Can I make Thai Basil Beef Rolls less spicy?

Yes. Use one mild chili or skip chilies in the filling and let people add spice in the dipping sauce.

Why are my rice paper wrappers tearing?

Most often it is from over soaking or over filling. Dip briefly, let it soften on the board, and use less filling than you think.

Can I cook the filling ahead of time?

Absolutely. Store it in the fridge up to 3 days. Rewarm briefly, then cool a bit before rolling.

What basil should I buy if I cannot find Thai holy basil?

Sweet basil works fine. Add a little extra garlic and chili to boost that bold flavor.

Are Thai Basil Beef Rolls served hot or cold?

Either. Fresh rolls are usually room temp, but you can pan sear them for a warm crispy version.

Quick and Easy Thai Basil Beef Rolls You’ll Love

Name: Thai Basil Beef Rolls
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef (or thin sliced flank steak); 1 cup Thai holy basil (or sweet basil if holy basil is unavailable); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 2 medium shallots (minced); 1 to taste bird’s eye chilies (chopped (or milder chili)); 1 tbsp oyster sauce; 2 tsp fish sauce; 2 tsp soy sauce; 1 pinch sugar (optional for sweetness); 12 sheets banh trang rice paper wrappers; 1 cup shredded carrots (optional crunchy add-in); 1 cup cucumber sticks (optional crunchy add-in); 2 tbsp soy sauce (for spicy lime soy dip); 1 tbsp lime juice (for spicy lime soy dip); 1 tbsp peanut butter (for creamy peanut dip); 1 tbsp honey (or sugar for creamy peanut dip)

Description

A quick and flavorful recipe for Thai Basil Beef Rolls, perfect for a homemade takeout experience with fresh ingredients and bold flavors.

Ingredients

Beef Filling

1 lb lean ground beef (or thin sliced flank steak)
1 cup Thai holy basil (or sweet basil if holy basil is unavailable)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
2 medium shallots (minced)
1 to taste bird’s eye chilies (chopped (or milder chili))

Sauce

1 tbsp oyster sauce
2 tsp fish sauce
2 tsp soy sauce
1 pinch sugar (optional for sweetness)

Rice Paper Rolls

12 sheets banh trang rice paper wrappers
1 cup shredded carrots (optional crunchy add-in)
1 cup cucumber sticks (optional crunchy add-in)

Dipping Sauce

2 tbsp soy sauce (for spicy lime soy dip)
1 tbsp lime juice (for spicy lime soy dip)
1 tbsp peanut butter (for creamy peanut dip)
1 tbsp honey (or sugar for creamy peanut dip)

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Instructions

Preparing the Filling

Heat a skillet over medium high heat with a little oil.
Add shallots, garlic, and chilies. Stir for about 30 seconds.
Add ground beef. Break it up and cook until browned.
Pour in your sauce mixture and stir until the beef looks glossy.
Turn off the heat and fold in a big handful of basil until just wilted.

Rolling the Rice Paper

Soak one rice paper wrapper in warm water for about 5 to 8 seconds, then lay it flat on your damp surface.
Let it soften for about 20 seconds.
Place lettuce or cucumber first if using, then add a small line of beef filling.
Fold the sides in, then roll up like a burrito.

Pan-Searing (Optional)

Heat a nonstick pan with a thin layer of oil over medium heat.
Place the finished rolls seam side down and cook for a minute or two per side until lightly golden.

Notes

These rolls can also be made keto by using lettuce cups instead of rice paper wrappers. For gluten-free, ensure to use gluten-free sauce alternatives.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: Thai