Description
These 20 Minute Thai Basil Beef Rolls are a quick, flavorful, and fresh appetizer or light meal featuring aromatic Thai basil-infused ground beef wrapped in delicate rice paper with crisp veggies and creamy avocado. Perfect for a fast yet satisfying dish, these rolls combine the bold flavors of garlic, lemongrass, ginger, and Chinese five-spice with sweet chili and lime for a bright, savory bite.
Ingredients
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
Roll Filling
- 2 scallions, julienned
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- Gem lettuce leaves or similar, as needed
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Rice paper rolls, as needed
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. This caramelization is important to develop rich flavors.
- Add Herbs and Spices: Once browned, add minced garlic, ginger paste, chopped lemongrass, and Chinese five-spice powder. Stir to combine and let the aromatics infuse the beef.
- Incorporate Seasonings: Add finely chopped shallots, soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, and fresh lime juice. Stir well and allow the mixture to simmer gently for a few minutes.
- Fold in Thai Basil: Turn off the heat and stir in the torn Thai basil leaves, letting their fragrance permeate the beef mixture.
- Prepare 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 kitchen towel to prevent sticking and tearing.
- Assemble the Rolls: Place a spoonful of the beef mixture in the center of the rice paper. Top with scallions, cilantro, gem lettuce leaves, and avocado slices.
- Roll Up: Fold the sides of the rice paper inwards and then roll tightly from the bottom up to enclose the filling completely.
- Serve with Dips: Enjoy the rolls with sweet chili sauce or a tangy lime and fish sauce dip. Garnish with extra Thai basil, scallions, or cilantro if desired.
Notes
- Do not overfill rice paper rolls to avoid tearing.
- Handle rice paper gently as it can easily rip if dried out or overly soaked.
- Use lean ground beef or substitute chicken or tofu for a healthier option.
- For a smoky twist, skewer and grill the assembled rolls briefly.
- Serve rolls fresh as rice paper tends to harden if stored too long.
- Pair with jasmine rice, stir-fried noodles, or cucumber salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
