Thai Basil Beef Rolls are tasty treats filled with juicy beef and fresh basil, all wrapped up in a soft rice paper. They are light and packed with flavor, perfect for any occasion!
These rolls are fun to make and even more fun to eat! I love dipping them in a tasty sauce to really amp up the flavor. Great for sharing with friends—or keeping all to myself! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice Paper Wrappers: These are essential for creating the rolls. You can often find them in Asian grocery stores. If you can’t find them, thin crepes or lettuce leaves can work as alternatives for a different texture.
Ground Beef: For a leaner option, try ground turkey or chicken. If you’re vegetarian, use plant-based ground meat or tofu. Just remember that cooking times may vary slightly with different proteins.
Fish Sauce: This adds a distinctive umami flavor. If you want a vegetarian version or don’t have any, use soy sauce or tamari. Just keep in mind it will slightly change the flavor profile.
Fresh Herbs: Thai basil and cilantro are key to the fresh taste. If you can’t find Thai basil, regular basil works too but will be milder. Don’t skip these herbs, as they add brightness!
How Do You Properly Assemble Rice Paper Rolls?
Assembling rice paper rolls can be tricky, but with practice, you’ll master it! Here’s how:
- Start with warm water in a shallow bowl to soften the rice paper. Don’t soak too long; just until it’s pliable.
- Lay the softened wrapper flat. Keep the filling close to the edge nearest to you for easy rolling.
- Stack your ingredients: a little beef, followed by herbs, vegetables, and peanuts. Less is more! Too much filling makes it hard to roll.
- Fold the sides over the filling, then tightly roll from the edge closest to you, sealing in the goodness.
- If the wrapper tears, no worries! Just use a little extra layer of a new wrapper over it.
Practice makes perfect, so don’t sweat it if the first few rolls aren’t perfect. They will still taste amazing!
Thai Basil Beef Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Rolls:
- 8-10 rice paper wrappers
- 1 lb ground beef (or finely chopped beef)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 3-4 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 small red chili, thinly sliced (adjust to taste)
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced or julienned
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped (for garnish and filling crunch)
For the Dipping Sauce (optional but recommended):
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1-2 tsp chili flakes or fresh chopped chili
- 1 garlic clove, minced
How Much Time Will You Need?
The total time to prepare Thai Basil Beef Rolls is about 30-40 minutes. You’ll spend about 15-20 minutes cooking the beef and prepping the ingredients, and then the assembly will take another 10-15 minutes. If you’re serving them with the dipping sauce, adding another 5 minutes for that is a good estimate!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Beef:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped shallot, sautéing them together for about 1-2 minutes until they are fragrant. Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spoon to break it up and cook it until it’s browned and fully cooked through, which will take about 5-7 minutes.
2. Flavor the Beef:
Time to add some flavor! Stir in the soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, and black pepper. Mix everything well and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until the beef is nicely glazed and yummy. Once done, remove the skillet from the heat and let the beef cool slightly.
3. Prepare the Fresh Ingredients:
While the beef cools, wash your fresh herbs and prepare the vegetables. Rinse the Thai basil and cilantro leaves, and thinly slice the green onions, chili, carrot, and cucumber. Having everything ready makes assembly a breeze!
4. Assemble the Rolls:
Grab a large shallow bowl and fill it with warm water. Dip one rice paper wrapper into the water for about 10-15 seconds until it’s soft but still pliable. Once done, lay the softened wrapper flat on a clean surface.
5. Fill the Wrapper:
Near the edge of the wrapper that’s closest to you, place a small handful of the cooled beef mixture. On top of the beef, add a few basil leaves, cilantro, sliced green onions, chili, carrot, cucumber, and a sprinkle of chopped peanuts for that crunch!
6. Roll It Up:
Now it’s time to roll! Fold the sides of the wrapper over the filling, then tightly roll it up from the edge closest to you, sealing everything inside. Keep it snug but not too tight to avoid tearing.
7. Repeat and Finish:
Continue with the remaining wrappers and filling until everything is rolled up. Each roll should be filled but not overly packed, allowing the flavors to shine.
8. Make the Dipping Sauce:
If you’re making the dipping sauce, simply whisk together all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl until the sugar dissolves. Adjust the flavors based on your taste preferences!
9. Serve:
Place the Thai Basil Beef Rolls on a platter and serve them alongside the dipping sauce. If you want a beautiful presentation, garnish with extra chopped peanuts and fresh herbs on top.
Enjoy these fresh, flavorful rolls as a light appetizer or a main dish—perfect for sharing or savoring all to yourself!
Can I Use Different Proteins in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used in place of beef for a leaner option. If you’re looking for a vegetarian alternative, consider using plant-based ground meat or crumbled tofu. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly.
What If I Can’t Find Rice Paper Wrappers?
If rice paper wrappers are hard to come by, try using thin crepes or even large lettuce leaves as a substitute. While the texture will be different, you’ll still get a delicious roll that’s fun to eat!
How Do I Store Leftover Rolls?
Store any leftover Thai Basil Beef Rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the wrappers from drying out, you can place a damp paper towel over them. Reheat them gently in the microwave or enjoy them cold!
Can I Make the Dipping Sauce Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can whip up the dipping sauce a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge in a sealed container. Remember to give it a good stir before serving, as the ingredients may separate over time.
