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Thai Basil Beef Rolls Recipe

4.8 from 146 reviews

These Thai Basil Beef Rolls are a fresh and flavorful appetizer or light meal featuring savory ground beef seasoned with garlic, shallots, and classic Thai sauces, wrapped in delicate rice paper with aromatic Thai basil and optional fresh herbs and crunchy vegetables. Perfect for a light, healthy dish with a vibrant balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef Mixture

  • 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

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 Mixture: Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and finely chopped shallot, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 2 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
  2. Season the Beef: Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, and chili flakes or minced Thai chili. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld. Remove from heat and fold in the chopped Thai basil leaves.
  3. Prepare Rice Paper Wrappers: Fill a shallow bowl with warm water. Quickly dip one rice paper wrapper into the water for about 10 seconds or until it softens but is still slightly firm. Lay it flat on a clean surface or plate.
  4. Assemble the Rolls: Place a spoonful of the beef mixture in the center of the rice paper. Top with optional herbs such as mint, cilantro, green onion, and crunchy vegetables like julienned carrots or cucumbers if desired. Fold the sides over the filling and then roll tightly to enclose the ingredients, like making a burrito. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
  5. Serve: Arrange the wrapped rolls on a platter and serve immediately with your chosen dipping sauce such as soy-lime or chili-garlic blend for a fresh, flavorful bite.

Notes

  • For best results, do not soak the rice paper too long, as it can become too soft and tear.
  • Ground beef with slightly higher fat content (85/15) tastes juicier and more flavorful.
  • Adjust the chili amount to your spice preference or omit for a milder version.
  • Fresh herbs like mint and cilantro add brightness but can be omitted if unavailable.
  • Serve these rolls immediately after assembling to prevent the wrappers from becoming sticky or hard.

Keywords: Thai Basil Beef Rolls, Thai Rolls, Rice Paper Rolls, Ground Beef Appetizer, Fresh Thai Appetizer