Name: 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

Basil Beef Rolls are a fresh and flavorful dish that combines savory ground beef with aromatic Thai herbs wrapped in delicate rice paper. These rolls make a perfect appetizer or light meal, offering a delightful balance of spicy, tangy, and herbal notes.

The image shows a wooden tray with two neat rows of six translucent rice paper rolls, each filled with cooked ground meat, fresh green herbs, and bits of red chili visible through the wrapper. Each roll is wrapped tightly with a large green leaf inside the rice paper, adding a bright green layer on top. A white small bowl with dark brown dipping sauce speckled with chili and herbs sits at the top right corner of the tray. The whole scene rests on a white marbled surface, highlighting the fresh and natural look of the dish. 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 vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic and chopped shallot until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
Step 2: Add 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 it simmer for 2–3 minutes to blend the flavors.
Step 4: Remove from heat, then add fresh lime juice and chopped Thai basil leaves. Mix well and let the filling cool slightly.
Step 5: Prepare a shallow plate with warm water and arrange your herbs and vegetables nearby for easy assembly.
Step 6: Dip one rice paper wrapper into the warm water for 5–10 seconds until pliable. Lay it flat on a clean surface.
Step 7: Place a portion of the beef filling near the bottom edge of the wrapper along with your choice of mint, cilantro, green onion, and julienned vegetables.
Step 8: Fold the bottom of the wrapper over the filling, tuck in the sides tightly, and roll it up firmly to form a neat roll.
Step 9: Repeat the process with remaining wrappers and filling.
Step 10: Slice rolls in half and serve immediately with your preferred dipping sauce on the side.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the cooked beef filling for 10 minutes before assembling.
Swap ground beef for ground chicken or pork for a different protein option.
Add crunchy vegetables like sliced bell peppers or bean sprouts for more texture.
If Thai basil is unavailable, regular sweet basil can be used as a substitute.

Storage

These rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. To prevent the rice paper from drying out, wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Reheat the beef filling separately before assembling fresh rolls, as reheating completed rolls can lead to sogginess.

How to Serve

The image shows a wooden tray filled with several spring rolls wrapped in translucent rice paper, revealing a mix of green herbs and brown cooked meat inside. The rolls are neatly lined up, each one topped with small pieces of red chili and chopped green herbs. On the top right corner of the tray, there is a small white bowl filled with a dark brown dipping sauce, garnished with bits of red and green chili. A wedge of lemon is placed near the dipping sauce, adding a touch of bright yellow to the scene. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the filling in advance?

Yes, the beef filling can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Allow it to come to room temperature before assembling the rolls for best results.

How do I prevent the rice paper from tearing?

Dip the rice paper briefly in warm water until just pliable, about 5–10 seconds, then place it on a flat surface. Over-soaking can make the wrapper too soft and prone to tearing.