Name: Thai Basil Beef Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced into strips; 2 tablespoons fish sauce; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 teaspoon minced garlic; 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional); Salt and pepper, to taste; 12 rice paper wrappers; 1 cup fresh basil leaves; 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves; 1 medium cucumber, julienned; 1 small carrot, julienned; 1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)

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Imagine a platter brimming with vibrant colors, fragrant herbs, and savory, sizzling beef—this is exactly what you get with Thai Basil Beef Rolls. They’re a hands-on celebration of everything delicious in Thai cuisine, with fresh basil and tender beef balanced by crunchy veggies and a hint of spice. These rolls are perfect for parties or quick weeknight dinners, and they’ll turn any table into a feast for the senses. If you’ve ever wanted to wow your guests or just treat yourself to something special, this dish is your ticket.

Thai Basil Beef Rolls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Thai Basil Beef Rolls lies in their simplicity—each ingredient shines, bringing its own unique flavor, texture, or pop of color to the mix. Choosing quality, fresh ingredients really elevates the entire dish, creating perfect harmony in every bite.

Flank Steak: This cut offers lean, juicy protein with a deeply savory flavor that soaks up the marinade beautifully.
Rice Paper Wrappers: Light, chewy, and gluten-free, they’re the ideal envelope for all that delicious filling.
Basil and Cilantro: These classic herbs deliver the aromatic, peppery, and citrusy punch that tastes unmistakably Thai.
Cucumber and Carrot: Fresh, crisp vegetables provide refreshing crunch and color contrast in every bite.
Red Bell Pepper: Thinly sliced for sweetness and a splash of vibrant red color.
Fish Sauce: This essential Thai staple adds umami, depth, and a signature salty tang.
Soy Sauce: Balances out the fish sauce with richness and mellow saltiness.
Lime Juice: Brings plenty of brightness and zip to the marinade and dipping sauce.
Brown Sugar: Just a spoonful sweetens the marinade, balancing the salty-savory notes.
Garlic: Minced garlic infuses irresistible aroma and flavor into the beef.
Red Chili Flakes (optional): Add for subtle heat if you love a little spice.
Vegetable Oil: Helps you get that perfect sear on the beef in the skillet.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste, making all the flavors pop.

How to Make Thai Basil Beef Rolls

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

Start by whisking together fish sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, minced garlic, and red chili flakes (if you’re adding a bit of heat) in a medium bowl. Toss your thinly sliced flank steak in this aromatic marinade, making sure every strip is coated well. Fifteen minutes is all it takes for the flavors to infuse, but if you have more time, go a bit longer for extra punch!

Step 2: Cook the Beef

Heat up your skillet over medium-high heat and swirl in the vegetable oil. Once the oil shimmers, add in your marinated beef strips. Cook for three to four minutes, just until they’re browned and cooked through. Don’t overcook—quick and hot is best so the beef stays tender. Sprinkle a little salt and pepper, then set aside to cool for a minute or two; this keeps the rice paper from getting too soggy later.

Step 3: Prepare the Rice Paper Wrappers

Fill a large, shallow dish with warm water. Take one rice paper wrapper and dip it in for about 5 to 10 seconds—just until it softens. Gently lay it flat on a clean kitchen towel or nonstick surface. Work with one at a time, since they tend to stick together once softened.

Step 4: Assemble the Rolls

Now the fun begins! In the center of each softened wrapper, lay down a few basil and cilantro leaves, a scattering of cucumber, carrot, and red bell pepper, then a few strips of that fragrant cooked beef. Don’t overfill—the goal is bite-sized bundles of flavor.

Step 5: Roll it Up

Fold in the sides of the rice paper over the filling, then roll from the bottom up, tucking as you go to keep everything snug. It’s like wrapping a little edible gift. Place each finished roll seam-side down on your platter. Pop a damp towel over them to keep them from drying out if you’re not serving right away.

Step 6: Serve with Dipping Sauce

Arrange your Thai Basil Beef Rolls on a big platter and serve with a bright dipping sauce. You can mix lime juice, fish sauce, brown sugar, and a little water for a classic Thai dip, or use your favorite store-bought Asian sauce. These rolls were made for dunking!

How to Serve Thai Basil Beef Rolls

Garnishes

A little garnish goes a long way in making these rolls pop. Scatter extra basil leaves or a handful of chopped peanuts over the top for crunch and color. A sprinkle of sesame seeds or sliced scallions also adds lovely texture and eye appeal.

Side Dishes

Thai Basil Beef Rolls pair brilliantly with light, fresh sides—think chilled vermicelli noodles, a Thai mango salad, or a simple slaw with rice vinegar. If you like to keep it classic, a bowl of jasmine rice always works. Don’t forget plenty of lime wedges for squeezing!

Creative Ways to Present

For a striking presentation, slice the Thai Basil Beef Rolls in half on the diagonal and stand them upright on a platter. Tuck in extra herbs and colorful vegetables between the rolls for a rainbow effect. Or, serve them in lettuce cups so folks can grab and dip with ease—perfect for a hands-on party appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop any leftover rolls into an airtight container, separating layers with parchment to prevent sticking. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to two days, though the rice paper may soften a bit over time. For best texture, enjoy within 24 hours.

Freezing

Freezing Thai Basil Beef Rolls isn’t recommended since the rice paper wrappers tend to become chewy and break apart once thawed. If you’d like to plan ahead, prep all your fillings and keep them in the fridge, then roll fresh when you’re ready to enjoy.

Reheating

These rolls are meant to be served cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. If the beef filling is stored separately, you can give it a quick zap in the microwave before assembling new rolls.

FAQs

Can I use another cut of beef?

Absolutely! Sirloin or skirt steak work nicely in place of flank steak. Just slice thinly against the grain for the most tender results.

Are Thai Basil Beef Rolls gluten free?

Yes—with a small tweak! Use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce in the marinade and dipping sauce to make these rolls completely gluten free.

Can I make these vegetarian?

Of course! Swap the beef for strips of firm tofu or even sautéed mushrooms for equally tasty, protein-packed rolls. The marinade works deliciously on both.

How do I keep rice paper from tearing?

Dip the wrappers in warm water just until flexible—don’t over-soak. Work gently when filling and rolling, and if one does tear, don’t worry; just double up with a second wrapper.

What if I don’t like fish sauce?

For a milder flavor, you can use extra soy sauce and a touch of rice vinegar or Worcestershire sauce. While it changes the flavor a bit, you’ll still get those Thai-inspired notes.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like digging into a platter of homemade Thai Basil Beef Rolls. They’re bursting with flavor, endlessly adaptable, and so much fun to make. Treat yourself and your friends to this fresh, irresistible dish—you might find it becomes your new go-to favorite!

Thai Basil Beef Rolls Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 6 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Makes 12 rolls 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These Thai Basil Beef Rolls are a fresh and flavorful dish that combines tender marinated beef with crisp vegetables wrapped in delicate rice paper. Perfect for a light and satisfying meal or as a colorful appetizer.

Instructions

Prepare the Beef: Marinate the beef strips in a mixture of fish sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, garlic, and red chili flakes. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
Cook the Beef: Sear the marinated beef in a skillet until browned and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper.
Assemble the Rolls: Soften rice paper wrappers in warm water, then fill with basil, cilantro, cucumber, carrot, bell pepper, and cooked beef. Roll tightly to enclose the fillings.
Serve the Rolls: Arrange the rolls on a platter and serve with a dipping sauce of lime juice, fish sauce, and sugar.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Appetizer, Main Course
Method: Pan-Frying, Assembling
Cuisine: Thai