If you’re in the mood for something light, fresh, and exploding with flavor, these Thai Basil Beef Rolls are going to steal the spotlight. They’re a perfect mashup of vibrant herbs, savory-sweet stir-fried beef, and crisp vegetables all wrapped in delicate rice paper and served with an addictive dipping sauce.
Whether you’re hosting friends, meal-prepping lunches, or just craving a no-fuss dinner with a ton of flavor, this recipe delivers. It’s the kind of dish that feels impressive but comes together easily. Even better? It doesn’t require turning on the oven.
What Are Thai Basil Beef Rolls?
Thai Basil Beef Rolls are fresh spring rolls filled with thinly sliced beef stir-fried in a sweet, savory, and slightly spicy sauce infused with garlic and Thai basil. The beef is then paired with crunchy veggies and soft herbs like cilantro and wrapped in rice paper.
They’re cut sushi-style into small rounds, giving them a fun, bite-sized presentation that’s perfect for dipping. The result is juicy, herby, a little spicy, and totally refreshing.
Why You’ll Love These Thai Basil Beef Rolls
✅ Packed with Flavor
Between the stir-fried beef, the punchy garlic, the fragrant Thai basil, and a bold dipping sauce, every bite is complex and satisfying.
✅ No Oven Needed
Perfect for hot days or when you want a meal that doesn’t heat up the kitchen.
✅ Great for Meal Prep
You can prep everything in advance and roll them when you’re ready to eat.
✅ Light, Yet Filling
They’re low-carb, veggie-packed, and protein-rich—a great alternative to heavy takeout.
✅ Totally Customizable
Substitute the beef, switch the herbs, or spice them up—it’s easy to adapt these rolls to your taste or diet.
What They Taste Like
Thai Basil Beef Rolls are an explosion of fresh and savory flavors. The beef is rich and flavorful thanks to a balance of soy, fish sauce, garlic, and chilies. The Thai basil adds its signature peppery sweetness, and the fresh vegetables bring crisp contrast.
The rice paper is tender and slightly chewy, holding everything together in one refreshing, satisfying bite. When dipped in the tangy, slightly sweet sauce, the flavor becomes even more irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Thai Basil Beef:
- ¾ lb flank steak or sirloin, very thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 2 teaspoons fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1–2 Thai chilies, thinly sliced (optional)
- ½ cup Thai basil leaves (loosely packed)
For the Roll Assembly:
- 8–10 rice paper wrappers
- 1 cup julienned carrots
- 1 cup julienned cucumber
- ½ cup chopped lettuce or greens
- ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves
- Warm water (for softening wrappers)
For the Dipping Sauce (Optional but Highly Recommended):
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- Chili flakes or chili oil (to taste)
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet or wok
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Shallow dish or bowl for water
- Tongs or spatula
- Plate or tray for wrapping rolls
Ingredient Swaps & Additions
These rolls are flexible and forgiving. Here are some delicious substitutions:
- No beef? Use ground chicken, sliced tofu, shrimp, or mushrooms.
- No Thai basil? Substitute with Italian basil, mint, or even a mix of herbs.
- Low spice? Omit the Thai chilies or swap in a milder pepper.
- Gluten-free? Use tamari in place of soy sauce.
- More veggies? Add red bell peppers, bean sprouts, or avocado slices.
How to Make Thai Basil Beef Rolls
Step 1: Stir-Fry the Beef
Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the beef and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and chilies (if using). Stir to coat and cook 1–2 minutes more, until the sauce is slightly reduced.
Stir in the Thai basil and cook just until wilted, about 30 seconds. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
🔥 Pro Tip: Slice your beef as thinly as possible for quick cooking and easy rolling.
Step 2: Prep the Wrappers
Fill a shallow bowl or pan with warm water. Submerge one rice paper wrapper in the water for 5–10 seconds, until it softens slightly but is still pliable.
Lay the softened wrapper flat on a clean surface or damp towel.
Step 3: Fill and Roll
Place a small pile of cooked beef, carrots, cucumber, lettuce, and cilantro horizontally across the bottom third of the wrapper.
Fold the sides inward over the filling, then roll tightly from the bottom, tucking as you go.
