Print

Thai Basil Beef Rolls

Thai Basil Beef Rolls

Thai Basil Beef Rolls are a flavorful and satisfying snack featuring aromatic Thai basil, tender seasoned beef, and a crisp, light wrapper. Perfect for quick bites, party appetizers, or casual gatherings, these rolls offer a harmonious blend of fresh herbs, subtle spice, and rich meatiness. They can be served warm or at room temperature and are easily customizable to suit different tastes and dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef (lean or medium fat)
  • 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 1 teaspoon chili flakes or 1 fresh chili, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
  • 810 spring roll wrappers or rice paper sheets
  • 1 small onion or 2 shallots, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • Vegetable oil, for frying (about 1 cup)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté minced garlic and chopped onions until fragrant and translucent. Add ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked through, breaking it into small pieces. Mix in fish sauce, soy sauce, chili flakes, and chopped Thai basil leaves, stirring to evenly distribute the flavors. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before rolling.
  2. Prep the Wrappers: If using spring roll wrappers, separate each sheet carefully. For rice paper, dip one sheet briefly into warm water until pliable but not too soft to tear. Lay the wrapper flat on a clean surface to prepare for filling.
  3. Assemble the Rolls: Spoon a small amount of the beef mixture onto the bottom third of the wrapper. Fold the sides inward and then roll tightly to encase the filling completely. Seal the edge with a little water or beaten egg to prevent the roll from opening.
  4. Cook the Rolls: Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the rolls in batches until golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Alternatively, for a lighter version, bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes until crispy.
  5. Drain and Serve: Place cooked Thai Basil Beef Rolls on paper towels to absorb excess oil. Serve warm with dipping sauce such as sweet chili or tangy peanut sauce for an extra flavor boost.

Notes

  • Use fresh Thai basil leaves for the best aromatic and authentic flavor.
  • Don’t overfill the rolls to ensure easy rolling and crisp cooking.
  • Control oil temperature around 350°F to get crispy rolls quickly while absorbing less oil.
  • Let the rolls rest a few minutes before frying to help the wrapper seal perfectly.
  • Experiment with dipping sauces like sweet chili, peanut sauce, or soy sauce with lime and garlic to enhance flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: Thai Basil, Beef Rolls, Appetizer, Gluten Free, Asian Snack, Party Food, Easy Snack