Thai Basil Beef Rolls – Easy Flavorful Recipe

Craving the vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine without the fuss? These Thai Basil Beef Rolls are your new go-to! Juicy, savory beef infused with aromatic Thai basil is wrapped in delicate rice paper, creating a refreshingly easy and incredibly flavorful bite. Perfect as an appetizer or a light meal!

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) sirloin or flank steak, very thinly sliced against the grain
• 2 tbsp light soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp neutral oil (like canola or vegetable oil)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 shallot, thinly sliced (optional)
• 1/2 cup fresh Thai basil leaves, packed, for filling
• 1 small red chili, thinly sliced (optional, for heat)
• 12-15 sheets rice paper wrappers (8.5 inch diameter)
• 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves, extra, for rolling
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots (optional)
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced cucumber (optional)
• 1/4 cup fish sauce
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 2 tbsp water
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 clove garlic, minced, for dipping sauce
• 1 small red chili, finely minced (optional, for dipping sauce)

Instructions

1. **Prepare the Beef:** In a medium bowl, combine the thinly sliced beef with 2 tbsp light soy sauce, 1 tbsp oyster sauce, and 1 tsp brown sugar. Mix well and let marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes at room temperature.
2. **Cook the Beef:** Heat 1 tbsp neutral oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sliced shallot (if using) and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the marinated beef in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding) and stir-fry quickly until browned and just cooked through, about 2-3 minutes.
3. **Add Basil:** Remove skillet from heat. Stir in the 1/2 cup fresh Thai basil leaves (for filling) and sliced red chili (if using). The residual heat will wilt the basil perfectly. Set the beef filling aside to cool slightly.
4. **Prepare Dipping Sauce:** While the beef cools, whisk together all dipping sauce ingredients (fish sauce, lime juice, water, brown sugar, minced garlic, and minced chili) in a small bowl until sugar dissolves.
5. **Prepare Roll Ingredients:** Arrange the cooled beef filling, extra fresh Thai basil leaves, shredded carrots, and sliced cucumber (if using) on a clean work surface. Fill a shallow dish or pie plate with warm water.
6. **Assemble the Rolls:** Dip one rice paper wrapper into the warm water for about 15-20 seconds until it’s pliable but not overly soft. Lay it flat on your work surface.
7. **Fill the Rolls:** Place a few fresh Thai basil leaves near the bottom edge of the wrapper. Add a small amount of the cooked beef filling, then some shredded carrots and cucumber (if using) on top. Be careful not to overfill.
8. **Fold and Roll:** Fold the bottom edge of the wrapper over the filling, then fold in the sides. Tightly roll the wrapper from the bottom up to create a neat spring roll.
9. **Repeat and Serve:** Repeat the process with the remaining wrappers and filling. Serve the Thai Basil Beef Rolls immediately with the prepared dipping sauce. Enjoy!