Name: Thai Basil Beef Rolls
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 30 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)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Thai Basil Beef Rolls are a simple yet flavorful dish that is both quick to prepare and incredibly satisfying. The combination of juicy ground beef, aromatic herbs, and the tangy kick from lime juice and chili flakes makes these rolls a delightful experience with every bite. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also highly customizable with a variety of fresh herbs and veggies. These rolls are great for meal prep, sharing at a party, or a healthy, fresh dinner.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

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)

Directions

Prepare the beef mixture
Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and shallot, sautéing until fragrant. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks, until it is browned and fully cooked.
Season the beef
Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and chili flakes (or minced Thai chili). Simmer for 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Add the lime juice and chopped Thai basil, then remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
Prepare the rolling station
Fill a shallow plate with warm water. Set up your rolling station with the rice paper wrappers, the beef mixture, and any optional fillings such as fresh herbs, cilantro, mint, green onion, or vegetables.
Assemble the rolls
Dip one rice paper wrapper in the warm water for 5–10 seconds, then place it on a clean surface. Add a portion of the beef mixture near the bottom of the wrapper, followed by your choice of herbs and vegetables.
Roll the wrappers
Fold the bottom of the rice paper over the filling, then tuck in the sides and roll tightly, sealing the wrapper around the ingredients. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
Serve
Slice the rolls in half and serve with your dipping sauce of choice, such as soy-lime or chili-garlic blend.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 8 rolls.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 12 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Substitute the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or tofu for a vegetarian option.
Add Rice Noodles: Include cooked rice noodles in the rolls for an extra layer of texture.
Extra Heat: Increase the chili flakes or use extra Thai chili for more heat.
Use Other Herbs: Experiment with cilantro, mint, or Thai basil in different combinations to customize the flavor profile.
Dipping Sauce Options: Swap the soy-lime dipping sauce for peanut sauce or sweet chili sauce for a different flavor experience.

storage/reheating

Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep them fresh, cover the rolls with a damp towel. They are best served fresh but can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature.

If you’d like to reheat them, you can quickly warm them in a non-stick skillet over low heat for a couple of minutes, but keep in mind that rice paper can become soft and lose its texture when reheated.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as alternatives to beef. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time to ensure the meat is fully cooked.

Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the rolls ahead of time. Store them in the fridge with a damp towel to keep the rice paper from drying out, and enjoy them within 1-2 days.

How do I prevent the rice paper from tearing?

Don’t soak the rice paper for too long—5–10 seconds is enough to soften it. Also, make sure the filling is not too hot when wrapping to avoid tearing the rice paper.

What is the best way to store leftover rolls?

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator, placing a damp towel over them to keep the rice paper soft.

Can I freeze these rolls?

While it’s not recommended to freeze them once assembled (the rice paper can become too soft), you can freeze the beef filling and assemble the rolls fresh later.

What can I use instead of Thai basil?

If you can’t find Thai basil, you can substitute regular basil or even mint, but the flavor will differ slightly from the original.

Can I add extra vegetables?

Yes, you can add julienned carrots, cucumbers, or any vegetables of your choice for added crunch and flavor.

Is it necessary to use both soy sauce and oyster sauce?

Using both adds a depth of flavor, but if you don’t have oyster sauce, you can use extra soy sauce or even hoisin sauce as a substitute.

How do I make the dipping sauce?

For a simple soy-lime dipping sauce, mix soy sauce with fresh lime juice. For a spicier version, you can add chili garlic sauce or make a chili-garlic blend.

Can I serve these rolls warm?

These rolls are typically served fresh and cold or at room temperature. If you prefer them warm, briefly heat them in a skillet, but be careful not to overcook the rice paper.

Conclusion

Thai Basil Beef Rolls are a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dish that brings the vibrant tastes of Thailand right to your table. With juicy ground beef, fragrant Thai basil, and fresh vegetables wrapped in delicate rice paper, these rolls are a perfect choice for a light meal or snack. Easy to make and highly customizable, they’re sure to become a favorite in your kitchen, whether you’re craving a quick dinner or sharing them at a gathering.