Thai Basil Beef Rolls

Thai Basil Beef Rolls are a vibrant fusion of savory beef, aromatic Thai basil, and crisp vegetables wrapped in soft rice paper. These fresh rolls deliver a satisfying balance of salty, sweet, spicy, and herbal flavors, making them an ideal choice for a refreshing meal.

Save to Pinterest

Whether you are looking for a dairy-free meal or a fun, interactive dinner option, these rolls are as beautiful as they are delicious. The combination of warm, savory ground beef and cool, crunchy vegetables provides a satisfying contrast in every bite.

Ingredients

For the Beef Filling:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef, 85–90% lean
• 1 tbsp neutral oil (canola, vegetable, or peanut oil)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small shallot (or 1/4 small red onion), finely minced
• 2 Thai birds eye chilies, finely minced
• 1 small red bell pepper, finely diced
• 3 green onions, thinly sliced (white and green parts separated)
• 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves, roughly chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh lime juice

For the Sauce Seasoning:

• 1 1/2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp fish sauce
• 1/2 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tsp dark soy sauce (optional)
• 2–3 tsp brown sugar or palm sugar
• 1–2 tbsp water, as needed

For the Rolls:

• 12–16 large rice paper wrappers
• 1 1/2 cups cooked jasmine rice or rice vermicelli noodles, cooled (optional)
• 1 cup shredded lettuce or thinly sliced cabbage
• 1 cup julienned cucumber
• 1 cup julienned carrots
• 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves (optional)
• 1 cup additional Thai basil leaves
• 1 cup fresh mint leaves (optional)
• Warm water (for softening)

For the Dipping Sauce:

• 3 tbsp fish sauce
• 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 2 1/2 tbsp warm water
• 1 1/2 tbsp sugar, to taste
• 1 clove garlic, finely minced
• 1–2 Thai birds eye chilies, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp finely shredded carrot (optional)
• 1 tsp finely chopped cilantro stems or green onion (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Seasoning

In a small bowl, mix all sauce seasoning ingredients: soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, and sugar. Stir until sugar dissolves. Add water to create a glossy, pourable sauce.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Heat 1 tbsp neutral oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high. Add garlic and shallot; stir-fry 30–45 seconds until fragrant and just golden.

Step 3: Add Chilies

Add minced chilies and the white parts of the green onions. Stir-fry 20–30 seconds until aromatic.

Step 4: Cook Beef

Add ground beef, crumbling with a spatula. Cook for 4–6 minutes, stirring frequently, until mostly cooked and browned in spots.

Step 5: Add Peppers

Add diced red bell pepper; cook 2–3 minutes until slightly softened.

Step 6: Season the Mixture

Pour the sauce seasoning over the beef. Toss to coat and cook 2–3 minutes more, letting the sauce reduce and cling to the meat.

Step 7: Finish the Filling

Reduce heat to low. Add chopped Thai basil and green parts of green onions. Toss just until basil wilts (30–45 seconds).

Step 8: Cool Down

Turn off heat and stir in lime juice. Let beef mixture cool to room temperature.

Step 9: Prep Components

While beef cools, cook rice or noodles if using and cool completely. Prep all vegetables and herbs; lay out in bowls for assembly.

Step 10: Mix Dipping Sauce

In a bowl, combine fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and water. Stir until sugar dissolves. Add garlic, chilies, carrot, and herbs. Adjust for a balance of salty, sour, sweet, and spicy.

Step 11: Set Up Station

Fill a large shallow dish with warm water. Prepare a clean board or plate (lightly oiled if sticky).

Step 12: Soften Rice Paper

Dip a rice paper wrapper in warm water for 3–5 seconds, rotating to moisten. Place on the board to soften.

Step 13: Layer Filling

Layer 2–3 tbsp rice/noodles on the bottom third of the wrapper. Top with 2–3 tbsp beef mixture, cucumber, carrot, lettuce, and herbs.

Step 14: Roll

Fold the bottom edge over the filling. Fold in the sides, then roll tightly away from you to form a neat cylinder.

Step 15: Repeat

Place roll seam-side down on a plate and repeat with remaining wrappers.

Step 16: Serve

Serve immediately whole or sliced diagonally with the dipping sauce.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For the best results, ensure the beef mixture has cooled completely before rolling to prevent the rice paper from tearing. If Thai basil is unavailable, a combination of Italian basil and fresh mint can provide a similar aromatic profile. You can also add extra crunch by including bean sprouts or radishes in the filling.

Slow cook soups, stews, roasts, and casseroles effortlessly for comforting meals with rich, developed flavors.

Check price on Amazon

Varianten und Anpassungen

These rolls are highly adaptable. You can substitute the beef with extra-lean ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option. For a gluten-free version, ensure you use gluten-free soy sauce, oyster sauce, or tamari. To reduce carbohydrates, simply omit the rice or noodles and increase the amount of fresh vegetables and herbs.

Serviervorschläge

While these rolls are best served immediately, they can be stored for 2–3 hours if covered with a damp towel and plastic wrap. If you have leftover beef mixture, it works wonderfully as a base for lettuce wraps or served over a cold noodle bowl. Always allow chilled rolls to sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving for the best texture.

Save to Pinterest

Enjoy these fresh and flavorful Thai Basil Beef Rolls as a light meal or the star of your next appetizer spread. Their vibrant colors and bold seasonings are sure to be a hit.

Recipe Q&A

→ Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the beef filling and vegetables up to 24 hours in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble the rolls 2-3 hours before serving and keep them covered with a damp towel and plastic wrap to prevent drying. Let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.

→ What can I substitute for Thai basil?

If Thai basil is unavailable, use a combination of Italian basil and fresh mint. The mint helps replicate the anise-like flavor of Thai basil. You can also use sweet basil alone, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.

→ How do I prevent rice paper from tearing?

Use warm—not hot—water and dip the wrapper for just 3-5 seconds. The paper continues to soften as you work. Lightly oiling your work surface prevents sticking. Don't overfill the rolls, and fold tightly but gently to avoid ripping the delicate wrapper.

→ Can I use other proteins besides beef?

Ground turkey, chicken, or pork work well as alternatives. For a vegetarian version, use crumbled tofu or minced mushrooms with additional soy sauce for depth. Adjust cooking times accordingly—poultry may cook faster than beef.

→ Are these rolls gluten-free?

They can be gluten-free with careful ingredient selection. Use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and gluten-free oyster sauce. Rice paper wrappers are naturally gluten-free. Always check labels on fish sauce and condiments to ensure they meet your dietary needs.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store assembled rolls in an airtight container with a damp paper towel for up to 1 day. The rice paper will become less crisp over time. For best results, store components separately and assemble fresh. The beef filling keeps refrigerated for 3-4 days.