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

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Introduction

These 20 Minute Thai Basil Beef Rolls are a quick and delicious way to enjoy fresh, vibrant flavors wrapped in tender rice paper. With a fragrant beef filling and crisp vegetables, they make a perfect appetizer or light meal.

The image shows four translucent rice paper spring rolls neatly placed on a wooden board. Each roll has three visible layers: the outermost thin, slightly shiny rice paper wrap, the middle layer of bright green leafy lettuce and cilantro, and the inner layer filled with dark brown minced meat and thick slices of fresh cucumber. Tiny green cilantro leaves decorate the rolls' tops. In the background, there is a clear glass bowl filled with a dark reddish-brown dipping sauce. The whole setting sits on a white marbled surface with a few scattered sesame seeds and fresh herb leaves around. 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 cooking spoon to develop a rich, caramelized flavor.
Step 2: Add garlic, ginger paste, lemongrass, and Chinese five-spice powder to the beef. Stir to combine and let the aromatics infuse the mixture.
Step 3: Stir in the shallots, soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, and lime juice. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes, then turn off the heat.
Step 4: Fold in the torn Thai basil leaves, allowing their fragrant aroma to blend with the beef.
Step 5: Fill a shallow dish with water. Soak each rice paper sheet individually for about 10 seconds or until just soft.
Step 6: Lay the softened rice paper on a slightly damp kitchen towel to prevent sticking and tearing.
Step 7: 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 8: Fold in the sides of the rice paper, then roll from the bottom up to enclose the filling snugly.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, add a sliced chili or a dash of chili flakes to the beef mixture.
Substitute ground chicken or turkey for a lighter protein option.
Try adding julienned carrots or cucumber for added crunch inside the rolls.
Serve with a side of peanut dipping sauce for a complementary flavor boost.

Storage

These rolls are best served fresh as rice paper tends to harden over time. If you need to store them, wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Reheat the beef filling separately and assemble rolls just before serving to maintain the best texture.

How to Serve

Four rice paper rolls lie on a round wooden board with rough bark edges. Each roll has three main layers: the outer translucent white rice paper, inside a layer of fresh green leafy vegetables, and a filling of cooked dark brown meat with a slightly crispy texture. The rolls are sprinkled with light beige sesame seeds and small green scallions on top. Fresh green cilantro leaves are scattered around the board and the white marbled surface below. In the background, a small white bowl with dark red sauce is visible, slightly out of focus. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the beef mixture in advance?

Yes, you can cook the beef filling a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it thoroughly before assembling the rolls.

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

If Thai basil is unavailable, regular sweet basil is an acceptable substitute, though the flavor will be milder. Adding a small amount of fresh mint can help mimic the unique aroma of Thai basil.