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Thai Basil Beef Rolls Recipe

4.3 from 64 reviews

Thai Basil Beef Rolls are a fresh and flavorful appetizer combining tender marinated flank steak with crisp vegetables and aromatic herbs, all wrapped in delicate rice paper. These light yet satisfying rolls are perfect for a vibrant Thai-inspired meal or party snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef Marinade and Cooking

  • 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 garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh Ingredients and Assembly

  • 12 rice paper wrappers
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, whole
  • 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
  • 1 medium cucumber, julienned
  • 1 small carrot, julienned
  • 1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, combine fish sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, minced garlic, and red chili flakes if using. Add the sliced flank steak and toss to coat thoroughly. Let the beef marinate for 10 to 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  2. Cook the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef strips and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
  3. Prepare the Rice Paper: Fill a shallow dish with warm water. Dip one rice paper wrapper into the water for 5 to 10 seconds until it softens slightly. Carefully remove the wrapper and lay it flat on a clean surface.
  4. Add the Fillings: Place several basil leaves, cilantro leaves, and a few strips each of cucumber, carrot, and red bell pepper in the center of the rice paper. Top with several strips of the cooked beef.
  5. Roll the Wraps: Fold the sides of the rice paper over the filling, then roll tightly from the bottom up to enclose the ingredients securely. Repeat the process with the remaining wrappers and filling ingredients until all rolls are assembled.
  6. Serve the Rolls: Arrange the finished rolls on a serving platter. Serve with a dipping sauce made from lime juice, fish sauce, and a touch of sugar or your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy fresh for best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Marinate the beef for at least 10 minutes but no longer than 30 minutes to avoid overpowering the delicate flavors.
  • Rice papers soften quickly; avoid soaking longer than 10 seconds to prevent tearing.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute beef with marinated tofu or mushrooms.
  • Serve immediately after assembling to keep the rice paper from drying out and becoming brittle.
  • Adjust red chili flakes according to desired spice level or omit for a milder dish.

Keywords: Thai basil beef rolls, rice paper rolls, Thai appetizer, fresh beef rolls, Thai herbs, flank steak rolls, healthy Thai snack