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Thai Basil Beef Rolls

Thai Basil Beef Rolls
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Quick and flavorful Thai Basil Beef Rolls combine tender ground beef infused with aromatic Thai basil, garlic, and shallots, wrapped in crisp rice paper or fresh lettuce leaves. Perfect for a fast weeknight dinner or impressive finger food for gatherings, these rolls deliver authentic Thai flavors in under 30 minutes using simple, fresh ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 shallots, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • Rice paper wrappers or lettuce leaves, as needed
  • 1 teaspoon chili flakes or 1-2 fresh bird’s eye chilies, finely chopped (optional)

Optional Vegetables

  • 1 medium carrot, julienned
  • 1 cucumber, julienned
  • 1 bell pepper, julienned

Optional Garnishes and Additions

  • Chopped roasted peanuts or cashews
  • Fresh cilantro leaves
  • Extra Thai basil leaves
  • Sweet chili sauce, peanut sauce, or lime and fish sauce blend for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Filling: Heat a pan over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil. Sauté the minced garlic and shallots until fragrant and lightly golden. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned. Stir in fish sauce, soy sauce, and chili flakes to taste. Cook for another minute to combine the flavors.
  2. Add Thai Basil: Remove the pan from heat and immediately stir in the fresh Thai basil leaves, allowing them to wilt slightly in the residual heat while releasing their aroma.
  3. Prepare the Wrappers: If using rice paper, soak each sheet in warm water for 10-15 seconds until pliable but not too soft. If using lettuce, wash and pat dry the crisp outer leaves carefully.
  4. Assemble the Rolls: Place a spoonful of the beef mixture onto your wrapper or lettuce leaf. Add optional julienned vegetables like carrot, cucumber, or bell pepper for extra crunch. Fold tightly, tucking in the sides to form neat rolls perfect for dipping or eating by hand.
  5. Serve: Arrange the Thai Basil Beef Rolls on a platter and serve immediately with your choice of dipping sauces such as sweet chili sauce, peanut sauce, or a tangy lime and fish sauce blend.

Notes

  • Use fresh Thai basil for authentic flavor and aroma.
  • Cook the beef just until browned to keep it juicy and tender inside the rolls.
  • Soak rice paper wrappers briefly in warm water to prevent sogginess and tearing.
  • A small dash of sugar can balance the spicy and savory flavors if desired.
  • Chop optional vegetables thinly to help maintain the roll structure and provide a pleasant texture contrast.

Nutrition

Keywords: Thai basil beef rolls, Thai appetizers, beef rolls, Thai recipes, quick dinner, gluten-free Thai dishes

Find it online: https://linacorner.com/thai-basil-beef-rolls/