Thai Basil Beef Rolls Recipe
Introduction
These Thai Basil Beef Rolls are a fresh and flavorful appetizer that combines savory ground beef with fragrant herbs wrapped in delicate rice paper. Perfect for parties or a light meal, they offer a delightful balance of spicy, tangy, and aromatic flavors in every bite.
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 finely chopped shallot until fragrant and softened.
- Step 2: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
- Step 3: Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and chili flakes. Let the mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to deepen the flavors.
- Step 4: Remove the skillet from heat. Add fresh lime juice and chopped Thai basil leaves. Stir to combine, then let the filling cool slightly.
- Step 5: Prepare a shallow plate with warm water for softening the rice paper wrappers. Arrange the beef filling, herbs, and optional veggies nearby to assemble the rolls.
- Step 6: Dip one rice paper wrapper into the warm water for 5 to 10 seconds until soft but not overly soggy. Lay it flat on a clean surface.
- Step 7: Place a portion of the beef filling near the bottom edge of the wrapper. Add fresh mint, cilantro, green onion, and julienned carrots or cucumbers if using.
- Step 8: Fold the bottom edge over the filling, tuck in the sides gently, and roll tightly toward the top edge to seal the roll.
- Step 9: Repeat the dipping and rolling process with the remaining wrappers and filling until all are assembled.
- Step 10: Serve the Thai Basil Beef Rolls sliced in half with your choice of dipping sauce on the side.
Tips & Variations
- For extra heat, add more chili flakes or minced fresh chili to the beef mixture.
- Substitute ground chicken or turkey for a lighter protein option.
- Use softened rice noodles inside the rolls along with the beef filling for added texture.
- Serve with peanut sauce as an alternative dipping option for a richer taste.
Storage
These rolls are best enjoyed fresh. If needed, store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Keep the rice paper rolls separated with plastic wrap to prevent sticking. Reheat the beef filling before assembling if made in advance, but avoid reheating assembled rolls to maintain the fresh texture of the rice paper. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make the beef filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently before assembling the rolls to keep the flavors fresh.
What can I use if I can’t find Thai basil?
If Thai basil is unavailable, you can substitute with sweet basil or a combination of fresh mint and cilantro to maintain a similar aromatic flavor.
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Thai Basil Beef Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
These Thai Basil Beef Rolls are a fresh and flavorful appetizer featuring savory ground beef seasoned with classic Thai ingredients and herbs, all wrapped in delicate rice paper. Perfect for a light meal or party snack, they combine the aromatic essence of Thai basil, garlic, and lime with a hint of chili heat, served alongside a tangy dipping sauce.
Ingredients
Beef Filling
- 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
Roll Assembly
- 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)
Dipping Sauce
- 1/4 cup dipping sauce (soy-lime or chili-garlic blend)
Instructions
- Prepare the beef filling: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and finely chopped shallot, sautéing until fragrant and translucent to build the flavor base.
- Cook the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula to ensure even cooking and a crumbly texture.
- Season the beef: Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and chili flakes, allowing the mixture to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors meld together perfectly.
- Finish the filling: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in fresh lime juice and chopped Thai basil leaves. Let the filling cool slightly to make it easier to handle in the next step.
- Set up the rolling station: Fill a shallow plate with warm water for softening the rice paper wrappers, and arrange the optional herbs and vegetables nearby for easy access during assembly.
- Soften the rice paper: Dip one rice paper wrapper into the warm water for about 5 to 10 seconds until it becomes pliable, then lay it flat on a clean surface to prepare for filling.
- Add the filling and herbs: Place a portion of the beef mixture near the bottom edge of the softened wrapper, along with some optional fresh mint, cilantro, green onions, and julienned carrots or cucumbers for crunch and freshness.
- Roll the wrapper: Fold the bottom edge over the filling, tuck in the sides carefully to enclose the ingredients, and roll tightly to form a neat, compact roll.
- Repeat the process: Continue softening, filling, and rolling the remaining rice papers until all the filling and wrappers are used.
- Serve: Slice the rolls in half diagonally for visual appeal and serve immediately with your choice of soy-lime or chili-garlic dipping sauce on the side.
Notes
- For a spicier roll, increase the amount of chili flakes or add sliced fresh Thai chilies.
- Rice paper wrappers should be used immediately after softening to prevent them from drying out and becoming brittle.
- These rolls are best served fresh but can be wrapped in damp paper towels and refrigerated for up to 4 hours before serving.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- Add shredded lettuce inside for extra crunch and volume.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
Keywords: Thai basil beef rolls, rice paper rolls, Thai appetizers, fresh spring rolls, ground beef rolls, Asian appetizers