Repeat with the remaining wrappers and fillings.
Step 4: Slice and Serve
For a bite-sized presentation, slice each roll into 2–3 rounds using a sharp knife. Arrange on a plate seam-side down.
Drizzle lightly with dipping sauce or serve it on the side for dunking.
What to Serve with Thai Basil Beef Rolls
- Sweet chili sauce or peanut dipping sauce
- Steamed jasmine rice or sticky rice
- Thai cucumber salad
- Cold Thai iced tea or sparkling lime water
- Mango sticky rice for dessert
Tips for Success
- Don’t overfill the wrapper. Keep portions small to ensure a clean roll.
- Use a damp towel or surface to prevent wrappers from sticking.
- Work one roll at a time to avoid rice papers drying out.
- Chill for 15–20 minutes before serving for cleaner slicing.
- Store tightly covered with plastic wrap to prevent drying if making ahead.
Make-Ahead & Storage
These rolls are best fresh, but you can make them ahead with a few adjustments:
- Make the beef and prep veggies ahead, then roll fresh before serving.
- Store rolled wraps covered in plastic wrap or in an airtight container with damp paper towels.
- Do not freeze — the rice paper texture won’t hold up well.
FAQs
What’s the best beef cut for this recipe?
Flank steak or sirloin work best. Just make sure it’s sliced very thin against the grain for tenderness.
Can I make these vegetarian?
Absolutely. Swap the beef for tofu, tempeh, or even roasted mushrooms. Keep the sauces vegetarian-friendly by skipping fish sauce or using a plant-based alternative.
Do I have to use Thai basil?
If you can’t find Thai basil, Italian basil, mint, or even cilantro will work. Thai basil has a slight licorice kick, but the flavor will still be great without it.
Can I serve these warm?
Yes! You can serve them warm right after rolling, though they are often chilled slightly for the best texture and bite.
Nutritional Info (Per 2 Rolls – Approximate)
- Calories: 260
- Protein: 18g
- Carbs: 21g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 540mg
Thai Basil Beef Rolls
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 rolls (serves 3–4)
Description
These Thai Basil Beef Rolls are fresh, bold, and bursting with flavor! Tender slices of stir-fried basil beef are wrapped with crunchy vegetables and herbs in soft rice paper, then served with a tangy dipping sauce. They’re light, satisfying, and perfect as a lunch, appetizer, or healthy dinner.
Ingredients
For the Thai Basil Beef:
– ¾ lb flank steak or sirloin, very thinly sliced
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
– 2 teaspoons fish sauce
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– 1–2 Thai chilies, thinly sliced (optional)
– ½ cup Thai basil leaves, loosely packed
For the Rolls:
– 8–10 rice paper wrappers
– 1 cup julienned carrots
– 1 cup julienned cucumber
– ½ cup chopped lettuce or baby greens
– ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves
– Warm water, for softening wrappers
For the Dipping Sauce (optional):
– 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
– Chili flakes or chili oil, to taste
Instructions
1. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Add sliced beef and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until browned.
3. Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and chilies (if using). Cook for 1–2 more minutes.
4. Add Thai basil and stir just until wilted. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
5. Fill a shallow dish with warm water. Soak one rice paper wrapper for 5–10 seconds until softened.
6. Place wrapper on a damp surface. Layer beef, carrots, cucumber, lettuce, and cilantro near the bottom third.
7. Fold in the sides, then roll tightly from the bottom like a burrito. Repeat with remaining wrappers.
8. Slice each roll into 2–3 bite-size pieces and arrange seam-side down on a plate.
9. Mix dipping sauce ingredients in a small bowl and serve with rolls.
Notes
– Thinly slice beef against the grain for the most tender results.
– You can prep the beef and veggies ahead and roll when ready to serve.
– Substitute Thai basil with regular basil, mint, or a mix of herbs.
– Rolls are best eaten fresh but can be stored for up to 1 day wrapped tightly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
Keywords: thai basil beef rolls, thai beef spring rolls, fresh basil rice paper rolls, thai appetizer recipes, beef rice paper wraps, healthy thai lunch idea, no cook summer rolls
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