Basil Beef Rolls Recipe
Basil Beef Rolls are a delicious and fresh appetizer featuring savory ground beef cooked with aromatic garlic, shallots, and Thai basil, all wrapped in delicate rice paper with optional fresh herbs and crunchy vegetables. These rolls are perfect for a light meal or party snack, served with a tangy soy-lime or chili-garlic dipping sauce.
- Author: Caleb
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 to 10 rolls 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
Main 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
Optional Fresh Herbs and Veggies
- 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)
- Prepare the aromatics: Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and finely chopped shallot. Sauté until fragrant and lightly golden, which will take about 1-2 minutes.
- Cook the beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook while breaking it apart with a spatula until it is fully browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Season the beef: Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and chili flakes or minced Thai chili. Simmer the mixture for 2 to 3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Finish the filling: Remove the skillet from heat. Add the fresh lime juice and chopped Thai basil leaves. Stir well, then let the mixture cool slightly to make it easier to handle when rolling.
- Prepare rolling station: Fill a shallow plate with warm water for softening the rice paper wrappers. Arrange the optional herbs, green onions, and julienned veggies nearby for easy assembly.
- Soften rice paper: Dip one rice paper wrapper into the warm water for 5 to 10 seconds until it becomes pliable but not too soft. Lay it flat on a clean surface.
- Add fillings: Place a portion of the beef filling near the bottom edge of the softened rice paper. Add your choice of fresh mint, cilantro, green onion, and julienned carrots or cucumbers on top of the beef.
- Roll the wrapper: Fold the bottom of the wrapper over the filling, tuck the sides inward to secure the contents, and tightly roll it up to form a neat cylinder.
- Repeat rolling: Continue the process with the remaining rice papers and filling until all rolls are prepared.
- Serve and enjoy: Slice the rolls in half, if desired, and serve with your favorite soy-lime or chili-garlic dipping sauce for a fresh, flavorful appetizer or light meal.
Notes
- Be sure not to over-soak the rice paper or it will tear easily; 5–10 seconds in warm water is sufficient.
- Let the filling cool slightly before rolling to prevent the rice paper from becoming too sticky and tearing.
- Optional herbs like mint and cilantro add refreshing flavors but can be omitted based on preference or availability.
- Adjust chili flakes or Thai chili according to your preferred spice level.
- These rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.
Keywords: Basil Beef Rolls, Thai appetizers, rice paper rolls, fresh spring rolls, ground beef recipe, easy party food, soy-lime dipping sauce