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20 Minute Thai Basil Beef Rolls: Quick and Delicious Recipe

20 Minute Thai Basil Beef Rolls: Quick and Delicious Recipe

5.2 from 11 reviews

These 20 Minute Thai Basil Beef Rolls are a quick and delicious appetizer or light meal featuring aromatic ground beef infused with Thai herbs and spices, wrapped in soft rice paper with fresh vegetables. Perfectly balanced with sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, these rolls are easy to make and bursting with freshness.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef Mixture

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 shallots, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon ginger paste
  • 1 tablespoon lemongrass, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1 cup Thai basil leaves, torn

Fresh Vegetable Fillings

  • 2 scallions, julienned
  • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
  • Gem lettuce leaves or similar
  • 1 avocado, sliced

Assembly

  • Rice paper rolls

Instructions

  1. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a little oil in a pan over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it apart, until it is well-browned and caramelized, ensuring a deep, rich flavor.
  2. Add Aromatics and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, ginger paste, chopped lemongrass, and Chinese five-spice powder. Cook briefly to allow the flavors to infuse into the beef.
  3. Incorporate Sauces and Shallots: Add the finely chopped shallots, soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, and lime juice. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors.
  4. Fold in Thai Basil: Turn off the heat and gently fold the torn Thai basil leaves into the beef mixture, releasing their fragrant aroma without overcooking them.
  5. Prepare Rice Paper: Fill a shallow dish with water and soak each rice paper sheet individually for about 10 seconds until just softened. Lay them flat on a damp cloth to prevent sticking.
  6. Assemble the Rolls: Place a spoonful of the beef mixture in the center of each rice paper. Top with scallions, cilantro, a gem lettuce leaf, and avocado slices. Fold in the sides and roll bottom to top tightly to enclose the filling.
  7. Serve with Dipping Sauce: Serve the rolls immediately with sweet chili sauce or a tangy homemade lime and fish sauce dip for an authentic Thai flavor boost.

Notes

  • For best texture, do not over-soak rice paper sheets to avoid tearing when rolling.
  • Use fresh Thai basil for authentic flavor; if unavailable, substitute with sweet basil.
  • Customize the filling with extra vegetables like julienned carrots or cucumber for added crunch.
  • These rolls are best eaten fresh but can be covered with a damp cloth and refrigerated for up to 2 hours before serving.
  • Adjust seasoning and spice levels according to your taste preference by adding more lime juice or chili sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: Thai Basil Beef Rolls, Thai Beef Rolls, Rice Paper Rolls, Quick Thai Appetizer, Healthy Thai Rolls