Name: Thai Basil Beef Rolls
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon fish sauce; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon grated ginger; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 8–10 rice paper wrappers; 1/2 cup Thai basil leaves, whole; 1 medium carrot, julienned; 1 cucumber, julienned; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves (optional); For the Dipping Sauce:; 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1/2 teaspoon chili garlic sauce (optional, for heat); 1 teaspoon chopped peanuts (optional, for garnish)

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Thai Basil Beef Rolls are a fresh and flavorful appetizer or main dish featuring tender beef wrapped in rice paper with aromatic Thai basil, fresh vegetables, and a savory dipping sauce. These rolls are light, healthy, and bursting with the vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine, perfect for a quick meal or a crowd-pleasing starter.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Thai Basil Beef Rolls are the perfect combination of savory beef, fragrant herbs, and crunchy vegetables, all wrapped up in delicate rice paper. The fresh ingredients and vibrant dipping sauce bring bold flavors without being overwhelming. They’re quick to make, customizable with your favorite fillings, and a great way to enjoy Thai-inspired flavors in a light, healthy dish. Plus, they’re perfect for serving at parties, as a light lunch, or as a delicious appetizer.

Thai Basil Beef Rolls

Ingredients

For the Beef Rolls:

1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon grated ginger
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
8–10 rice paper wrappers
1/2 cup Thai basil leaves, whole
1 medium carrot, julienned
1 cucumber, julienned
1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves (optional)

For the Dipping Sauce:

3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon chili garlic sauce (optional, for heat)
1 teaspoon chopped peanuts (optional, for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Beef: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Toss the thinly sliced beef in the marinade and let it sit for at least 10–15 minutes.
Cook the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is cooked through and browned. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
Prepare the Veggies: Julienne the carrot and cucumber into thin strips. Set aside along with the Thai basil and cilantro.
Soften the Rice Paper: Fill a shallow dish with warm water. Dip one rice paper wrapper into the water for about 10-15 seconds, or until soft and pliable. Lay it flat on a clean surface.
Assemble the Rolls: Place 2–3 basil leaves in the center of the rice paper, followed by a few strips of cooked beef, carrot, cucumber, and cilantro.
Roll the Wrap: Carefully fold the sides of the rice paper over the filling, then roll tightly from the bottom, ensuring the filling stays enclosed. Repeat with the remaining rice paper and ingredients.
Prepare the Dipping Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, sesame oil, and chili garlic sauce (if using).
Serve: Serve the Thai Basil Beef Rolls with the dipping sauce and optional chopped peanuts for garnish. Enjoy immediately!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4–6
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Replace the beef with tofu or tempeh, marinated and sautéed in the same way for a vegetarian option.
Additional Veggies: Add sliced bell peppers, cabbage, or avocado to the filling for more texture and flavor.
Spicy Beef Rolls: Add sliced fresh chili peppers to the filling or increase the chili garlic sauce in the dipping sauce to make it spicier.
Peanut Butter Sauce: For a richer dipping sauce, substitute hoisin sauce with peanut butter for a creamy, nutty dip.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: These rolls are best eaten fresh, but you can store leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. They may lose some of their crispiness but will still taste great.
Reheating: These rolls are not ideal for reheating, as the rice paper may become soft. If you need to store them for later, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap to maintain freshness.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of beef for these rolls?

Yes, you can use any tender cut of beef, such as ribeye, flank steak, or sirloin. Just ensure it’s thinly sliced against the grain for the best texture.

2. How do I keep the rice paper from tearing?

Be gentle when dipping the rice paper into the water, and don’t leave it in too long. Once softened, work quickly to avoid tearing the paper.

3. Can I make these rolls in advance?

While they’re best fresh, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately. Assemble the rolls just before serving to keep them from becoming soggy.

4. What can I substitute for fish sauce?

If you don’t have fish sauce, you can use soy sauce as a substitute, though it will lack the distinctive salty, umami flavor. A mix of soy sauce and a splash of lime juice can work as an alternative.

5. Can I use rice noodles instead of rice paper?

Yes, you can create a noodle-based version of this dish by adding cooked rice noodles to the rolls instead of using rice paper. Use large lettuce leaves to wrap the fillings for a different texture.

6. How can I make this dish spicier?

Add extra chili garlic sauce to the dipping sauce, or include sliced fresh chili peppers inside the rolls for added heat.

7. Can I make the dipping sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the dipping sauce can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

8. Can I use different herbs in place of Thai basil?

Thai basil is essential for the unique flavor of this dish, but if you can’t find it, you can substitute regular basil or mint for a different twist.

9. Are these rolls gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use a gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and check the fish sauce for gluten content, these rolls are naturally gluten-free.

10. How do I prevent the rice paper from sticking?

Make sure to work on a clean, flat surface and keep the rice paper moist as you assemble. If they start sticking, lightly dust the paper with a bit of cornstarch or wrap them in damp towels to prevent drying out.

Conclusion

Thai Basil Beef Rolls are a light, refreshing, and flavorful dish that brings together the best of Thai cuisine. With tender beef, aromatic herbs, and crunchy vegetables wrapped in soft rice paper, these rolls are perfect as an appetizer, snack, or light meal. Paired with a tangy dipping sauce, they’re a delightful burst of flavors in every bite!