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- 1 lb ground beef - 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves, packed - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 tablespoon fish sauce - 1 tablespoon brown sugar - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice level) - 8 rice paper wrappers - 1 cup vermicelli noodles, cooked according to package instructions - 1 carrot, julienned - 1 cucumber, julienned - Fresh lime wedges for serving Gather these ingredients before you start. Each one plays a key role in making your Thai Basil Beef Rolls tasty and fresh. The ground beef gives a rich flavor. The Thai basil adds a sweet, herbal note. Garlic adds depth. Soy sauce and fish sauce provide umami and saltiness. Brown sugar balances the flavors by adding sweetness. Red pepper flakes bring a kick. Rice paper wraps everything together. Vermicelli noodles add texture, while carrots and cucumbers give crunch. Lime wedges brighten the dish with a fresh zing. Enjoy the process of selecting each ingredient! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef. Cook until it turns brown, which takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart. 2. Next, add 2 cloves of minced garlic to the beef. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic smells nice. 3. Now, stir in 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of fish sauce, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Cook for another 2 minutes so the flavors mix well. Finally, fold in 1 cup of fresh Thai basil leaves until they wilt. Remove the skillet from heat and set aside. 1. Fill a large shallow dish or skillet with warm water. Dip one rice paper wrapper into the water for 15 to 20 seconds. This makes it soft and easy to use. 2. Place the soft rice paper on a clean, flat surface. In the center, add a few tablespoons of the beef mixture, a small handful of cooked vermicelli noodles, and some julienned carrots and cucumbers. 3. Fold the sides of the rice paper over the filling. Roll it away from you to make a tight seal. Repeat this with the rest of the wrappers and filling. 1. To serve, arrange the beef rolls on a platter. Squeeze fresh lime over the rolls for a burst of flavor. 2. You can garnish with sprigs of Thai basil for a nice touch. Serve with a small bowl of sweet chili sauce for dipping if you like. How can I adjust spice levels? To change the spice level, use less or more red pepper flakes. Start with one teaspoon for mild rolls. Add more if you want heat. Taste as you go. What are common pitfalls to avoid? One pitfall is overcooking the beef. Cook it until just browned. If you add too many spices at once, it can overpower the dish. Mix them gradually for balance. What are the best practices for rice paper handling? Soak the rice paper in warm water until soft. Don’t soak too long; it will tear. Use a clean, flat surface to roll. This makes it easier to keep the rolls tight. What are alternatives for easier rolling? If you find rice paper tricky, try using lettuce leaves. They add crunch and are easy to roll. You can also use tortillas for a fun twist. What are suggested dipping sauces? Sweet chili sauce pairs well with these rolls. You can also try hoisin sauce for a savory touch. Mix soy sauce with lime juice for a fresh dip. How can I add herbs and vegetables? Add more herbs like cilantro or mint for freshness. You can also include bell peppers or sprouts for crunch. These additions boost flavor and nutrition. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh Thai basil and crisp vegetables to enhance the flavor and texture of your rolls. Control Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your preference for spice. Start with less if you're unsure! Soak Rice Paper Carefully: Make sure to soak the rice paper just until pliable; over-soaking can make it too fragile and difficult to handle. Presentation Matters: Arrange your rolls neatly on the platter and consider garnishing with lime wedges and extra Thai basil for an appealing look. {{image_2}} You can easily change the protein in Thai Basil Beef Rolls. Ground chicken or tofu works well. For chicken, use the same cooking method as ground beef. For tofu, press it to remove excess water, then crumble it and cook until golden. This way, everyone can enjoy these rolls. If you need a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Check the rice paper wrappers too, as some brands are gluten-free. This makes it simple for those with dietary needs to enjoy this dish. Feel free to switch up the sauces for a new taste. Instead of fish sauce, try oyster sauce or a splash of hoisin sauce. These changes can give your rolls a unique twist. Adding different vegetables can also change the flavor. For a crunch, try bell peppers or radishes. You can also toss in fresh herbs like mint or cilantro for a fresh kick. The options are endless, so explore what you like best. When serving, consider what sides to pair with the rolls. A simple salad with lime dressing works well. You can also serve them with a side of sweet chili sauce or peanut sauce for dipping. These rolls can be appetizers or a main course. For appetizers, make smaller rolls and serve them on a platter. As a main course, serve larger rolls with rice or noodles. Either way, you’ll impress your guests with these flavorful bites! Store any leftover Thai Basil Beef Rolls in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing instead. To reheat, take them out and warm them in a pan or microwave. You can freeze both raw and cooked rolls. For raw rolls, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Cooked rolls should cool first before freezing. Use a container that seals well. When you are ready to eat, thaw the rolls in the fridge overnight. To reheat cooked rolls, warm them in a skillet over medium heat. This keeps them tender and tasty. The best way to enjoy freshness is to eat the rolls within three days if stored in the fridge. For frozen rolls, they stay good for about three months. After this, they may lose flavor and texture. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. When in doubt, throw it out! Yes, you can prepare these rolls ahead of time. Make the beef filling and let it cool. Store it in the fridge for up to two days. You can also roll the wraps and keep them in an airtight container. Just add a damp paper towel to keep them moist. If you can’t find Thai basil, fresh basil works well too. You might also try mint or cilantro for a different taste. These herbs won't match the exact flavor but will still be tasty. Yes, Thai Basil Beef Rolls are a healthy choice. They have lean protein from beef and fresh veggies. You can adjust the sugar and sauces to make them even healthier. Using whole grain noodles can add more fiber too. To spice up your rolls, add more red pepper flakes to the beef mixture. You can also serve them with a spicy dipping sauce. A drizzle of sriracha or chili oil can kick up the heat. Absolutely! You can swap out vermicelli noodles for other types. Rice noodles, soba, or even zucchini noodles work great too. Just be sure to cook them according to package instructions. This keeps your rolls delicious and satisfying. In this post, I covered how to make delicious Thai Basil Beef Rolls. We explored the key ingredients, including ground beef, fresh basil, and rice paper. I shared step-by-step instructions for cooking the filling and rolling the wraps. The tips and tricks helped improve your rolling skills and flavor. I also discussed variations for different diets and the best ways to store leftovers. Now, you can enjoy making these tasty rolls at home. They are fun to prepare and packed with flavor.

Thai Basil Beef Rolls

Delicious rolls filled with seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, and Thai basil, perfect for a light meal or appetizer.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Thai
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves, packed
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 8 pieces rice paper wrappers
  • 1 cup vermicelli noodles, cooked
  • 1 piece carrot, julienned
  • 1 piece cucumber, julienned
  • to taste fresh lime wedges for serving

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon (about 5-7 minutes).
  • Add the minced garlic to the beef and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Stir in the soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another 2 minutes to allow the flavors to combine, then fold in the fresh Thai basil leaves until just wilted. Remove from heat and set aside.
  • Fill a large shallow dish or a skillet with warm water. Dip one rice paper wrapper into the water for about 15-20 seconds until it becomes pliable.
  • Lay the softened rice paper on a clean, flat surface. In the center of the wrapper, add a few tablespoons of the beef mixture, a small handful of cooked vermicelli noodles, and some julienned carrots and cucumbers.
  • Fold the sides of the rice paper over the filling, then roll it away from you to create a tight seal. Repeat this process with the remaining wrappers and filling.
  • Serve the beef rolls with fresh lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.

Notes

Arrange the rolls on a serving platter, garnish with sprigs of Thai basil, and serve with a small bowl of sweet chili sauce for dipping.
Keyword appetizer, beef, spring rolls, Thai basil