Description
Savory Thai Basil Beef Rolls offer a flavorful, homemade alternative to takeout with tender ground beef infused with aromatic garlic, ginger, and fresh Thai basil. Wrapped in either soft rice paper or crisp lettuce leaves, these rolls are quick to prepare, bursting with sweet and spicy notes, and perfect as a delicious appetizer or main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce (optional)
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup fresh Thai basil leaves, chopped
Wraps
- 8–10 rice paper wrappers or large lettuce leaves
- Optional dipping sauces: sweet chili sauce, peanut sauce, or extra soy sauce
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, add vegetable oil, then sauté the minced garlic and grated ginger for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed to keep the mixture from being too oily.
- Add Sauces and Simmer: Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, and chili garlic sauce (if using). Allow the mixture to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly, melding the flavors together.
- Mix Vegetables and Basil: Add shredded carrots, thinly sliced red bell pepper, and chopped green onions to the skillet. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes just to soften the vegetables. Then stir in the fresh chopped Thai basil and remove the skillet from heat.
- Prepare Rice Paper Wraps: If using rice paper wrappers, soak each one in warm water for 10 to 15 seconds until pliable. Lay the wrapper flat on a clean surface. Spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of the beef mixture into the center, fold in the sides, and roll it up tightly, like a burrito.
- Prepare Lettuce Wraps: If using large lettuce leaves, simply spoon the beef mixture into the center of each leaf and fold or wrap it like a taco.
- Serve: Serve the rolls immediately, accompanied by dipping sauces such as sweet chili sauce, peanut sauce, or extra soy sauce for added flavor.
Notes
- For a low-carb option, use lettuce wraps instead of rice paper rolls.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a different protein option.
- Leftovers taste great served over rice or noodles for a quick meal.
