Thai Basil Beef Rolls Recipe
Introduction
Discover the vibrant flavors of Thai Basil Beef Rolls, where savory ground beef meets fragrant Thai basil and crunchy vegetables wrapped in delicate rice paper. This dish is simple to prepare, making it perfect for dinner or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (preferably lean)
- 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves, roughly chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)
- 8-10 rice paper sheets
- 1 cucumber, julienned
- 1 carrot, julienned
- Fresh mint leaves (for garnish)
- Chili sauce (for serving)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped Thai basil, minced garlic, soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and black pepper. Mix until well combined and set aside.
- Step 2: Fill a shallow dish with warm water. Dip one rice paper sheet into the water for about 10-15 seconds until it becomes soft and pliable.
- Step 3: Lay the softened rice paper on a clean surface or a cutting board.
- Step 4: Place 2 tablespoons of the beef mixture near the bottom third of the rice paper, leaving about 2 inches from the edge. Add a few pieces of julienned cucumber and carrot on top of the beef mixture.
- Step 5: Fold the sides of the rice paper over the filling, then roll it up tightly from the bottom, tucking in the sides as you go. Repeat the process with the remaining rice paper sheets and filling.
- Step 6: Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the rolls in batches, seam side down, for about 4-5 minutes or until golden brown and the beef is cooked through.
- Step 7: Once cooked, transfer the rolls to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Step 8: Serve the Thai basil beef rolls warm, garnished with fresh mint leaves, and accompanied by chili sauce for dipping.
Tips & Variations
- For a spicier kick, add chopped Thai chilies to the beef mixture before assembling the rolls.
- These rolls can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before cooking.
- Consider substituting ground beef with ground chicken or turkey for a lighter option.
- Pair the rolls with a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Storage
Store any uncooked beef rolls wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cooked rolls can also be refrigerated for 2 days and reheated in a skillet over medium heat to retain their crispness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other herbs besides Thai basil?
Yes, while Thai basil provides a distinctive flavor, you can substitute with regular basil or mint for a different but still fresh taste.
Is it necessary to fry the rolls, or can they be served fresh?
While frying adds a delicious crispy texture, you can serve these rolls fresh by skipping the frying step. They remain flavorful and refreshing when served chilled with dipping sauce.
PrintThai Basil Beef Rolls Recipe
Experience a delicious fusion of savory ground beef mingled with fragrant Thai basil and crunchy veggies, all wrapped in delicate rice paper. These Thai Basil Beef Rolls are perfect for any occasion, combining fresh herbs, flavorful seasonings, and a crispy pan-fried finish that will delight your taste buds.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 8–10 rolls 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients
Beef Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef (preferably lean)
- 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves, roughly chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Other Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)
- 8–10 rice paper sheets
- 1 cucumber, julienned
- 1 carrot, julienned
- Fresh mint leaves (for garnish)
- Chili sauce (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped Thai basil, minced garlic, soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated and set aside to marinate flavors.
- Soften the Rice Paper: Fill a shallow dish with warm water. Dip one rice paper sheet into the water for about 10-15 seconds until it becomes soft and pliable, then carefully remove it without tearing.
- Assemble the Rolls: Lay the softened rice paper flat on a clean surface or cutting board. Place approximately 2 tablespoons of the beef mixture near the bottom third of the rice paper, leaving about 2 inches from the edge. Add a few julienned cucumber and carrot pieces on top of the beef filling.
- Roll the Rice Paper: Fold the sides of the rice paper over the filling to encase it, then roll tightly from the bottom upward, tucking in the sides as you proceed to form a neat roll. Repeat for all sheets and filling.
- Cook the Rolls: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the rolls in batches, placing them seam side down first, for about 4-5 minutes or until the rolls turn golden brown and the beef inside is fully cooked through.
- Drain Excess Oil: Once cooked, transfer the rolls onto a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
- Serve: Serve the Thai Basil Beef Rolls warm, garnished with fresh mint leaves and accompanied by chili sauce for dipping. Enjoy as a flavorful appetizer or dinner option.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add chopped Thai chilies to the beef mixture before assembling.
- These rolls can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before cooking; just reheat on the skillet before serving.
- Consider substituting ground beef with ground chicken or turkey for a lighter and leaner option.
- Pair the rolls with a fresh salad or light dipping sauce for a more complete meal experience.
Keywords: Thai Basil Beef, rice paper rolls, ground beef, Thai cuisine, fresh herbs, easy recipe
