Thai Basil Beef Rolls

I first tasted Thai Basil Beef Rolls in a little market stall tucked away on the edge of Bangkok. The vendor had a wok so hot it hissed the moment beef hit the pan, sending up curls of steam scented with garlic, chili, and that unmistakable peppery-sweet aroma of Thai basil. She handed me a roll wrapped in cool lettuce, the beef still warm inside, and it was love at first bite.

When I came back to my own kitchen in Texas, I knew this dish had to be part of my family table. My kids love rolling their own, my parrot seems fascinated by the colors, and my Dalmatian? Well, he just hangs around hoping something falls.

These rolls are the perfect mix of fresh, savory, and vibrant — a dish that works as an appetizer, a light dinner, or part of a festive spread.

What is Thai Basil Beef Rolls?

Thai Basil Beef Rolls are a fresh, flavorful dish where thinly sliced beef is stir-fried with garlic, onion, vegetables, and fragrant Thai basil leaves, then wrapped in rice paper or crisp lettuce leaves. The sauce is savory-sweet with a touch of heat from chilies, balanced by lime and herbs.

Why You’ll Love This Thai Basil Beef Rolls Recipe

• Fresh and satisfying without being heavy.
• Quick to prepare — 30 minutes from start to plate.
• Naturally adaptable for gluten-free or low-carb diets.
• Gorgeous on the table with vibrant colors and textures.
• Perfect for both weeknights and dinner parties.

Tips for Making the Best Thai Basil Beef Rolls

• Slice beef thinly against the grain for tenderness.
• Don’t over-soak rice paper — 10–15 seconds is enough.
• Use fresh Thai basil if possible for authentic flavor.
• Keep fillings light to prevent tearing during rolling.

How to Make Thai Basil Beef Rolls

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean beef (sirloin, flank, or ribeye), thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp neutral oil (avocado or sunflower)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup julienned carrots
• 1 cup thinly sliced bell peppers (red or yellow)
• 2 cups fresh Thai basil leaves
• 2–3 bird’s eye chilies, finely chopped (optional)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce (pork-free version)
• 1 tsp sugar or honey
• Juice of 1 lime
• 8–10 rice paper sheets or large lettuce leaves

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Beef – Pat beef dry and slice thinly against the grain.
2. Heat the Wok – Over high heat, add oil until shimmering.
3. Stir-Fry Aromatics – Add garlic, onion, and chili; cook until fragrant.
4. Cook Beef – Add beef slices, stir-fry 2–3 minutes until just cooked.
5. Season – Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and lime juice. Toss.
6. Add Basil – Turn off heat, fold in Thai basil until just wilted.
7. Assemble Rolls – Soak rice paper in warm water until pliable; add a few spoonfuls of beef mixture, roll tightly.
8. Serve – Pair with dipping sauce of choice.

You Must Know

• Thai basil has a spicier, more anise-like flavor than sweet basil.
• Rice paper needs only brief soaking; overdoing it makes it sticky.
• The filling can be made ahead for quick assembly.

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Rolls

• Keep a damp towel over assembled rolls to prevent drying.
• Mix herbs — add mint or cilantro for extra depth.
• Serve with two sauces for variety.

Storing & Reheating Tips

• Store unrolled filling in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Assemble rolls just before serving.
• Reheat beef gently in a skillet to keep it tender.

Helpful Notes

• For spice control, remove seeds from chilies.
• Lettuce wraps are a low-carb alternative to rice paper.
• Ground beef works if sliced beef isn’t available.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

• Jet Tila suggests flash-frying basil for extra aroma.
• Andy Ricker recommends balancing salty, sweet, and sour precisely for true Thai flavor.
• Pailin Chongchitnant advises adding basil at the very end to preserve fragrance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking beef — it turns tough.
• Stuffing rolls too full — they’ll tear.
• Using old, wilted basil — it loses its punch.

FAQs

What are Thai Basil Beef Rolls made of?
Thinly sliced beef stir-fried with garlic, vegetables, and Thai basil, wrapped in rice paper or lettuce.

Can I make Thai Basil Beef Rolls ahead of time?
Yes — prepare the filling in advance but wrap just before serving.

What type of beef is best?
Lean cuts like sirloin or flank steak, sliced thinly against the grain.

How spicy are they?
Spice depends on the number of chilies used.

What dipping sauce works best?
Sweet chili, peanut, or lime-garlic soy sauce.

Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes — use tamari instead of soy sauce.

What can I substitute for Thai basil?
Sweet basil plus a bit of mint for similar aroma.

How do I keep rice paper from tearing?
Don’t oversoak and avoid overstuffing.

Are they served hot or cold?
Beef is warm; rolls may be slightly cooled.

Conclusion

These Thai Basil Beef Rolls bring a burst of freshness and bold flavor in every bite. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner or as a show-stopping party appetizer, they’re a dish that invites everyone to the table — to roll, share, and savor.

Thai Basil Beef Rolls

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• Author: Kelly Merritt
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 rolls 1x

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Description

Thai Basil Beef Rolls feature tender stir-fried beef, crisp vegetables, and fragrant Thai basil wrapped in rice paper or lettuce. Quick, fresh, and packed with flavor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb lean beef (sirloin, flank, or ribeye), thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp neutral oil (avocado or sunflower)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup julienned carrots
• 1 cup thinly sliced bell peppers (red or yellow)
• 2 cups fresh Thai basil leaves
• 2–3 bird’s eye chilies, finely chopped (optional)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce (pork-free)
• 1 tsp sugar or honey
• Juice of 1 lime
• 8–10 rice paper sheets or large lettuce leaves

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Instructions

1. Pat beef dry and slice thinly against the grain.
2. Heat oil in a wok over high heat until shimmering.
3. Add garlic, onion, and chili; stir-fry until fragrant.
4. Add beef; cook 2–3 minutes until just done.
5. Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and lime juice.
6. Turn off heat, fold in Thai basil until wilted.
7. Soak rice paper briefly, add filling, roll tightly.
8. Serve with dipping sauce of choice.

Notes

• Use fresh Thai basil for authentic flavor.
• Do not over-soak rice paper; it tears easily.
• Lettuce wraps are a great low-carb alternative.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Dinner
• Method: Stir-Fry, Fresh Roll
• Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 roll
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 3
• Sodium: 420
• Fat: 8
• Saturated Fat: 2
• Unsaturated Fat: 5
• Trans Fat: 0
• Carbohydrates: 16
• Fiber: 2
• Protein: 14
• Cholesterol: 35

Keywords: Thai Basil Beef Rolls, Thai appetizer, fresh rolls, beef basil recipe

Kelly Merritt