Name: Thai Basil Beef Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon fish sauce; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ginger, minced; 1 teaspoon lime juice; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking); 8-10 rice paper wrappers; 1/2 cup fresh Thai basil leaves; 1 cup lettuce leaves (romaine or butter lettuce works well); 1/2 cup julienned carrots; 1/4 cup cucumber, thinly sliced; Fresh cilantro leaves (optional, for garnish); 1/4 cup peanut butter; 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 teaspoon brown sugar; 2 teaspoons warm water (adjust to consistency)

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Thai Basil Beef Rolls are a fresh and vibrant dish that brings together tender beef, fragrant Thai basil, and a zesty sauce—all wrapped in a crispy rice paper roll. This dish is perfect as an appetizer, snack, or light meal, and offers a perfect balance of savory, fresh, and aromatic flavors. If you’re a fan of Thai cuisine, these rolls will quickly become one of your favorites!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Thai Basil Beef Rolls are packed with flavor and freshness. The thinly sliced beef is seasoned with bold spices, and the Thai basil adds a punch of aromatic flavor. Combined with fresh vegetables like lettuce and carrots, each bite is refreshing, crunchy, and satisfying. The rice paper wraps give the rolls a perfect chewy texture, and when dipped in the homemade peanut or hoisin dipping sauce, the flavors really come to life. It’s a dish that’s light yet filling, bursting with vibrant flavors in every bite!

Thai Basil Beef Rolls Recipe

Ingredients

For the beef:

1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ginger, minced
1 teaspoon lime juice
1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)

For the rolls:

8-10 rice paper wrappers
1/2 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
1 cup lettuce leaves (romaine or butter lettuce works well)
1/2 cup julienned carrots
1/4 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
Fresh cilantro leaves (optional, for garnish)

For the dipping sauce:

1/4 cup peanut butter
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon brown sugar
2 teaspoons warm water (adjust to consistency)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Marinate the Beef:
- In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, ginger, and lime juice. Stir to combine.
- Add the thinly sliced beef to the marinade, tossing to coat. Let the beef marinate for at least 15-20 minutes (or up to 1 hour) in the fridge to absorb the flavors.
Cook the Beef:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until the beef is just cooked through. Stir occasionally to ensure the beef cooks evenly. Once done, remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
Prepare the Rolls:
- Fill a shallow dish with warm water. Dip one rice paper wrapper into the water for about 10-15 seconds, or until it becomes soft and pliable. Carefully remove the wrapper from the water and place it flat on a clean surface.
- In the center of the rice paper, layer a few Thai basil leaves, a couple of lettuce leaves, julienned carrots, cucumber slices, and a small portion of cooked beef. Be careful not to overstuff the roll.
Roll Up the Rice Paper:
- Gently fold in the sides of the rice paper, then roll up the wrapper tightly from the bottom to the top, enclosing the fillings. Repeat with the remaining rice papers and fillings.
Make the Dipping Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, hoisin sauce, lime juice, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Add warm water, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach a smooth, pourable consistency.
Serve:
- Serve the Thai Basil Beef Rolls with the peanut dipping sauce on the side. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, if desired. These rolls are best enjoyed fresh, but can also be stored in the fridge for a few hours before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 8-10 rolls, depending on the size of the rice paper wraps, and takes about 30-40 minutes to prepare, including cooking and rolling the beef.

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Replace the beef with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian or vegan-friendly option. Marinate and cook the tofu or tempeh the same way as the beef.
Add Spicy Heat: If you like a spicy kick, add a few slices of fresh chili or some chili sauce to the filling before rolling.
Add Fresh Herbs: Try adding mint leaves along with the basil for an extra layer of freshness.
Rice or Noodles: If you prefer a more substantial filling, you can add cooked rice noodles or jasmine rice to the rolls for more texture.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: These rolls are best eaten fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Place a damp paper towel between the rolls to prevent them from sticking together.
Reheating: If you prefer warm rolls, reheat them lightly in a skillet over medium heat with a small amount of oil. The rice paper will crisp up a bit.

FAQs

Can I make the beef rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the rolls ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 2 hours before serving. Just be sure to cover them with a damp cloth to keep the rice paper from drying out.

Can I use other herbs besides Thai basil?

While Thai basil adds an authentic flavor, you can use regular basil or mint if you can’t find Thai basil. It will still be delicious but with a slightly different flavor profile.

Can I make the dipping sauce without peanut butter?

If you’re allergic to peanuts or prefer a different flavor, you can substitute peanut butter with almond butter or sunbutter for a similar consistency and richness.

Can I prepare the dipping sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dipping sauce up to 3 days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and stir well before serving.

Can I use a different type of meat instead of beef?

Yes, you can use chicken or shrimp as an alternative to beef. Just be sure to cook the meat thoroughly and slice it into thin strips before adding to the rolls.

Conclusion

Thai Basil Beef Rolls are a fresh and flavorful dish that brings the best of Thai flavors in a fun and healthy way. With tender beef, fresh vegetables, and fragrant herbs wrapped in soft rice paper, these rolls are a delight in every bite. Paired with the creamy, tangy peanut dipping sauce, they’re sure to impress your guests or satisfy your cravings for something light yet packed with flavor. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, light meal, or snack, these rolls are a guaranteed hit!