Description
Bring the culinary sanctuary of Thailand to your kitchen with Thai Basil Beef Rolls, a delicacy that promises bold flavors and utter delight with every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
- Begin by heating the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and chopped shallot. Sauté them together until they release their fragrances, turning slightly golden, which creates a flavorful base for your beef.
- Introduce the ground beef into the skillet with the sautéed aromatics. Cook the beef thoroughly until it’s browned, using a spatula to crumble it into smaller pieces for even cooking. This step builds the foundation for a savory meat filling that is juicy and full of umami flavor.
- Incorporate the soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and chili flakes or minced Thai chili into the browned meat. Mix well, and reduce the heat to let the ingredients simmer together for 2–3 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld harmoniously, enhancing the savory depth of the beef.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and add the fresh lime juice along with the chopped Thai basil leaves. Stir to ensure the basil is evenly distributed, infusing the filling with a fresh, vibrant taste. Allow the mixture to cool slightly, as this will make it easier to handle during the rolling process.
- Set up a shallow plate of warm water and position it near a clean surface for rolling the rice paper wraps. Being prepared at this stage simplifies the assembly and ensures a smooth flow when building your rolls.
- Gently dip one rice paper wrapper into the warm water for about 5–10 seconds until it softens. Then, lay it flat on the prepared surface to begin adding your fillings.
- At the bottom of the softened wrapper, place a portion of the beef filling, followed by the optional mint leaves, cilantro, green onion, and julienned vegetables. The selection of additional herbs and veggies adds layers of texture and flavor.
- Starting from the bottom, fold the wrapper over the filling. Tuck in the sides neatly, ensuring your fillings are snug, and then roll tightly until the end of the wrapper meets the roll. Repeat this process for the remaining rice paper wrappers and filling.
- Slice each roll in half for a neat presentation and serve with your favorite dipping sauce—whether it’s a zesty soy-lime or a spicy chili-garlic blend.
Notes
For a smoother rolling experience, ensure the rice paper is well-soaked and pliable before adding fillings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
Nutrition
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Protein: 10 g