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A close-up shot of fresh Thai basil beef rolls on a rustic dark platter, highlighting the textures of the rice paper and the colorful vegetable filling.

Thai Basil Beef Rolls: A Fresh & Flavorful Recipe

Learn to make vibrant and healthy Thai Basil Beef Rolls at home! This easy-to-follow recipe is packed with seasoned beef, fresh vegetables, and herbs, complete with two delicious dipping sauces for the perfect light meal or appetizer.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Appetizer, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: Thai, Vietnamese
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb lean ground beef 90/10 recommended
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp ginger, freshly grated
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
  • 1 tbsp fish sauce
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup fresh Thai basil leaves, roughly chopped
  • 16 sheets rice paper 8.5-inch diameter
  • 4 oz vermicelli rice noodles
  • 1 large head butter lettuce, leaves separated
  • 2 medium carrots, julienned
  • 1 large cucumber, julienned
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/4 cup warm water
  • 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 1/2 cup warm water
  • 1/4 cup fish sauce
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp fresh lime juice

Equipment

  • 1 Large Skillet
  • 1 Shallow Dish (for rice paper)
  • 1 Whisk

Method
 

  1. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet. Sauté garlic and ginger for 30 seconds. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain fat. Stir in soy sauce, fish sauce, and brown sugar, cooking for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and mix in Thai basil and cilantro.
  2. Cook vermicelli noodles according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water. Prepare all vegetables by julienning them for easy assembly.
  3. For the peanut sauce, whisk all its ingredients in a small bowl until smooth. For the Nuoc Cham, dissolve sugar in warm water, then stir in remaining sauce ingredients.
  4. Submerge one rice paper sheet in warm water for 15-20 seconds. Lay it flat. In the lower third, layer lettuce, noodles, beef, and vegetables. Fold the bottom edge up, fold in the sides, and roll tightly. Repeat for all rolls.
  5. Serve the Thai Basil Beef Rolls immediately with the two dipping sauces.

Notes

Don't Oversoak Rice Paper: Dip it just until it's pliable; it will soften more as you work.
Wrap Tightly: A snug roll holds together better for dipping and eating.
Prep All Ingredients First: Having everything ready makes the assembly process smooth and efficient.