Thai Basil Beef Rolls are one of those dishes that feel indulgent yet approachable, deeply aromatic yet refreshingly light. Inspired by the bold flavors of Thai street food, these rolls combine savory beef, fragrant Thai basil, garlic, and chilies, all wrapped into tender rice paper or lettuce for a handheld bite that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re planning a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive appetizer spread, Thai Basil Beef Rolls deliver restaurant-level flavor with home-kitchen ease.
I first fell in love with this flavor combination while watching a street vendor in Bangkok quickly toss beef with chilies and basil in a sizzling wok. The aroma alone stopped me in my tracks. This recipe channels that same magic, translating it into a roll format that’s perfect for sharing and even better for dipping.
Table of Contents
Thai Basil Beef Rolls Recipe Card
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 (8–10 rolls)
Calories: ~320 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (85/15 preferred)
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 Thai bird chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 1 small shallot, minced
- 2 tbsp neutral oil (canola or avocado)
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp fish sauce
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves, loosely packed
- 8–10 rice paper wrappers or butter lettuce leaves
- Optional: julienned carrots, cucumber, or scallions
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add the oil.
- Add garlic, shallots, and chilies. Stir-fry for 20–30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned and cooked through.
- Stir in oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, and brown sugar. Cook 1–2 minutes until glossy.
- Turn off heat and immediately fold in Thai basil leaves until just wilted.
- If using rice paper, briefly soak each wrapper in warm water until pliable.
- Spoon beef mixture into wrappers or lettuce leaves, add optional veggies, and roll tightly.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Substitutions & Dietary Swaps
Thai Basil Beef Rolls are wonderfully adaptable. Swap ground beef for ground chicken, turkey, or pork for a lighter profile. For a plant-based option, use crumbled extra-firm tofu or a soy-based ground alternative and replace fish sauce with soy sauce or coconut aminos. If Thai basil is unavailable, Italian basil works in a pinch, though the flavor will be slightly less peppery.
Chef’s Pro Tips
- Use high heat to quickly sear the beef this builds deep umami flavor.
- Add basil off the heat to preserve its aroma and color.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before rolling; balance is key in Thai cuisine.
- Keep rolls covered with a damp towel to prevent drying if serving later.
Make Ahead, Storage & Reheating
The beef filling can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in a skillet before assembling rolls. Assembled Thai Basil Beef Rolls are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be wrapped tightly and refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
Troubleshooting & Common Mistakes
- Rolls tearing: Don’t oversoak rice paper; it softens as you work.
- Bland filling: Adjust fish sauce and sugar to hit salty-sweet balance.
- Soggy rolls: Let filling cool slightly before rolling.
Flavor Pairings & Serving Suggestions
Serve Thai Basil Beef Rolls with a tangy chili-lime dipping sauce or classic sweet chili sauce. They pair beautifully with The Best Tzatziki Chicken Pizza
Thai Basil Beef Rolls
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the neutral oil.
- Add the minced shallot, garlic, and chopped Thai chilies. Stir-fry for 20–30 seconds until fragrant (don’t let the garlic brown).
- Add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through.
- Stir in oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, and brown sugar. Cook 1–2 minutes until the mixture looks glossy and well coated.
- Turn off the heat and immediately fold in the Thai basil leaves until just wilted and aromatic.
- If using rice paper: fill a shallow dish with warm water. Dip one wrapper for a few seconds until pliable, then lay it flat on a clean surface.
- Add a spoonful of Thai basil beef filling to the lower third of the wrapper. Add optional veggies, then roll tightly like a burrito (fold sides in, then roll).
- Repeat with remaining wrappers. Serve immediately with sweet chili sauce, nuoc cham, or a soy-lime dipping sauce.
Notes
FAQs
Can I make Thai Basil Beef Rolls spicy?
Absolutely! add extra Thai chilies or a drizzle of chili oil.
What’s the difference between Thai basil and regular basil?
Thai basil has a peppery, anise-like flavor that stands up to heat better.
Can I freeze the filling?
Yes, the cooked beef filling freezes well for up to 2 months.
Are Thai Basil Beef Rolls gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure your oyster sauce is GF.
What dipping sauce works best?
Sweet chili, nuoc cham, or a soy-lime sauce are all excellent.
Conclusion
Thai Basil Beef Rolls are proof that bold flavor doesn’t require complicated technique. With fragrant basil, savory beef, and a perfectly balanced sauce, this dish brings Thai-inspired comfort straight to your table. Try them once, and these Thai Basil Beef Rolls are sure to become a repeat favorite. If you loved this recipe, explore more Thai-inspired dishes and share your creations with friends and family.
For more on safe handling of fresh herbs and meat, visit the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service.