Description
These 20 Minute Thai Basil Beef Rolls are a flavorful and fresh appetizer or light meal combining savory ground beef infused with aromatic herbs and spices, wrapped in delicate rice paper with crisp vegetables and creamy avocado. Ready in just 20 minutes, they offer a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and umami flavors with the freshness of Thai basil and lime.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 shallots, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon ginger paste
- 1 tablespoon lemongrass, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 cup Thai basil leaves, torn
Fresh Ingredients to Fill Rolls
- 2 scallions, julienned
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- Gem lettuce leaves or similar
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Rice paper rolls
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a little oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until well-browned, breaking it apart with a cooking spoon to ensure even cooking and caramelization for rich flavor.
- Add Herbs and Spices: Once the beef is browned, add minced garlic, ginger paste, chopped lemongrass, and Chinese five-spice powder. Stir well to combine and let the aromatics infuse the beef mixture.
- Simmer with Sauces: Add finely chopped shallots, soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, and lime juice. Stir together and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes off heat to allow flavors to meld.
- Fold in Thai Basil: Turn off the heat and gently fold in the torn Thai basil leaves, letting their fragrance permeate the beef mixture.
- Soften Rice Paper: Fill a shallow dish with water. Soak each rice paper sheet individually for about 10 seconds or until just soft. Lay the softened sheet on a damp cloth to prevent sticking or tearing.
- Fill and Roll: Place a spoonful of the beef mixture in the center of the rice paper. Top with scallions, cilantro, crisp gem lettuce leaves, and slices of avocado. Fold in the sides and roll up from the bottom, encasing the filling tightly.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the rolls with sweet chili sauce or a homemade lime and fish sauce dip. Garnish with additional Thai basil, scallions, or cilantro for freshness.
Notes
- Be careful not to over-soak the rice paper to prevent tearing.
- Use fresh Thai basil for authentic flavor; substitute with sweet basil if unavailable.
- Ground beef should be cooked thoroughly and nicely browned for best taste.
- These rolls can be prepared ahead by making the beef mixture and wrapping just before serving.
- For a spicier kick, add chopped fresh chili or sriracha to the beef mixture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Pan-frying, assembling
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 rolls
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Thai basil beef rolls, quick Thai appetizer, rice paper rolls, beef spring rolls, fresh Thai rolls, easy Thai recipe
