These Thai Basil Beef Rolls are a tasty treat! Filled with juicy beef and fresh basil, they bring a burst of flavor in every bite. Plus, they are super easy to make!
When I make these, my kitchen smells fantastic. I love to serve them with a tangy dipping sauce for an extra kick. Trust me, they won’t last long on the platter! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: I like using flank steak for its tenderness and flavor, but sirloin works well too. For a leaner option, try chicken or tofu! Just adjust cooking time for different proteins.
Rice Paper Wrappers: These are essential for wrapping the rolls. If you can’t find them, use lettuce leaves for a fresh, low-carb alternative. Just be sure to use large leaves for easier rolling.
Thai Basil: Nothing beats the fragrant kick of Thai basil, but if you can’t find it, regular basil or even a mix of mint and cilantro can provide a nice flavor. Don’t skip on fresh herbs; they really enhance the dish!
How Do I Roll Rice Paper Perfectly?
Rolling rice paper can be a bit tricky if you’re new to it, but with a little practice, you’ll be a pro! Here’s how I do it:
- Soak the rice paper in warm water for just 10-15 seconds. It should be soft but still slightly firm. Over-soaking can make them too sticky.
- Lay the soaked wrapper flat on a clean surface. Layer your ingredients no more than a third of the way up from the bottom.
- Fold the sides in, then roll from the bottom to the top, keeping it snug but not too tight to avoid tearing.
And if you have any broken wrappers, just layer another on top for added strength. No need to stress; enjoy the process!
How to Make Thai Basil Beef Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef Filling:
- 1/2 lb (225g) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for cooking)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red chili, thinly sliced (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
For the Fresh Vegetables:
- 1 cup fresh spinach or mixed greens, washed and dried
- 1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 green onions, julienned
For the Wrappers:
- 6-8 rice paper wrappers
- Fresh herbs (such as mint, cilantro) for extra flavor (optional)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
For the Dipping Sauce:
- 3 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp chili flakes (optional)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
How Much Time Will You Need?
The total time for making these delicious Thai Basil Beef Rolls is about 40 minutes. This includes 15-20 minutes for marinating the beef, around 10 minutes to prepare the rolls, and a few minutes to whip up the dipping sauce. Ready to dive into some tasty rolls?
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Beef:
Start by placing the thinly sliced beef in a mixing bowl. To it, add soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and sliced chili. Toss everything together until the beef is well-coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl and let it marinate for 15-20 minutes.
2. Cook the Beef:
Next, heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated beef (including the marinade) to the skillet. Sauté the beef for about 3-5 minutes or until it’s browned and fully cooked. Before removing it from heat, stir in the fresh Thai basil until it’s just wilted, then set aside to cool slightly.
3. Prepare the Rice Paper:
Fill a large, shallow dish or plate with warm water. Take one rice paper wrapper and carefully dip it into the warm water for about 10-15 seconds until it’s softened but still slightly firm. Lay the softened wrapper flat on a clean surface or plate, ready for filling.
4. Assemble the Rolls:
On the bottom third of the rice paper wrapper, place a small handful of spinach or mixed greens. Next, layer on some thin strips of red and yellow bell pepper, a few green onions, and if you like, add some fresh herbs like mint or cilantro. Then, spoon a generous portion of the cooked beef mixture on top of the vegetables.
5. Roll the Rice Paper:
To create your roll, take the bottom of the rice paper wrapper and fold it over the filling. Next, fold in the sides, and then roll it tightly from the bottom to the top to encase all the delicious ingredients inside. Repeat this process with the remaining wrappers and filling until you have a beautiful batch of rolls!
6. Make the Dipping Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce (or tamari), rice vinegar, sugar, minced garlic, and chili flakes (if using). Stir until the sugar has dissolved, and set the sauce aside to serve with the rolls.
7. Serve:
Arrange your Thai Basil Beef Rolls on a serving platter. If you’d like, sprinkle with sesame seeds or extra green onions for garnish. Serve immediately with the dipping sauce on the side, and enjoy every flavorful bite!
These Thai Basil Beef Rolls make for a delightful appetizer or snack—enjoy making and sharing them!
Can I Use Different Proteins in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While beef adds great flavor, you can easily substitute it with chicken, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure everything is cooked through!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
To keep your rolls fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. If possible, keep the rice paper wrappers and fillings separate to avoid sogginess until you’re ready to eat them.
Can I Make These Rolls Vegan?
Yes! Simply replace the beef with a mix of sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and carrots. Swap the oyster sauce for a mushroom or soy alternative, and use maple syrup or agave instead of brown sugar for sweetness.
What Can I Serve With Thai Basil Beef Rolls?
These rolls pair well with a variety of sides! Serve them alongside a light salad, steamed rice, or even some crunchy vegetable sticks for a refreshing appetizer spread. Enjoy experimenting!
