Name: 20 Minute Thai Basil Beef Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 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; 2 scallions, julienned; 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped; Gem lettuce leaves or similar; 1 avocado, sliced; Rice paper rolls

Introduction

These 20 Minute Thai Basil Beef Rolls are a quick and flavorful appetizer or light meal that combines savory beef with fresh herbs and crisp vegetables. Wrapped in delicate rice paper, they are perfect for a refreshing, healthy bite any time.

Four fresh spring rolls are arranged on a wooden board placed on a white marbled surface. Each roll is tightly wrapped in translucent rice paper, revealing layers inside: a bright green layer of lettuce, crisp cucumber slices with dark green edges at the bottom, and a rich brown minced meat filling on top. Fresh green herbs peek out from the rolls, adding a touch of vibrant green. Small sesame seeds are scattered around the board. In the background, a clear glass bowl filled with dark brown dipping sauce is slightly blurred. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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

Instructions

Step 1: Heat a little oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until well-browned, breaking it apart with a spoon to develop a rich caramelized flavor.
Step 2: Add the minced garlic, ginger paste, lemongrass, and Chinese five-spice powder to the browned beef. Stir to combine and let the aromatics infuse the mixture for a minute.
Step 3: Stir in the finely chopped shallots, soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, and lime juice. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for a few minutes to meld the flavors.
Step 4: Turn off the heat and fold in the torn Thai basil leaves, letting their fragrance permeate the beef mixture.
Step 5: Fill a shallow dish with water and soak each rice paper sheet individually for about 10 seconds until just soft. Lay the softened rice paper on a damp cloth to prevent sticking.
Step 6: Place a spoonful of the beef mixture in the center of the rice paper. Top with scallions, cilantro, gem lettuce leaves, and avocado slices.
Step 7: Fold in the sides of the rice paper, then roll from the bottom up, enclosing the filling snugly to form a roll.
Step 8: Serve the rolls with sweet chili sauce or a tangy lime and fish sauce dip for extra flavor.

Tips & Variations

For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with crumbled tofu or cooked lentils and increase the amount of herbs for freshness.
Chill the rolls briefly before serving to help them hold together better.
Add shredded carrots or cucumber for extra crunch inside the rolls.
If you prefer a spicier kick, mix some chili flakes into the beef mixture or the dipping sauce.

Storage

These rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. To prevent the rice paper from drying out, cover the container with a damp paper towel. Reheat the beef filling separately before assembling and eating, as reheating the filled rolls can make the rice paper tough.

How to Serve

The image shows four fresh spring rolls placed on a round wooden board with natural bark edges. Each roll is wrapped in thin, translucent rice paper, revealing bright green leafy vegetables and cooked, browned meat inside. The rolls have green onions and sesame seeds sprinkled on top for garnish. Small green herb leaves are scattered around the board. In the softly blurred background, there is a small bowl of reddish dipping sauce and some green herbs in a bowl, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare these rolls ahead of time?

You can prepare the beef mixture in advance and store it refrigerated for up to 2 days. However, it’s best to soak and fill the rice paper just before serving to keep the rolls fresh and prevent them from becoming soggy.

What can I use if I can’t find Thai basil?

If Thai basil isn’t available, sweet basil is a good substitute. It won’t have the same slightly spicy, anise-like flavor but will still add lovely herbal notes to the dish.

20 Minute Thai Basil Beef Rolls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 526 reviews

These 20 Minute Thai Basil Beef Rolls combine savory ground beef infused with fragrant Thai herbs and spices, wrapped in delicate rice paper with fresh vegetables and herbs. This quick and flavorful recipe offers a perfect balance of textures and tastes, making it an ideal light meal or appetizer bursting with authentic Thai-inspired flavors.

Author: Dylan
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings (approximately 8-10 rolls) 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Thai

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 Roll Ingredients

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

Instructions

Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a little oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until well-browned, breaking it apart with a cooking spoon to ensure even browning and allow the Maillard reaction to develop rich, caramelized flavors.
Add Herbs and Spices: Once browned, add minced garlic, ginger paste, chopped lemongrass, and Chinese five-spice powder. Stir well to combine and let the aromatics infuse the beef for about 1-2 minutes.
Incorporate Sauces and Simmer: Add finely chopped shallots, soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, and fresh lime juice. Stir and allow the mixture to simmer gently for a few minutes until flavors meld together.
Fold in Thai Basil: Turn off the heat and fold in torn Thai basil leaves, letting their fragrant aroma permeate the beef mixture fully.
Prepare Rice Paper Rolls: Fill a shallow dish with warm water and soak each rice paper sheet individually for about 10 seconds or until just soft. Lay softened sheets on a slightly damp cloth kitchen towel to prevent sticking or tearing.
Fill and Roll: Place a spoonful of the beef mixture at the center of each rice paper. Top with julienned scallions, chopped cilantro, gem lettuce leaves, and sliced avocado. Fold in the sides of the rice paper, then tightly roll from bottom up to enclose the filling.
Serve: Arrange the rolls on a platter and serve immediately with sweet chili sauce or a tangy lime and fish sauce dip for extra flavor enhancement.

Notes

For best results, do not over-soak the rice paper—it should remain pliable but not too soft to avoid tearing.
You can substitute ground beef with ground chicken or pork if preferred.
Add fresh chili slices to the filling for an extra spicy kick.
Prepare dipping sauces in advance to enhance serving time.
This recipe is best enjoyed fresh as rice paper rolls tend to harden if stored for too long.

Keywords: Thai basil beef rolls, rice paper rolls, Asian appetizers, quick Thai recipe, fresh spring rolls