Thai Basil Beef Rolls

Hi, I’m Sam from dishfoody.com, where I share flavorful recipes to inspire your cooking and delight your taste buds. If you’re tired of dry, overcooked meats or plain appetizers, these Thai Basil Beef Rolls bring bold, aromatic flavors wrapped into fresh crisp leaves, perfect for light meals or party finger food.

Drawing on years of recipe development, I’ve crafted these rolls to be easy, fresh, and packed with authentic Thai taste. Below, you’ll find everything you need—ingredient tips, preparation steps, cooking methods, flavor twists, and serving ideas—to make this dish a favorite.

Why These Thai Basil Beef Rolls Work

• Marinated ground beef delivers juicy, savory filling rich with Thai spices
• Fresh Thai basil and crisp lettuce wraps add brightness and crunch
• Balanced with sweet, salty, and spicy notes for authenticity
• Quick to prepare with fresh, affordable ingredients
• Great for healthy lunches or elegant appetizers
• Flexible for added vegetables or dipping sauces

Choosing the Right Ingredients

Best Beef:

• Ground beef with 15-20% fat content for moistness
• Alternatively, ground turkey or chicken for lighter options

Herbs and Wraps:

• Fresh Thai basil leaves are essential for authentic aroma
• Butter lettuce or bibb lettuce provide tender, sturdy wraps

Flavorings:

• Garlic, ginger, and chili for signature Thai taste
• Fish sauce or soy sauce for umami and saltiness
• Lime juice and brown sugar for balance

Buying Tips:

• Choose vibrant green, fresh basil
• Use high-quality fish sauce or tamari for depth

Ingredients & Prep

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves, whole
• 1 head butter or bibb lettuce, leaves separated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1-2 red chilies, finely chopped (adjust heat)
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce or tamari
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
• Optional: fresh cilantro, sliced green onions

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix ground beef with garlic, ginger, chilies, fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and lime juice. Let marinate 10-15 minutes.
2. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook beef mixture until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Stir and crumble for fines texture.
3. Remove pan from heat; stir in chopped cilantro and green onions if using.
4. To assemble, place a spoonful of beef mixture onto each lettuce leaf, add 1-2 whole Thai basil leaves on top.
5. Roll or fold lettuce and enjoy immediately with chili sauce or peanut dip.

Pro Tips

• Marinate beef briefly for flavor absorption without over-salting
• Use butter lettuce for easier wrapping and bite-size portions
• Serve chilled or warm depending on preference

Flavor Variations

Spicy Boost:

Add extra fresh chilies or sriracha for stronger heat.

Low-Carb/Keto:

Use full-fat beef and opt for sugar substitutes, skip any sweeteners.

Global Twists:

• Vietnamese: Add mint and lime leaves.
• Indo-Chinese: Use soy sauce and toss with sautéed bell peppers.
• Thai Street Food: Drizzle with sweet chili sauce and crushed peanuts.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these rolls as appetizers, along with cucumber salad and steamed jasmine rice. Pair with Thai iced tea or lime soda.

FAQs

• Can I prepare filling ahead? Yes, store cooked filling refrigerated up to 2 days.
• How to keep lettuce fresh? Chill leaves in damp paper towels and cover.
• Are these gluten-free? Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce to keep gluten-free.

Conclusion

Bring delicious Thai flavors and fresh textures to your table with these Thai Basil Beef Rolls easy to make, bursting with boldness, and perfect for any occasion. For more vibrant recipes, visit dishfoody.com and try our Slow Cooker Beef Burgundy Stew next!

Thai Basil Beef Rolls

Print Recipe

Flavorful Thai Basil Beef Rolls packed with seasoned ground beef, fresh herbs, and spices, wrapped in rice paper for a delicious appetizer or light meal with a tangy dipping sauce.

• Author: ssam
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 15 mins
• Total Time: 30 mins
• Yield: 12 rolls 1x
• Category: Appetizer, Light Meal
• Method: Stovetop, No Cook Assembly
• Cuisine: Thai

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup fresh Thai basil leaves, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
• 12 rice paper wrappers
• Fresh herbs for serving (mint, cilantro, basil)
• Lime wedges for serving
• Dipping sauce: hoisin sauce or sweet chili sauce

Instructions

• 1. In a skillet, sauté garlic and onion until fragrant.
• 2. Add ground beef, cook until browned.
• 3. Stir in fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, chili flakes, and Thai basil; cook 2 minutes more.
• 4. Remove from heat and let cool.
• 5. Dip rice paper in warm water to soften.
• 6. Spoon beef mixture onto each wrapper; add fresh herbs.
• 7. Roll tightly, folding in sides.
• 8. Serve with lime wedges and dipping sauce.

Notes

• Use fresh Thai basil for authentic flavor.
• Adjust chili flakes to your spice tolerance.
• Serve as appetizer or light main with a side salad or rice.
• Can be prepared ahead and refrigerated for an hour.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 rolls
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 14g
• Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: thai beef rolls, thai appetizer, fresh rolls, basil beef