Crispy Thai Basil Beef Rolls Bursting with Flavor

Discover how easy it is to create a restaurant-worthy appetizer or light meal that’s packed with bold Thai flavors and fresh herbs. These Thai Basil Beef Rolls have a crispy exterior and a juicy, tender interior with an herby crunch that will brighten up any table.

I remember the first time I made these rolls. The vibrant green Thai basil peeking through the translucent rice paper, the hint of red chili, and the aroma of garlic and fish sauce coming together—it was love at first bite. Every roll felt like a little burst of flavor and freshness, perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying as a special treat after a busy day.

Why You’ll Love It

  • Quick pan-frying method means dinner is ready fast
  • Bright, fresh herbs balance savory, spicy beef filling
  • Beautiful presentation with colorful green basil and red chili accents
  • Crispy outside with tender, juicy inside for wonderful texture contrast
  • Perfect for sharing or serving as a fun, interactive meal

Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe a breeze even on busy nights.

Print

Thai Basil Beef Rolls

Pan-fried rolls filled with ground beef flavored with soy and fish sauce, garlic, chili, and fresh Thai basil for a crispy, juicy, and herbaceous bite.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef
1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 red chili peppers, thinly sliced
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp fish sauce
12 rice paper wrappers
Lime wedges, for serving
Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

In a bowl, combine ground beef, minced garlic, sliced red chili peppers, soy sauce, and fish sauce. Mix well to combine.
Soften one rice paper wrapper in warm water until pliable, then place on a clean surface.
Arrange fresh Thai basil leaves on the lower third of the wrapper.
Spoon a portion of the beef mixture over the basil leaves.
Carefully roll the wrapper from the bottom, folding in the sides tightly to form a sealed roll.
Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat with a small amount of oil.
Pan-fry the rolls for about 3-4 minutes per side, until the rice paper is crispy and the beef is cooked through.
Remove rolls and drain on paper towels.
Arrange rolls neatly on a rectangular white plate with lime wedges and fresh cilantro on the side.

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FAQ

Can I prepare these rolls ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the rolls in advance and refrigerate them uncovered on a tray for up to an hour before pan-frying to keep the rice paper from becoming soggy.

How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover cooked rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet to maintain the crispy exterior.

Save, print, or cook these Thai Basil Beef Rolls soon—you’ll be glad you did!