Thai Beef Wraps

Ingredients

DRESSING

• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup fresh lime juice (not the bottled kind)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon garlic and red chile paste (more or less, as needed) or 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (more or less, as needed)

THE WRAPS

• 3 cups vegetable oil
• 3 ounces rice sticks (mai fun)

INSIDE WRAP

• 2 cups roast beef, thinly sliced, julienned (from deli)
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• 1 cucumber, seeded, bias sliced
• 1 yellow pepper or red bell pepper, julienned
• 10 leaves red leaf lettuce or 10 large bibb lettuce (leaves make cups)

Directions

1. 1

   PREPARE DRESSING:

2. 2

   Simmer water, lime juice, sugar, garlic, and chili garlic paste in a small saucepan over medium heat.

3. 3

   Reduce until dressing thickens slightly, about 20 minutes.

4. 4

   FOR THE WRAPS:.

5. 5

   Fry noodles in small batches in oil heated to 375°F; Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

6. 6

   THE "INSIDES" OF WRAPS:.

7. 7

   Prepare remaining ingredients and arrange on a large platter.

8. 8

   TO SERVE:.

9. 9

   Ask each diner to start with a lettuce leaf, then follow with some roast beef, fried noodles and vegetables.

10. 10

    Drizzle with some dressing before eating.