Why Make This Recipe
Flavor-Packed Thai Basil Beef Rolls are a delightful and quick dish you can whip up for dinner. They combine fresh ingredients with bold flavors, making them a great choice for a family meal or a fun gathering with friends. The use of Thai basil gives these rolls a unique taste that is hard to resist. Plus, they are versatile and can be served as an appetizer or a main dish!
How to Make Flavor-Packed Thai Basil Beef Rolls
Ingredients:
For the beef:
- 1 lb ground beef (or thinly sliced sirloin)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 1–2 Thai red chilies, sliced (to taste)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
For the rolls:
- 1 head butter lettuce or romaine leaves
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Optional: rice paper wrappers
For garnish:
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Lime wedges
- Extra Thai basil
Directions:
- Heat sesame oil in a skillet or wok over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic, ginger, and sliced chilies, sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned.
- Stir in soy sauce, hoisin sauce, fish sauce, and brown sugar. Cook for another 3–4 minutes until well combined.
- Add Thai basil and stir until the leaves are wilted. Then, remove from heat.
- While the beef is cooking, wash the lettuce and slice the cucumber and carrot into thin sticks.
- To assemble the rolls, place a portion of the beef in the lettuce leaves or rice paper. Add cucumber, carrot, and cilantro on top.
- Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and squeeze lime juice over everything. Wrap the leaves around the filling and serve.
How to Serve Flavor-Packed Thai Basil Beef Rolls
Serve the beef rolls fresh and warm. They can be enjoyed on their own or with a dipping sauce like sweet chili sauce. Arrange the rolls on a platter and garnish with lime wedges and extra Thai basil for an appealing presentation.
How to Store Flavor-Packed Thai Basil Beef Rolls
If you have leftovers, store the beef mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the assembled rolls separate to prevent the lettuce from wilting. You can reheat the beef filling before serving again.
Tips to Make Flavor-Packed Thai Basil Beef Rolls
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Fresh Thai basil is key to this recipe.
- Adjust the amount of Thai chilies based on your heat preference.
- If using rice paper wrappers, dip them quickly in warm water before assembling to soften.
Variation
You can easily switch up the protein. Try using ground chicken, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or avocado to the rolls for extra flavor and texture.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
A: While the filling can be prepared in advance, it’s best to assemble the rolls just before serving to keep the lettuce fresh.
Q: What if I can’t find Thai basil?
A: If you can’t find Thai basil, regular basil will work, though the flavor will be a bit different.
Q: Are these rolls gluten-free?
A: To make them gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure that your hoisin sauce is gluten-free.
Thai Basil Beef Rolls
Ingredients
For the beef
- 1 lb ground beef (or thinly sliced sirloin)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 1-2 pieces Thai red chilies, sliced (to taste) Adjust based on heat preference
- 1 tbsp soy sauce Use tamari for gluten-free
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce Ensure gluten-free if needed
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 cup fresh Thai basil leaves Fresh is key for flavor
For the rolls
- 1 head butter lettuce or romaine leaves Use for wrapping
- 1 piece cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 piece carrot, julienned
- to taste fresh cilantro leaves
- optional rice paper wrappers Quickly dip in warm water to soften
For garnish
- to taste toasted sesame seeds
- to taste lime wedges For serving
- to taste extra Thai basil For serving
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat sesame oil in a skillet or wok over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic, ginger, and sliced chilies, sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned.
- Stir in soy sauce, hoisin sauce, fish sauce, and brown sugar. Cook for another 3–4 minutes until well combined.
- Add Thai basil and stir until the leaves are wilted. Remove from heat.
- While the beef is cooking, wash the lettuce and slice the cucumber and carrot into thin sticks.
Assembly
- To assemble the rolls, place a portion of the beef in the lettuce leaves or rice paper. Add cucumber, carrot, and cilantro on top.
- Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and squeeze lime juice over everything. Wrap the leaves around the filling and serve.