillings: Add fresh veggies like shredded lettuce, thinly sliced bell peppers, or pickled radishes for added crunch and flavor.
• Leftovers: Store any leftover beef and pancakes separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Reheat the beef in a skillet and warm the pancakes in a nonstick pan before assembling the rolls.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Beef Rolls: Add chili oil or sliced red chilies to the marinade for a spicier version.
• Chicken Rolls: Replace the beef with thinly sliced chicken breast or thighs for a lighter option.
• Vegetarian Rolls: Use sautéed mushrooms, tofu, or roasted vegetables as a filling instead of beef.
• Cheesy Rolls: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the pancake before adding the beef and toppings for a fusion twist.

Freezing and Storage

• Freeze the Pancakes: Uncooked scallion pancakes can be frozen individually with parchment paper between each layer. Cook directly from frozen, adding an extra minute per side.
• Refrigerate Leftovers: Store assembled rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Warm them in the microwave or oven before serving.

Healthier Twist Ideas

• Whole Wheat Pancakes: Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for added fiber.
• Lean Protein: Use lean cuts of beef or substitute with chicken breast or turkey.
• Low-Sodium Sauces: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce and hoisin sauce to reduce sodium content.
• More Veggies: Increase the amount of fresh vegetables in the rolls for a nutrient boost.

Serving Suggestions for Events

• Appetizer Platter: Cut the rolls into bite-sized pieces and serve with dipping sauces for an elegant appetizer platter.
• Dinner Party Main: Pair the rolls with sides like steamed dumplings, Asian slaw, or miso soup for a complete meal.
• Picnic Food: Wrap the rolls tightly in parchment paper and pack them as a portable snack or picnic dish.

Special Equipment

• Rolling Pin: Essential for rolling out the scallion pancakes to the perfect thickness.
• Nonstick Skillet: A nonstick skillet ensures that the pancakes cook evenly without sticking.
• Sharp Knife: Use a sharp knife to thinly slice the beef and cut the finished rolls cleanly.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this recipe in advance? Yes, you can prepare the beef and pancakes ahead of time. Store them separately and assemble the rolls just before serving.
2. Where can I find hoisin sauce? Hoisin sauce is available in the Asian section of most grocery stores or at any Asian supermarket.
3. Can I use store-bought scallion pancakes? Absolutely! Using pre-made pancakes saves time and still delivers delicious results.
4. What other proteins can I use? Chicken, turkey, pork, or even tofu are great substitutes for beef in this recipe.
5. Can I freeze the assembled rolls? While it’s better to freeze the components separately, you can freeze assembled rolls if needed. Reheat them in the oven or a skillet for the best texture.
6. How do I make the rolls less greasy? Use minimal oil when cooking the pancakes, and drain any excess oil from the beef after stir-frying.
7. What’s the best way to reheat the rolls? Heat them in a nonstick skillet over medium heat to restore the crispy texture of the pancake.
8. Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, use gluten-free all-purpose flour for the pancakes and gluten-free soy and hoisin sauces.

Conclusion

Taiwanese Beef Rolls are a delicious and satisfying dish that combines the best of savory, sweet, and crispy textures. Whether you’re recreating your favorite street food at home or introducing friends and family to the bold flavors of Taiwanese cuisine, this recipe is sure to impress. With its flaky scallion pancakes, tender beef, and customizable fillings, these rolls are perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try, and bring a taste of Taiwan to your table!

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