Description
These Thai Basil Beef Rolls are a flavorful and fresh appetizer perfect for any occasion. Ground beef is stir-fried with aromatic garlic, spicy chilies, and a blend of savory sauces, then combined with fresh basil leaves. The savory beef mixture is wrapped in softened rice paper along with crisp cucumber, shredded carrots, and cilantro, finished with a splash of lime juice and hoisin sauce for vibrant taste. Quick to prepare and packed with Thai flavors, these rolls are perfect served fresh or chilled.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Filling
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 small red chilies, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
Roll Assembly
- 8 rice paper wrappers
- 1/2 cucumber, julienned
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
Instructions
- Heat the Pan: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil to prepare for cooking the beef mixture.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and sliced red chilies to the hot oil and stir-fry for about 1 minute until fragrant and lightly golden.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, break it apart with a spatula, and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
- Add Sauces and Sugar: Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and sugar, then cook for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the beef evenly.
- Mix in Basil: Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the fresh basil leaves to infuse herbal aroma.
- Prepare Rice Paper Wrappers: Fill a shallow dish with warm water. Dip one rice paper wrapper into the water for 5–10 seconds until softened, then lay it flat on a clean, damp kitchen towel.
- Assemble Rolls: Place a small portion of the beef mixture in the center of the softened rice paper, leaving space on the sides.
- Add Vegetables and Herbs: Top the beef with julienned cucumber, shredded carrots, and fresh cilantro leaves.
- Season the Filling: Drizzle lime juice and hoisin sauce over the filling for brightness and sweetness.
- Roll Up: Fold the sides of the rice paper over the filling and roll tightly to secure everything inside.
- Repeat: Continue softening wrappers and assembling rolls with remaining ingredients.
- Serve: Enjoy the Thai Basil Beef Rolls immediately or refrigerate for later.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of red chilies to control the heat level according to your preference.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with plant-based minced meat or crumbled tofu and use vegetarian oyster sauce alternatives.
- Serve these rolls with a side of sweet chili sauce or peanut dipping sauce for extra flavor.
- Ensure not to soak rice paper wrappers too long; they should be pliable but not overly soft to avoid tearing during rolling.
- For best results, assemble rolls just before serving to keep the rice paper from becoming sticky or soggy.
