Name: Thai Basil Beef Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Thai
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; 1/2 cup cilantro leaves; 1/4 cup sliced green onion; 1/4 cup julienned carrots or cucumbers; 1/4 cup dipping sauce (soy-lime or chili-garlic blend)

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Introduction

Thai Basil Beef Rolls are a fresh and flavorful appetizer that combines savory ground beef with aromatic herbs wrapped in delicate rice paper. These rolls offer a perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and sweet flavors, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.

The image shows four fresh spring rolls neatly placed side by side on a long white plate with a slightly rough texture. Each roll has a translucent rice paper wrap revealing layers inside: dark brown cooked beef, vibrant green fresh herbs and leafy greens, and thin slices of red chili pepper. The rolls are topped with green mint leaves and small bits of red chili, and they sit in a shallow pool of glossy brown dipping sauce that also coats their bottoms. In the background, a small white bowl filled with a reddish-brown sauce with visible pieces of chopped garlic or chili sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic and chopped shallot until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
Step 2: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart, until browned and cooked through.
Step 3: Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and chili flakes. Let the mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to blend the flavors.
Step 4: Remove the skillet from heat, then stir in fresh lime juice and chopped Thai basil. Allow the filling to cool slightly.
Step 5: Fill a shallow plate with warm water and prepare your rolling station by arranging the beef filling, herbs, and vegetables close at hand.
Step 6: Dip one rice paper wrapper in the warm water for 5 to 10 seconds until pliable. Lay it flat on a clean surface.
Step 7: Place a portion of beef filling near the bottom edge of the wrapper, then add your choice of mint, cilantro, green onion, and carrots or cucumbers.
Step 8: Fold the bottom of the wrapper over the filling, tuck in the sides tightly, and roll it up firmly to enclose the ingredients.
Step 9: Repeat the dipping and rolling process with the remaining wrappers and filling.
Step 10: Slice the rolls in half and serve with your preferred dipping sauce on the side.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, add more Thai chili or chili flakes according to your taste.
Substitute ground beef with ground chicken or pork for a different flavor profile.
Use fresh herbs generously; they add brightness and authenticity to the rolls.
If rice paper sticks excessively, ensure it is dipped just long enough to soften but not become too soggy.
Add crushed peanuts inside the rolls or sprinkled on top for added crunch.

Storage

Store assembled Thai Basil Beef Rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Rice paper can harden when stored, so it’s best to consume fresh. Separately store the beef filling and herbs if you want to prepare components in advance. Reheat the beef filling gently before rolling. Avoid freezing, as rice paper texture will be compromised.

How to Serve

The image shows a wooden tray filled with fresh spring rolls cut into halves, revealing layers inside. Each roll has a translucent rice paper outer layer showing dark brown cooked beef mixed with green leafy vegetables and small bits of red chili. The rolls are neatly arranged in rows on the tray. At the back right side of the tray, there is a small white bowl filled with dark brown dipping sauce with floating sesame seeds and sliced chili. Behind the bowl, lime wedges and fresh green herbs are placed for garnish. The setup is on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

It’s best to prepare the filling ahead and store it separately, then assemble the rolls just before serving to maintain the rice paper’s texture and freshness.

What can I use as a substitute for rice paper wrappers?

Rice paper wrappers are traditional for this dish, but large lettuce leaves or softened collard greens can be used for a low-carb or gluten-free alternative.