Pin it These Thai Basil Beef Rolls offer a vibrant fusion of savory ground beef, aromatic Thai basil, and crisp vegetables, all delicately wrapped in soft rice paper. They deliver a satisfying balance of salty, sweet, spicy, and herbal flavors, making them an ideal choice for a light lunch or a refreshing appetizer.
Pin it The key to these rolls is the contrast between the warm, seasoned beef and the cool, fresh herbs and vegetables. Served with a tangy, spicy dipping sauce, every bite provides a refreshing explosion of Southeast Asian aromatics.
Ingredients
- Beef Filling: 1 lb ground beef (85–90% lean), 1 tbsp neutral oil, 3 cloves garlic, 1 small shallot, 2 Thai birds eye chilies, 1 small red bell pepper, 3 green onions, 1 cup fresh Thai basil, 1 tbsp lime juice.
- Sauce Seasoning: 1 1/2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp fish sauce, 1/2 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tsp dark soy sauce, 2–3 tsp brown sugar, 1–2 tbsp water.
- For the Rolls: 12–16 rice paper wrappers, 1 1/2 cups cooked jasmine rice or vermicelli, 1 cup shredded lettuce, 1 cup julienned cucumber, 1 cup julienned carrots, 1 cup fresh cilantro, additional Thai basil and mint.
- Dipping Sauce: 3 tbsp fish sauce, 3 tbsp lime juice, 2 1/2 tbsp warm water, 1 1/2 tbsp sugar, 1 clove garlic, 1–2 Thai birds eye chilies, carrot, and green onion for garnish.
Instructions
- Step 1: Mix Seasoning
- Combine soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, and sugar in a small bowl. Stir until the sugar dissolves and add water if needed.
- Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
- Heat oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Stir-fry the garlic and shallot for 30–45 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add Chilies
- Add the minced chilies and the white parts of the green onions, stir-frying for another 20–30 seconds.
- Step 4: Brown Beef
- Add the ground beef, crumbling it with a spatula, and cook for 4–6 minutes until browned.
- Step 5: Add Peppers
- Stir in the diced red bell pepper and cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened.
- Step 6: Season Beef
- Pour the sauce seasoning over the beef and cook for 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce and coat the meat.
- Step 7: Wilt Herbs
- Reduce heat and toss in the chopped Thai basil and green parts of the onions just until the basil wilts.
- Step 8: Cool Filling
- Stir in the lime juice, remove from heat, and let the beef mixture cool completely to room temperature.
- Step 9: Prep Veggies
- While the beef cools, prepare the rice or noodles and julienne the vegetables and herbs.
- Step 10: Make Dipping Sauce
- Whisk fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and water. Stir in garlic, chilies, and optional carrots and herbs.
- Step 11: Setup Station
- Fill a shallow dish with warm water and prepare a clean, lightly oiled rolling board.
- Step 12: Soften Rice Paper
- Dip a rice paper wrapper in warm water for 3–5 seconds and place it on the board to soften.
- Step 13: Layer Filling
- Place rice or noodles on the bottom third of the wrapper. Top with the beef mixture, cucumber, carrot, lettuce, and fresh herbs.
- Step 14: Roll
- Fold the bottom edge over the filling, tuck in the sides, and roll tightly into a cylinder.
- Step 15: Placement
- Place the roll seam-side down on a plate and repeat with the remaining ingredients.
- Step 16: Serve
- Serve immediately with the prepared dipping sauce or cover with a damp towel to store for up to 2–3 hours.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For the best results, ensure the beef mixture has cooled completely before you start rolling, as heat will tear the delicate rice paper. Setting up a dedicated rolling station with all your prepped ingredients in bowls will make the assembly process much faster and more organized.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can substitute the ground beef with turkey or chicken for a lighter version. For a gluten-free dish, ensure you use tamari or gluten-free soy and oyster sauces. If you prefer a lower-carb option, omit the rice and noodles and increase the amount of shredded lettuce and herbs.
Serviervorschläge
These rolls are visually stunning when sliced diagonally. Arrange them on a platter with a small bowl of the tangy dipping sauce in the center. They pair perfectly with a crisp lager or a refreshing lime seltzer to complement the spicy and herbal profile.
Pin it Whether served as a light lunch or a party appetizer, these Thai Basil Beef Rolls are sure to impress with their complex flavor profile and vibrant presentation. Enjoy the authentic taste of Thai street food right in your own kitchen.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I prevent rice paper from tearing?
Use warm (not hot) water and dip wrappers for just 3-5 seconds. They'll continue softening as you work. Don't oversoak—slightly firm wrappers are easier to roll and won't tear. A lightly oiled surface also prevents sticking.
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
These are best enjoyed fresh within 2-3 hours. If storing, cover rolls with a damp towel and plastic wrap, then refrigerate. Let them sit at room temperature 10-15 minutes before serving—the rice paper becomes stiff when cold.
- → What can I substitute for Thai basil?
Thai basil has a distinct anise-like flavor. Italian basil works in a pinch, though it's milder. For closer flavor, mix Italian basil with a pinch of star anise or add extra mint. Fresh mint alone also provides a lovely aromatic contrast.
- → How do I make these gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and gluten-free oyster sauce. Most rice paper wrappers are naturally gluten-free, but always check labels. The filling itself contains no wheat, so these substitutions make the entire dish safe for gluten-free diets.
- → Can I use a different protein?
Ground turkey, chicken, or pork work well as lighter alternatives. For vegetarian versions, use crumbled tofu or seasoned mushrooms. Adjust cooking time accordingly—poultry may need slightly less time, while tofu requires less cooking but more seasoning.
- → What's the best way to slice rolls for serving?
Use a sharp knife and cut diagonally at a 45-degree angle for the most attractive presentation. Wipe the knife clean between cuts to prevent filling from smearing. Serve immediately after slicing to maintain the neat appearance.