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Thai Basil Beef Rolls

Thai Basil Beef Rolls
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Thai Basil Beef Rolls combine tender ground beef with fresh Thai basil and aromatic spices wrapped in crisp rice paper or lettuce leaves. This fresh, flavorful, and satisfying dish is perfect as a quick dinner or an impressive appetizer, offering bold Thai-inspired flavors that are easy to prepare and highly customizable to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 cup fresh Thai basil, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 2 shallots, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon red chili flakes or 1-2 fresh chilis, finely chopped (adjust to taste)

Wrappers

  • 8–10 sheets rice paper, soaked briefly in warm water or
  • Butter lettuce leaves (about 8-10 leaves)

Fresh Vegetables and Herbs (Optional but Recommended)

  • 1 medium carrot, thinly sliced
  • 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
  • Fresh mint leaves

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Filling: Heat a pan over medium heat and add a small amount of oil. Sauté finely chopped garlic and shallots until fragrant and golden brown. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with your spatula, and cook until browned and cooked through.
  2. Season the Beef: Stir in fish sauce, soy sauce, and chili flakes or fresh chilis according to your taste. Cook everything together for a couple of minutes to combine the flavors deeply. Finally, stir in the chopped fresh Thai basil, removing from heat just as the herbs release their aroma.
  3. Prep the Wrappers and Vegetables: If using rice paper, soak each sheet briefly in warm water until soft but still pliable. Arrange on a clean surface. Prepare thinly sliced carrots, cucumber, and additional herbs to add brightness and crunch to your rolls.
  4. Assemble the Rolls: Place a spoonful of the beef mixture near one edge of your wrapper or lettuce leaf. Top with fresh veggies and herbs, then roll tightly, folding in the sides as you go. Repeat until all filling is used.
  5. Serve Fresh: These rolls are best enjoyed immediately, served with a tangy dipping sauce like a simple lime and chili mix or a sweet chili sauce for extra kick.

Notes

  • Use fresh Thai basil for the most authentic flavor; dried basil substitutes will alter the taste.
  • Do not overfill the rolls to make rolling easier and ensure good bite balance.
  • Soak rice paper wrappers just long enough to become pliable without tearing.
  • Cook beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, ensuring even browning.
  • Chill assembled rolls for 10 minutes before serving if you prefer firmer bites.

Nutrition

Keywords: Thai Basil Beef Rolls, Thai appetizer, fresh beef rolls, rice paper rolls, lettuce wraps, gluten free Thai recipe

Find it online: https://sophiemelody.com/thai-basil-beef-rolls/