Thai Basil Beef Rolls Recipe
Thai Basil Beef Rolls are a fresh and flavorful appetizer combining marinated flank steak with aromatic Thai basil and cilantro, crunchy vegetables, and delicate rice paper wrappers. This light yet satisfying dish is perfect for warm weather and offers a balance of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors with a refreshing texture.
- Author: Nora
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Pan-frying and assembling
- Cuisine: Thai
- Diet: Halal
Beef and Marinade
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced into strips
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)
Fresh Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, whole
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 medium cucumber, julienned
- 1 small carrot, julienned
- 1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced
Wraps and Serving
- Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, whisk together fish sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, minced garlic, and red chili flakes if using. Add the thinly sliced flank steak and toss to coat evenly. Let the beef marinate for 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavorful blend.
- Cook the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef strips and cook for 3-4 minutes until browned and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Prepare Rice Paper Wrappers: Fill a shallow dish with warm water. Dip one rice paper wrapper into the water for 5-10 seconds until it softens but remains pliable. Remove carefully and place on a clean, flat surface for assembly.
- Add Fillings: In the center of each softened rice paper wrapper, layer a few basil leaves, cilantro leaves, julienned cucumber, carrot, and red bell pepper slices. Add a few strips of the cooked beef on top of the vegetables and herbs.
- Roll the Wraps: Fold the sides of the rice paper in to enclose the fillings, then tightly roll from the bottom up to form a compact roll. Repeat this process with the remaining wrappers and filling ingredients until all rolls are assembled.
- Serve the Rolls: Arrange the Thai Basil Beef Rolls on a platter and serve with a dipping sauce made from lime juice, fish sauce, and a touch of sugar or your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy fresh for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red chili flakes or serve with a spicy dipping sauce.
- Make sure not to soak the rice paper wrappers too long; they should be pliable but not overly soft to avoid tearing.
- You can substitute flank steak with sirloin or skirt steak if desired.
- Use fresh herbs and vegetables for the best flavor and texture contrast.
- These wraps are best consumed immediately but can be stored covered with a damp cloth for up to 2 hours.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 rolls
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 17 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
Keywords: Thai Basil Beef Rolls, Thai appetizer, rice paper rolls, fresh beef rolls, Thai cuisine, basil beef, fresh spring rolls