Name: Thai Basil Beef Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 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 (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)

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Introduction

Thai Basil Beef Rolls are a fresh and flavorful appetizer that combines aromatic herbs with savory ground beef wrapped in delicate rice paper. Perfect for a light meal or party snack, these rolls offer a delightful balance of spicy, tangy, and sweet flavors.

The image shows several spring rolls cut in half and whole, placed on a wooden board on a white marbled surface. Each spring roll has a light golden-brown thin wrapper with a slightly shiny texture and is filled with dark brown cooked meat, bright green chopped cucumber, fresh green leafy herbs, and some light-colored crushed peanuts which add crunch. There are thin green onion strips sprinkled on top of some rolls. Around the rolls, there are small white bowls with light golden dipping sauce topped with white sesame seeds and another bowl with a dark soy-based sauce. A silver spoon with some sauce and a sprig of fresh herb lay on the board next to the rolls. 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 minced garlic and chopped shallot until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
Step 2: Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
Step 3: Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and chili flakes. Let the mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to develop flavor.
Step 4: Remove from heat and mix in fresh lime juice and chopped Thai basil leaves. Allow the filling to cool slightly.
Step 5: Prepare a shallow plate with warm water and arrange your rolling station with the beef filling and any optional herbs and vegetables nearby.
Step 6: Dip one rice paper wrapper into the warm water for 5 to 10 seconds until pliable, then lay it flat on a clean surface.
Step 7: Place a spoonful of the beef filling near the bottom edge of the wrapper. Add optional mint, cilantro, green onion, and julienned veggies if desired.
Step 8: Fold the bottom of the wrapper over the filling, tuck in the sides, and roll tightly to form a neat roll.
Step 9: Repeat the process with the remaining wrappers and filling.
Step 10: Slice the rolls in half if preferred and serve with your choice of dipping sauce on the side.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, add more chili flakes or fresh chopped Thai chili to the beef mixture.
Substitute ground chicken or turkey for a lighter protein option.
Use fresh mint and cilantro for added brightness and traditional Thai flavors.
Serve with peanut sauce as an alternative dipping option for a richer taste.
If rice paper sticks, separate wrappers carefully and avoid soaking too long.

Storage

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To prevent the rice paper from becoming soggy, keep the rolls separate from dipping sauce until ready to serve. For best texture, consume the rolls fresh. Reheat is not recommended as the rice paper will soften and lose its chewiness.

How to Serve

A wooden cutting board set on a white marbled surface features an array of small dishes and chopped fresh ingredients; on the top left is a white plate filled with a mound of sliced green onions with bright green curved texture, next to it on the right are small diced cucumber pieces weathered in light and dark green shades; in the center are three small white bowls—one contains a dark soy sauce, another holds a chili paste with red and brown colors and seeds, and the third contains a golden sauce sprinkled with white sesame seeds; a rustic green bowl filled with chopped leafy cilantro sits at the bottom right corner; on the left edge, there is a white bowl holding soft, golden brown folded flatbreads with a slightly crispy surface; a woman's hand is partially visible, holding the edge of the cutting board. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the beef filling in advance?

Yes, you can cook the beef filling a day ahead and refrigerate it. Let it come to room temperature before assembling the rolls for easier rolling and better flavor.

What if I can’t find Thai basil?

If Thai basil is unavailable, substitute with sweet basil or a mix of fresh basil and mint leaves to approximate the unique flavor.