Thai Basil Beef Rolls Recipe
Introduction
Thai Basil Beef Rolls are a flavorful and fresh appetizer perfect for any occasion. Combining savory ground beef with fragrant basil and traditional seasonings, these rolls offer a delightful balance of taste and texture.

Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- Spring roll wrappers or lettuce leaves, for wrapping
Instructions
- Step 1: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with minced garlic until the beef is browned and fully cooked.
- Step 2: Stir in the soy sauce and fish sauce, mixing well to combine the flavors.
- Step 3: Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the fresh basil leaves, allowing the residual heat to wilt them gently.
- Step 4: Spoon the beef mixture onto spring roll wrappers or fresh lettuce leaves.
- Step 5: Roll each wrapper or leaf tightly around the filling to form neat rolls. Serve immediately while warm.
Tips & Variations
- For extra heat, add a finely chopped chili or a pinch of chili flakes to the beef while cooking.
- Substitute ground beef with ground chicken or turkey for a lighter option.
- Serve the rolls with a side of sweet chili sauce or a tangy dipping sauce for added flavor.
Storage
Store any leftover cooked beef mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It is best to prepare and assemble the rolls fresh, but you can keep the filling warm and reheat slightly before serving. Avoid storing wrapped rolls as the wrappers or lettuce may become soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh herbs other than basil?
Yes, you can try mint or cilantro as alternatives, though basil provides the signature flavor for this dish.
Are spring roll wrappers cooked before rolling?
Most spring roll wrappers are used as is when making fresh rolls, but check the package instructions. Lettuce leaves do not require cooking and add a fresh crunch.
PrintThai Basil Beef Rolls Recipe
These Thai Basil Beef Rolls are a flavorful and easy appetizer or light meal featuring savory ground beef infused with garlic, soy sauce, fish sauce, and fresh Thai basil. Wrapped in crispy spring roll wrappers or refreshing lettuce leaves, these rolls offer a delicious balance of savory and herbal flavors perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves, chopped
For the Wrapping
- 12 spring roll wrappers or large lettuce leaves
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and minced garlic. Cook, breaking the meat apart, until the beef is fully browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Season the Meat: Stir in the soy sauce and fish sauce, mixing well to combine. Continue cooking for another 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Add Basil: Remove the pan from heat, then gently fold in the chopped fresh Thai basil leaves. The residual heat will wilt the basil and release its aroma.
- Prepare the Wrappers: If using spring roll wrappers, soften them according to package instructions (usually by dipping briefly in warm water). If using lettuce leaves, wash and pat dry.
- Assemble the Rolls: Spoon a generous amount of the beef filling onto each wrapper or lettuce leaf. Roll them tightly to enclose the filling, ensuring they hold their shape.
- Serve: Serve the rolls warm as an appetizer or light main dish. They can be accompanied by dipping sauces like sweet chili or peanut sauce for extra flavor.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce.
- Fresh Thai basil gives the rolls their authentic flavor; substitute with sweet basil only if necessary.
- Lettuce wraps offer a fresh, low-carb alternative to spring roll wrappers.
- These rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be prepared ahead and reheated gently before serving.
Keywords: Thai basil beef, beef rolls, spring rolls, Thai appetizer, basil beef wraps, easy Thai recipe

