Thai Basil Beef Rolls Recipe

Introduction

Thai Basil Beef Rolls are a fresh and flavorful appetizer perfect for any occasion. These rolls combine savory ground beef infused with aromatic Thai basil and spices, wrapped in delicate rice paper for a light, satisfying bite.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small shallot, finely chopped
• 1 pound ground beef (85/15)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes or 1 minced Thai chili
• 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves, chopped
• 8 to 10 rice paper wrappers
• 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves (optional)
• 1/2 cup cilantro leaves (optional)
• 1/4 cup sliced green onion (optional)
• 1/4 cup julienned carrots or cucumbers (optional)
• 1/4 cup dipping sauce (soy-lime or chili-garlic blend)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic and finely chopped shallot until fragrant.
2. Step 2: Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
3. Step 3: Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and chili flakes. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes.
4. Step 4: Remove the skillet from heat, then add fresh lime juice and chopped Thai basil leaves. Stir well and let cool slightly.
5. Step 5: Fill a shallow plate or bowl with warm water to soften the rice paper wrappers. Arrange your beef filling and optional herbs and vegetables nearby for easy assembly.
6. Step 6: Dip one rice paper wrapper into warm water for 5 to 10 seconds until pliable, then place it on a clean flat surface.
7. Step 7: Place a spoonful of the beef filling near the bottom of the wrapper. Add optional fresh herbs like mint, cilantro, green onions, and julienned carrots or cucumbers if desired.
8. Step 8: Fold the bottom edge of the wrapper over the filling, tuck in the sides tightly, and roll it up firmly to enclose the filling.
9. Step 9: Repeat the dipping, filling, and rolling process with the remaining wrappers and beef mixture.
10. Step 10: Serve the rolls sliced in half with dipping sauce on the side for a fresh and tasty appetizer.

Tips & Variations

• Use rice paper wrappers that are fresh and pliable to prevent tearing.
• Add crunchy veggies like shredded carrots or cucumbers for texture and freshness.
• Substitute ground chicken or turkey if you prefer a lighter meat option.
• For a spicier kick, increase the amount of chili flakes or add sliced fresh Thai chili inside the rolls.
• Try different dipping sauces such as hoisin peanut sauce or sweet chili for variety.

Storage

Store any leftover unrolled beef filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Prepared rolls are best eaten fresh but can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerated for a few hours. When ready to serve, let the rolls come to room temperature and serve with fresh herbs and dipping sauce. Avoid storing rolled rice papers too long as they may become soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the beef filling in advance?

Yes, the beef filling can be made up to 2 days ahead and refrigerated. Reheat gently before assembling the rolls or use it cold for a refreshing taste.

How do I prevent rice paper from sticking?

Dip each rice paper just long enough to soften, then place it on a clean, slightly damp surface or a non-stick board. Be careful not to overlap sheets to avoid sticking.

Thai Basil Beef Rolls Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 67 reviews

These Thai Basil Beef Rolls are a fresh and flavorful appetizer featuring savory ground beef seasoned with traditional Thai ingredients, wrapped in delicate rice paper with fresh herbs and crisp vegetables. Perfect for light lunches or cocktail gatherings, they offer a perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and aromatic flavors wrapped in a healthy, handheld roll.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 to 10 rolls 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Thai

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Beef Filling

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small shallot, finely chopped
• 1 pound ground beef (85/15)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes or 1 minced Thai chili
• 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves, chopped

Roll Assembly

• 8 to 10 rice paper wrappers
• 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves (optional)
• 1/2 cup cilantro leaves (optional)
• 1/4 cup sliced green onion (optional)
• 1/4 cup julienned carrots or cucumbers (optional)
• 1/4 cup dipping sauce (soy-lime or chili-garlic blend)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef Filling: Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic and finely chopped shallot until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
2. Cook the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks.
3. Season the Beef: Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and chili flakes. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2–3 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Finish the Filling: Remove the skillet from heat. Add the fresh lime juice and chopped Thai basil leaves, stirring to combine. Allow the filling to cool slightly before assembling.
5. Set Up Rolling Station: Fill a shallow plate with warm water to soften the rice paper wrappers. Arrange your herbs and vegetables for easy access.
6. Soften Rice Paper: Dip one rice paper wrapper into the warm water for 5–10 seconds until pliable. Lay it flat on a clean surface.
7. Add Fillings: Place a portion of the beef filling along with optional mint, cilantro, green onion, and julienned veggies near the bottom edge of the rice paper wrapper.
8. Roll the Wraps: Fold the bottom edge of the rice paper over the filling, then tuck in the sides tightly. Continue rolling upwards until sealed into a compact roll.
9. Repeat: Repeat the soaking and rolling process with the remaining wrappers and filling ingredients.
10. Serve: Slice the rolls in half for easy eating and serve with your choice of dipping sauce on the side.

Notes

• Rice paper wrappers soften quickly in warm water, so work swiftly to prevent tearing.
• For added crunch, include julienned carrots or cucumbers inside the rolls.
• Adjust chili flakes or fresh chili to your preferred spice level.
• Store leftover filling separately and assemble rolls just before serving to maintain texture.
• These rolls can be served cold or at room temperature.

Keywords: Thai Basil Beef Rolls, Thai appetizer, rice paper rolls, ground beef rolls, fresh Thai herbs, healthy rolls