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Thai Basil Beef Rolls Recipe

Thai Basil Beef Rolls Recipe

5 from 14 reviews

Thai Basil Beef Rolls are a fresh and flavorful appetizer featuring ground beef sautéed with aromatic garlic, shallots, and Thai basil, wrapped in delicate rice paper with fresh herbs and crunchy vegetables. These rolls combine savory, sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors perfect for entertaining or a light meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Main 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

Wrap and Filling

  • 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)

Dipping Sauce

  • 1/4 cup dipping sauce (soy-lime or chili-garlic blend)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Aromatics: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic and finely chopped shallot until fragrant and translucent, about 2 minutes, to build the flavor base for the beef.
  2. Cook the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, continuously breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink, approximately 5-7 minutes.
  3. Add Seasonings: Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and chili flakes or minced Thai chili. Mix well and let this simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  4. Add Fresh Ingredients: Remove the skillet from heat, then stir in fresh lime juice and chopped Thai basil leaves. This will brighten and freshen the filling. Let the mixture cool slightly to avoid soaking the rice paper during assembly.
  5. Prepare Rolling Station: Fill a shallow plate with warm water and arrange your rice paper wrappers, fresh herbs, and julienned vegetables nearby for easy access.
  6. Soften Rice Paper: Dip one rice paper wrapper into the warm water for 5 to 10 seconds until pliable, then gently lay it flat on a clean surface or cutting board.
  7. Add Filling: Place a portion of the beef mixture near the bottom edge of the softened rice paper. Add fresh mint, cilantro, green onion, and carrots or cucumber if using.
  8. Roll the Wrapper: Fold the bottom edge over the filling, tuck the sides inward to enclose the filling tightly, and roll upwards until sealed tightly like a burrito.
  9. Repeat: Continue the process with the remaining wrappers and filling until all are assembled.
  10. Serve: Slice each roll in half diagonally and serve immediately alongside your preferred soy-lime or chili-garlic dipping sauce.

Notes

  • Use fresh herbs like mint, cilantro, and Thai basil for authentic flavor and freshness.
  • Adjust chili flakes or Thai chili amount to control the spicy level to your taste.
  • Rice paper wrappers can dry quickly; keep a damp cloth over assembled rolls if not serving right away.
  • For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure oyster sauce is gluten-free.
  • These rolls are best eaten fresh for optimum texture and flavor.
  • Can be prepared a few hours ahead; keep wrapped in damp paper towels and sealed in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Nutrition

Keywords: Thai Basil Beef Rolls, Rice Paper Rolls, Thai Appetizer, Fresh Rolls, Asian Beef Rolls, Rice Paper Wraps