Name: Thai Basil Beef Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 2 cups fresh Thai basil leaves; 1 medium bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 package rice paper wrappers

Introduction

Thai Basil Beef Rolls are a flavorful and satisfying appetizer or snack that combines savory ground beef with fresh Thai basil and crisp bell peppers, all wrapped in delicate rice paper. These rolls are quick to prepare and perfect for sharing at any gathering.

The image shows a wooden board filled with two rows of fresh spring rolls, each roll cut into bite-sized pieces. The rolls have three visible layers: a translucent, slightly shiny rice paper wrap on the outside, a middle layer of bright green leafy herbs and vegetables, and an inner layer of dark brown cooked meat mixed with bits of green herbs and small pieces of red chili. Behind the rolls, there are wedges of lime and fresh green watercress leaves lightly scattered. A small white bowl filled with a dark brown dipping sauce that has floating bits of chili and sesame seeds sits on the right side of the board. The whole setup is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
2 cups fresh Thai basil leaves
1 medium bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 package rice paper wrappers

Instructions

Step 1: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Stir and break apart the meat until fully cooked, about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Stir in the soy sauce and add the bell pepper slices. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the peppers to soften slightly.
Step 3: Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the fresh Thai basil leaves until well combined. Set the filling aside to cool slightly.
Step 4: Fill a shallow dish with warm water. Dip one rice paper wrapper in the water for about 10-15 seconds until softened.
Step 5: Place the softened rice paper on a clean, flat surface. Spoon a small amount of the beef mixture onto the lower third of the wrapper.
Step 6: Fold the bottom of the wrapper over the filling, tuck in the sides, then roll it up tightly from bottom to top.
Step 7: Repeat this process for the remaining wrappers and filling.
Step 8: Add a bit of oil to the skillet and heat over medium-high. Place the rolls seam-side down and cook until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Step 9: Remove from the skillet and let cool for a minute before serving warm.

Tips & Variations

For an extra kick, add a pinch of chili flakes to the beef mixture while cooking.
Substitute ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version.
Serve with a dipping sauce made from hoisin sauce mixed with a little lime juice and crushed peanuts.
Make sure not to soak the rice paper too long, or it may become too fragile to roll.

Storage

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to restore crispness, or enjoy them cold. Avoid microwaving as it can make the rice paper chewy.

How to Serve

The image shows four fresh spring rolls arranged neatly on a long, white plate with a speckled texture, placed on a white marbled surface. Each roll has three visible layers: an outer translucent rice paper layer, showing green leafy vegetables inside, and a dark brown cooked meat filling in the center. The rolls are topped with vibrant green mint leaves and small slices of bright red chili peppers. A glossy sauce with herbs is drizzled over the rolls, creating a shiny texture and pooling at the bottom of the plate. In the background, there is a small white bowl filled with a light brown dipping sauce with herbs and chili flakes visible inside. 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, you can cook the beef mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Assemble the rolls just before serving for best texture.

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

If Thai basil is unavailable, sweet basil can be used as a substitute, though the flavor will be milder. Adding a little fresh mint can help mimic the aromatic quality of Thai basil.

Thai Basil Beef Rolls Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.7 from 103 reviews

Thai Basil Beef Rolls combine aromatic Thai basil with savory ground beef and crisp bell peppers, all wrapped thoughtfully in delicate rice paper and pan-fried to a golden perfection. These rolls are a flavorful, satisfying appetizer or snack that bring a taste of Thailand to your kitchen with minimal effort.

Author: zara
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 8–10 rolls 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Frying
Cuisine: Thai

Ingredients

Scale

Filling

1 pound ground beef
2 cups fresh Thai basil leaves
1 medium bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon soy sauce

Wrapper

1 package rice paper wrappers

Instructions

Prepare the Filling: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Stir and break apart the meat until fully cooked, about 5 minutes.
Add Flavor: Stir in the soy sauce and mix in the thinly sliced bell pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the peppers to soften slightly.
Remove from Heat: Once cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and fold in the fresh Thai basil leaves until well combined. Set the filling aside to cool slightly.
Soak the Rice Paper: Fill a shallow dish with warm water. Dip one rice paper wrapper in the water for about 10-15 seconds until softened.
Assemble the Rolls: Place the softened rice paper on a clean, flat surface. Spoon a small amount of the beef mixture onto the lower third of the wrapper.
Roll It Up: Begin by folding the bottom of the wrapper over the filling, tucking it in neatly. Then fold in the sides and roll it up tightly from the bottom to the top.
Repeat: Continue this process for the remaining wrappers and filling.
Cook the Rolls: In the same skillet, add a bit of oil and set to medium-high heat. Place the rolls seam-side down in the skillet and cook until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Serve Warm: Remove the rolls from the skillet and let them cool for a minute before serving.

Notes

Use fresh Thai basil for the authentic flavor; sweet basil can be a substitute if unavailable.
Rice paper wrappers become fragile when wet, so handle gently when soaking and rolling.
Ensure the filling is not too wet to prevent soggy rolls.
Serve these rolls with a dipping sauce such as sweet chili sauce or a soy-based dipping sauce for added flavor.
For a spicier option, add finely chopped chili peppers to the beef filling.

Keywords: Thai Basil Beef Rolls, rice paper beef rolls, Thai appetizer, pan-fried rolls, ground beef rolls