Description
These Thai Basil Beef Rolls are a fresh and flavorful appetizer combining savory ground beef seasoned with fragrant Thai basil, garlic, and chili, wrapped in delicate rice paper with fresh herbs and crisp veggies. Perfect for a light meal or party snack, they offer a delightful balance of textures and bold Southeast Asian flavors.
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
- 8 to 10 rice paper wrappers
Optional Fillings
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/2 cup cilantro leaves
- 1/4 cup sliced green onion
- 1/4 cup julienned carrots or cucumbers
Dipping Sauce
- 1/4 cup dipping sauce (soy-lime or chili-garlic blend)
Instructions
- Heat and sauté aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and finely chopped shallot and sauté until fragrant, about 1–2 minutes.
- Cook ground beef: Add 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking the meat apart with a spatula to ensure even cooking, about 5–7 minutes.
- Season beef: Stir in 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, 1 teaspoon brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes. Let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes to blend flavors.
- Add lime juice and basil: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice and 1 cup chopped Thai basil leaves. Allow to cool slightly before using.
- Prepare rolling station: Fill a shallow plate with warm water. Arrange the beef filling, herbs, and optional veggies nearby for easy assembly.
- Soften rice paper: Dip a rice paper wrapper into the warm water for 5–10 seconds until pliable, then lay it flat on a clean surface.
- Add filling: Place a portion of the beef mixture near the bottom edge of the wrapper, along with optional mint, cilantro, green onion, and carrots or cucumbers as desired.
- Roll the wrap: Fold the bottom edge over the filling, tuck in the sides tightly, and roll up the wrapper firmly to create a neat roll.
- Repeat: Continue the process with remaining wrappers and filling until all are used.
- Serve: Slice the rolls in half if desired and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce on the side.
Notes
- Don’t soak rice paper too long—5 to 10 seconds is optimal to avoid tearing or stickiness.
- Cool the beef filling slightly before rolling to prevent breaking the delicate rice paper.
- Use a damp towel to cover finished rolls if not serving immediately to keep them fresh and pliable.
Keywords: Thai Basil Beef Rolls, Rice Paper Rolls, Thai Appetizer, Ground Beef Rolls, Fresh Spring Rolls, Asian Beef Recipe