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 offer a fresh and flavorful twist on classic spring rolls, combining savory ground beef with aromatic herbs and a tangy dipping sauce. These rolls make a perfect appetizer or light meal, bursting with vibrant flavors and a satisfying texture.

This image shows five fresh spring rolls neatly lined on a long white plate on a white marbled surface. Each roll is wrapped in translucent rice paper, revealing layers of dark brown cooked beef, vibrant green leafy herbs, and a few thin slices of red chili on top. The rolls are covered with a glossy, dark sauce that pools slightly around the base. Bright green mint leaves decorate each roll, giving a fresh look. A small white bowl filled with a brown dipping sauce with visible herbs sits slightly blurred in the background. 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 the 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 until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
Step 3: Stir in the 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 and stir in the 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 with the rice paper wrappers and 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 portion of the beef filling near the bottom of the wrapper, then add some fresh mint, cilantro, green onions, and julienned carrots or cucumbers if using.
Step 8: Fold the bottom edge over the filling, tuck in the sides, and roll tightly to enclose the filling completely.
Step 9: Repeat the process with the remaining wrappers and filling.
Step 10: Slice the rolls in half and serve immediately with your preferred dipping sauce on the side.

Tips & Variations

For added crunch, include shredded lettuce or chopped peanuts inside the rolls.
Swap ground beef for ground chicken or pork for a different protein variation.
Adjust the amount of chili flakes or fresh chili to your preferred spice level.
Use softened or lightly steamed rice paper wrappers if they crack easily when rolling.

Storage

Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. To prevent the rice paper from drying out, wrap the rolls individually in plastic wrap or damp paper towels. They are best enjoyed fresh but can be eaten cold or at room temperature. Reheating is not recommended as the rice paper can become chewy.

How to Serve

The image shows a wooden serving board filled with neatly cut rolls wrapped in translucent rice paper, revealing layers inside with dark brown cooked meat, bright green leafy herbs, and bits of red chili. The rolls are arranged in three rows, packed closely together, each piece glossy with a light sauce on top. At the top right corner of the board, there is a small white bowl filled with reddish-brown dipping sauce sprinkled with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, and next to it are two wedges of light yellow lime with fresh green herbs around them. The background is 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 prepare the filling ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the beef filling a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just let it come to room temperature before assembling the rolls for the best texture and flavor.

What dipping sauces pair well with Thai Basil Beef Rolls?

Classic options include soy-lime sauce, chili-garlic sauce, or a simple peanut sauce. Choose one that complements the fresh and savory flavors of the rolls to enhance your experience.