Description
Thai Basil Beef Rolls are a fresh and flavorful appetizer featuring seasoned ground beef wrapped in delicate rice paper with fresh Thai basil and crunchy vegetables. These rolls offer a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and aromatic herbs, making them a delightful dish for gatherings or a light meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cups fresh Thai basil leaves
Rolls
- 8 large rice paper sheets
- 1 medium cucumber, julienned
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- Additional fresh herbs (mint, cilantro) for garnish, to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef Mixture: In a skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and black pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until well combined. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Soften Rice Paper Sheets: Fill a shallow dish with warm water. Quickly dip one rice paper sheet into the water for about 10-15 seconds, or until softened. Lay it flat on a clean plate.
- Assemble the Rolls: Place a small amount of the beef mixture at the bottom of the rice paper sheet. Add a few basil leaves, some julienned cucumber, and carrot on top.
- Roll the Wrap: Fold the sides of the rice paper over the filling and roll tightly from the bottom to secure the ingredients inside. Repeat this process for the remaining rice paper sheets and filling.
- Garnish and Serve: Place the rolls on a serving platter and garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired. Serve with a side of sweet chili sauce or peanut sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Rice paper sheets can be found in most Asian grocery stores or well-stocked supermarkets.
- To keep rice paper soft and pliable, cover rolled wraps with a damp cloth until serving.
- Feel free to substitute ground beef with ground chicken or turkey for a leaner option.
- Add more fresh herbs like mint or cilantro inside the rolls for a burst of freshness.
- For a vegetarian version, replace beef with cooked tofu or mushrooms and use soy sauce only (no fish sauce).
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing and Rolling
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Thai basil beef rolls, rice paper rolls, Thai appetizer, ground beef rolls, fresh spring rolls
