Name: Thai Basil Beef Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 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; 1/2 cup cilantro leaves; 1/4 cup sliced green onion; 1/4 cup julienned carrots or cucumbers; 1/4 cup dipping sauce (such as soy-lime or chili-garlic blend)

Jump to Recipe

Thai Basil Beef Rolls are a flavorful and fresh appetizer that combines savory ground beef with fragrant herbs wrapped in delicate rice paper. These rolls are perfect for a light meal or party snack, offering a mix of spicy, tangy, and aromatic flavors.

The image shows four spring rolls cut in half placed on a wooden board, revealing three main layers inside each roll: a brown, crumbly cooked meat layer in the center, surrounded by a layer of finely chopped light green cucumber pieces, wrapped in a thin, crispy, light golden-brown translucent outer skin with browned spots. The spring rolls are garnished with scattered chopped green onions and a mix of red chili flakes and black peppercorns on the board. Behind the rolls, there is a small glass jar with a brown seasoning and some fresh green mint leaves. To the right of the board, a small white bowl with a dark dipping sauce is placed on a white marbled surface. 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 the minced garlic and chopped shallot until fragrant, about 1–2 minutes.
Step 2: Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
Step 3: Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and chili flakes. Let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes to combine the flavors.
Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in fresh lime juice and chopped Thai basil leaves. Allow the filling to cool slightly.
Step 5: Fill a shallow plate with warm water and set up your rolling station with the beef filling, herbs, and optional veggies nearby.
Step 6: Dip one rice paper wrapper in warm water for 5–10 seconds until soft, then place it flat on a clean surface.
Step 7: Arrange a spoonful of beef filling near the bottom of the wrapper. Add mint, cilantro, green onions, and julienned veggies if using.
Step 8: Fold the bottom of the wrapper over the filling, tuck in the sides, and roll tightly to enclose the ingredients.
Step 9: Repeat the process with the remaining wrappers and filling.
Step 10: Serve the rolls sliced in half with your choice of dipping sauce on the side.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, add more fresh Thai chili or a drizzle of chili-garlic sauce inside the rolls.
Substitute ground beef with ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version.
Try adding shredded lettuce or bean sprouts for extra crunch inside the rolls.
Use rice vermicelli noodles inside the rolls to make them more filling.

Storage

Store any leftover beef rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Because the rice paper softens when refrigerated, they are best eaten fresh. To reheat, enjoy them at room temperature or briefly warm the filling before rolling fresh wrappers.

How to Serve

The image shows several spring rolls cut in half and whole, placed on a wooden board over a white marbled surface. Each spring roll has a thin, slightly crispy, golden-brown wrapper as the outer layer. Inside, there are three main layers: dark brown cooked ground meat at the top, followed by small bright green cucumber pieces and light green herbs mixed with chopped peanuts, giving a fresh and crunchy texture. Green scallions are also sprinkled on and around the rolls. Two white bowls sit nearby, one holding a light brown sesame sauce with sesame seeds, and the other with a dark soy-like sauce, adding contrast. A spoon with some sauce is placed on the wooden board beside the rolls. 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 refrigerated. Just warm it slightly before assembling the rolls to make rolling easier.

What can I use if I can’t find Thai basil?

If Thai basil is unavailable, substitute with sweet basil or a mix of fresh mint and cilantro to maintain a fragrant herbal note.