Thai Basil Beef Rolls – A Fresh, Flavor-Packed Appetizer

Prep Time 30 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Total Time 45 mins
Cooking Method:
Cuisine:
Courses: , , ,
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cooking Temp: 190  C
Servings: 2
Best Season: Summer
Description

Thai Basil Beef Rolls are a light, flavorful, and protein-packed dish made with tender stir-fried beef, fresh vegetables, fragrant Thai basil, and crisp rice paper wrappers. Perfect as an appetizer, lunch, or snack, these rolls bring together the rich umami of beef with the refreshing crunch of herbs and veggies. This recipe is easy to prepare, healthy, and ideal for warm-weather meals or party platters.

Ingredients
    For the Beef Filling
  • 250 g beef sirloin (thinly sliced against the grain)
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce (light)
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tsp fish sauce
  • 1 tsp brown sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic (finely minced)
  • 1 red chili (thinly sliced, optional for spice)
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
  • 1 small onion (sliced thinly)
  • 1 handful Thai basil leaves (fresh, whole)
    • For the Rolls
  • 6 sheets rice paper wrappers
  • 1 small cucumber (julienned)
  • 1 medium carrot (julienned)
  • ½ cup lettuce (shredded)
  • ¼ cup fresh mint leaves (optional, for freshness)
    • For the Dipping Sauce
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce (light)
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp honey
  • ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
  • 1 tbsp finely chopped cilantro
Instructions
    Marinate the Beef
  1. 1
    In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, and minced garlic. Add thinly sliced beef and toss well. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes while prepping vegetables.
    2. Stir-Fry the Beef
  2. 2
    Heat vegetable oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat (190–200 °C). Add onion slices and stir-fry for 1 minute until softened. Add marinated beef and cook quickly, about 3–4 minutes, until browned but still tender. Toss in Thai basil leaves and sliced red chili. Stir for another 30 seconds, then remove from heat. Allow mixture to cool slightly.
    3. Prepare Vegetables and Wrappers
  3. 3
    Julienne cucumber and carrot into thin strips. Rinse lettuce and mint, pat dry. Fill a large shallow dish with warm water. Dip one rice paper wrapper into the water for about 10–12 seconds until softened. Place on a clean, damp kitchen towel or cutting board.
    4. Assemble the Rolls
  4. 4
    Lay softened wrapper flat. Place a small handful of lettuce at the bottom third. Add beef mixture (about 2 tbsp per roll), cucumber, carrot, and a few mint leaves. Fold the bottom edge over filling, then fold in the sides, and roll tightly like a burrito. Repeat for all wrappers.
    5. Make the Dipping Sauce
  5. 5
    In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, chili flakes, and cilantro. Adjust seasoning to taste.
    6. Serve
  6. 6
    Arrange rolls neatly on a platter, cut in half if desired, and serve immediately with dipping sauce.
Note

Beef Choice: Use thin cuts like sirloin, flank steak, or ribeye for tender results.

Storage: Best enjoyed fresh. If storing, wrap each roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate up to 6 hours. Do not freeze, as rice paper cracks when thawed.

Variations:

  • Replace beef with chicken, shrimp, or tofu for variety.
  • Add vermicelli noodles for a heartier version.
  • Make it spicier with extra chilies or sriracha in the dipping sauce.
Keywords: quick appetizer, healthy beef rolls, Thai basil recipe, fresh summer rolls
Read it online: https://petitepanini.com/recipe/thai-basil-beef-rolls-a-fresh-flavor-packed-appetizer/