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A close-up of Thai basil beef summer rolls being assembled on a wooden board, showing the process of layering ingredients.

Thai Basil Beef Rolls (Easy & Fresh Recipe)

Discover how to make the best Thai Basil Beef Rolls! This fresh and easy recipe features savory ground beef, fragrant herbs, and crisp vegetables wrapped in delicate rice paper, served with a delicious peanut dipping sauce. Perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Appetizer, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: Thai, Vietnamese
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Beef Filling
  • 1 lb lean ground beef 90/10 recommended
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 shallot finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp fish sauce
  • 1 tsp brown sugar
  • 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves chopped
For the Rolls
  • 12-15 sheets rice paper wrappers round
  • 4 oz rice vermicelli noodles
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 large cucumber cut into matchsticks
  • 1 head butter lettuce leaves separated
  • 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
For the Peanut Dipping Sauce
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup hot water or more, to thin

Equipment

  • 1 Large Skillet
  • 1 Pie Plate or Shallow Dish For hydrating rice paper

Method
 

  1. Cook Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook garlic and shallots until fragrant. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain fat. Stir in soy sauce, fish sauce, and brown sugar, cooking for 2 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in Thai basil. Let cool.
  2. Prepare Noodles and Veggies: Cook rice vermicelli noodles according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water. Prepare carrots, cucumber, lettuce, and mint.
  3. Make Peanut Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, hoisin sauce, lime juice, and soy sauce. Slowly whisk in hot water until you reach your desired consistency.
  4. Assemble Rolls: Submerge one rice paper wrapper in a shallow dish of warm water for 15-20 seconds until pliable. Lay flat. On the bottom third, layer lettuce, noodles, vegetables, herbs, and a spoonful of the beef filling.
  5. Roll: Fold the bottom edge up over the filling, fold in the sides, and then roll tightly into a cylinder. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
  6. Serve: Serve immediately with the peanut dipping sauce.

Notes

Do not oversoak the rice paper; a brief dip is all that's needed.
Ensure the beef filling is cooled before rolling to prevent the wrappers from becoming gummy.
Wrap finished rolls in plastic wrap if not serving immediately to keep them from drying out.