Budget Beef Bites
Make this Big Batch Asian Ground Beef now and use throughout the holiday entertaining season for homemade spring rolls, pot stickers and more.
You can prepare the Asian Beef Mixture in advance, dividing it into portions and freezing. Then, when having a get-together, just thaw what you need to make into appetizers.
Beef and Bean Stir-fry:
Use 3 cups (750 mL) EACH Asian Beef Mixture and trimmed cut green beans, 1 sweet red pepper (thinly sliced), and chopped roasted peanuts (optional). In large nonstick skillet, heat 1 tbsp (15 mL) vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add beans and red pepper; stir-fry briefly. Add 2 tbsp (30 mL) water; cover and steam until tender-crisp, about 3 minutes. Add beef mixture; cook, stirring, for 3 minutes or until hot. Serve over noodles, sprinkled with peanuts (if desired). Makes 6 main or 12 starter courses.
These awesome appetizers start off with the same delicious base – Asian Beef Mixture – and offer the convenience of make-ahead options for easy entertaining.
Baked Spring Rolls:
Use 3 cups (750 mL) Asian Beef Mixture and 12 egg roll wraps. Forming 1 roll at a time, place wrap on work surface; brush edges with water. Spoon 1/4 cup (50 mL) beef mixture on bottom third, leaving 1/2-inch (1 cm) borders around filling; roll in 2 ends slightly and roll up. Bake, refrigerate or freeze. To bake (from fresh or frozen): lace rolls, seam side down, on lightly oiled baking sheet; brush lightly with vegetable oil. Bake in 350°F (180°C) oven 20 minutes or until golden. Makes 12 pieces.
Asian Pot Stickers:
Use 1 cup (250 mL) Asian Beef Mixture, 20 to 25 wonton wraps. Place several wraps on work surface; brush edges with water. Place heaping 1 tsp/5 mL beef mixture in centre of each. Fold wraps diagonally in half, pressing edges to seal. Place on waxed paper and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Cook right away, refrigerate or freeze. To cook (from fresh or frozen), heat lightly oiled large nonstick skillet, over medium-high heat. In batches, lightly brown pot stickers on both sides. Add 1/4 cup (50 mL) water; cover tightly and steam for 4 minutes. Transfer to baking sheet; keep warm in low oven. Makes 20 to 25 pieces.
Asian Beef Tortilla Bites:
Use 2 cups (500 mL) Asian Beef Mixture, 2 leaves leaf lettuce and 4 warmed large flour tortillas. Warm beef mixture on stove top or in microwave. Cut tortillas into quarters. Lay piece of leaf lettuce on each quarter. Mound about 1/4 cup (50 mL) beef filling on each and roll up into cone shape. Secure sides with toothpick. Makes 14 to 16 pieces.
