Description
These 20 Minute Thai Basil Beef Rolls are a quick, flavorful, and fresh meal combining aromatic Vietnamese-inspired rice paper rolls filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, garlic, ginger, lemongrass, and fresh Thai basil. Perfect as a light lunch or appetizer, they blend sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors with crisp vegetables and creamy avocado, ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Filling
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 shallots, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon ginger paste
- 1 tablespoon lemongrass, finely 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
Fresh Herbs and Vegetables
- 2 scallions, julienned
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- Gem lettuce leaves or similar, washed and separated
- 1 avocado, thinly sliced
Assembly
- Rice paper rolls (softened in water prior to assembling)
Serving Suggestions
- Sweet chili sauce or homemade lime and fish sauce dip for serving
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a splash of oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until well browned and caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. This browning step develops rich flavor.
- Add Aromatics and Spices: Stir in minced garlic, ginger paste, chopped lemongrass, and Chinese five-spice powder. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant to infuse the beef with these aromatic flavors.
- Incorporate Sauces and Shallots: Add the finely chopped shallots, soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, and lime juice. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Fold in Thai Basil: Remove the pan from heat and gently fold torn Thai basil leaves into the beef. The residual heat will release the basil’s fragrance without wilting it completely.
- Prepare Rice Paper: Fill a shallow dish with warm water. Dip one rice paper sheet into the water for about 10 seconds or until just soft. Lay it flat on a damp kitchen towel to prevent sticking.
- Assemble the Rolls: In the center of the softened rice paper, place a spoonful of the beef mixture. Top with scallions, chopped cilantro, gem lettuce leaves, and avocado slices.
- Roll the Rice Paper: Fold the sides of the rice paper over the filling and then roll upward tightly but gently to enclose the filling securely without tearing the rice paper.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the rolls with sweet chili sauce or a tangy lime and fish sauce dip. Optionally, sprinkle additional Thai basil, scallions, or cilantro over the top for fresh flavor.
- Optional Variations: For a smoky flavor, skewer and grill the rolls briefly before serving. Use lean ground beef, or substitute with chicken or tofu for lighter or vegetarian-friendly options.
Notes
- Do not overfill the rice paper rolls to avoid tearing.
- Handle the rice paper gently; it becomes fragile after softening.
- Use fresh Thai basil leaves for authentic flavor; substitute with sweet basil only if necessary.
- Adjust chili sauce levels to suit your spice preference.
- You can prepare the beef mixture in advance and assemble just before serving for convenience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer / Light Meal
- Method: Pan-cooking and rolling
- Cuisine: Thai / Vietnamese Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 rolls
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: Thai basil beef rolls, rice paper rolls, quick Thai recipe, Asian beef wraps, fresh spring rolls, easy appetizers, 20 minute meals
