Thai Basil Beef Rolls Recipe
Thai Basil Beef Rolls are a refreshing and flavorful appetizer featuring tender marinated flank steak, fresh herbs like basil and cilantro, and crunchy vegetables wrapped in delicate rice paper. Perfectly balanced with a tangy, savory dipping sauce, these rolls deliver a delicious taste of Thai cuisine in a light, healthy package.
- Author: Caleb
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Pan-frying and assembling
- Cuisine: Thai
- Diet: Low Fat
Beef Marinade and Cooking
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced into strips
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Wrap and Filling
- 12 rice paper wrappers
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, whole
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 medium cucumber, julienned
- 1 small carrot, julienned
- 1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, combine fish sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, minced garlic, and red chili flakes (if using). Add the sliced flank steak and toss to coat evenly. Let it marinate for 10 to 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Cook the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef strips and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until browned and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Rice Paper Wrappers: Fill a shallow dish with warm water. Dip one rice paper wrapper into the water for 5 to 10 seconds until it softens but is not too fragile. Carefully remove it and place on a clean, flat surface for filling.
- Add the Fillings: In the center of the softened rice paper, layer a few fresh basil leaves and cilantro leaves. Add a few strips of julienned cucumber, carrot, and thinly sliced red bell pepper. Top with a few strips of the cooked flank steak.
- Roll the Wraps: Gently fold the sides of the rice paper inward, then roll tightly from the bottom upwards to fully enclose the filling. Repeat this process with the remaining rice paper wrappers and ingredients.
- Serve: Arrange the beef rolls on a serving platter. Serve with a dipping sauce made from lime juice, fish sauce, and a touch of sugar, or use your preferred dipping sauce for added flavor.
Notes
- For easier rolling, ensure the rice paper is softened but not overly soaked to avoid tearing.
- You can substitute flank steak with sirloin or other lean beef cuts.
- Adjust the amount of red chili flakes to control the spice level.
- Try adding fresh mint leaves for additional herbal notes.
- Serve immediately after assembling for the best texture and freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 110 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: Thai Basil Beef Rolls, Thai appetizer, rice paper rolls, fresh basil, flank steak rolls, healthy Thai recipe, gluten free appetizer