Description
These Thai Basil Beef Rolls are a fresh and flavorful appetizer featuring marinated stir-fried beef, fresh herbs, and crisp vegetables wrapped in delicate rice paper. Served with a tangy and spicy dipping sauce, they make a perfect light meal or party snack that’s both healthy and delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef and Marinade
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 shallot, minced
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (or 1 small Thai chili, sliced)
Fresh Ingredients
- 1 cup Thai basil leaves
- 1 carrot, cut into matchsticks
- 1 cucumber, cut into matchsticks
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 10 rice paper wrappers
Dipping Sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- Pinch of chili flakes
- Optional: 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Optional garnish: sesame seeds or extra herbs
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef: Slice the flank steak or sirloin thinly across the grain. In a bowl, combine 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon fish sauce, minced garlic, minced shallot, brown sugar, and chili flakes. Add the beef slices and marinate for 20–30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
- Cook the Beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a small amount of oil. Stir-fry the marinated beef until browned and cooked through, about 3–4 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly to make it easy to handle.
- Prepare Fresh Ingredients: Cut the carrot and cucumber into thin matchsticks. Chop the cilantro and green onions, and wash the Thai basil leaves thoroughly to remove any dirt.
- Soften Rice Paper Wrappers: Fill a shallow dish with warm water. Dip each rice paper wrapper into the water for 8–10 seconds until it becomes soft but still slightly firm to the touch. Lay wrappers flat on a clean surface for filling.
- Assemble the Rolls: On each softened rice paper wrapper, place a few Thai basil leaves, some cooked beef, carrot and cucumber matchsticks, green onions, and cilantro in the center. Fold in the sides, then roll tightly like a burrito to enclose the filling securely.
- Make the Dipping Sauce: In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon fish sauce, 1 tablespoon lime juice, minced garlic, sugar, and a pinch of chili flakes. Stir well to dissolve the sugar and blend the flavors. Optionally, add 1 teaspoon sesame oil for extra aroma.
- Serve: Slice rolls in half if desired, arrange on a serving plate, and serve alongside the dipping sauce. Sprinkle with sesame seeds or extra herbs for garnish if you like.
Notes
- Use thinly sliced beef to ensure quick cooking and easy rolling.
- Adjust chili flakes to your preferred spice level for the marinade and dipping sauce.
- Rice paper wrappers soften quickly; avoid soaking too long to prevent tearing.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute beef with marinated tofu or mushrooms.
- Serve immediately for the freshest texture; rice paper can become sticky if stored too long.
