Description
Savory Thai Basil Beef Rolls are a quick and easy 5-ingredient recipe featuring flavorful ground beef cooked with soy sauce, bell pepper, and fresh Thai basil, all wrapped in delicate rice paper wrappers and pan-fried to a crispy golden perfection. Perfect for a delicious appetizer or light meal that combines bold Thai flavors with a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Filling
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
Assembly
- 8 rice paper wrappers
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil (for pan-frying)
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula until fully cooked and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Add flavor and soften veggies: Stir in the soy sauce, then add the thinly sliced bell pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the peppers are slightly tender but still retain some crunch.
- Incorporate basil: Remove the skillet from the heat and fold in the fresh Thai basil leaves. Mix thoroughly to combine and then let the filling cool slightly to make it easier to handle when wrapping.
- Soften wrappers: Dip one rice paper wrapper in warm water for 10-15 seconds until it becomes pliable but not overly soft, so it won’t tear during rolling.
- Assemble rolls: Lay the softened wrapper flat on a clean surface. Spoon the beef mixture onto the lower third of the wrapper, fold the bottom over the filling, tuck in the sides, and roll it up tightly from bottom to top to form a sealed roll.
- Repeat wrapping: Continue this process for all the remaining fillings and wrappers, assembling 8 rolls in total.
- Pan-fry rolls: Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Place the rolls seam-side down and fry them for 2-3 minutes on each side or until they develop a crispy, golden-brown exterior. Handle gently to avoid breaking the rolls.
Notes
- Make sure not to over-soak the rice paper; it should be soft but still firm enough to hold the filling without tearing.
- Use fresh Thai basil for the best authentic flavor; sweet basil can be a substitute but taste will differ.
- These rolls can be served with a dipping sauce like sweet chili sauce or peanut sauce for extra flavor.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with cooked lentils or tofu crumbles.
