Thai Basil Beef Rolls

Let’s talk about Thai Basil Beef Rolls—because honestly, they’re the kind of meal that makes you feel like you’ve got your life together. Quick to prep, packed with fresh flavors, and just fancy enough to impress your family or friends (or let’s be real—yourself on a Tuesday night). If you’ve ever wanted a dish that’s equal parts light, savory, and refreshing, this one’s for you.

Why You’ll Love These Thai Basil Beef Rolls

  • Tender strips of beef packed with umami flavor from fish sauce and soy.
  • A perfect mix of crunchy veggies and fragrant fresh herbs.
  • Light yet satisfying—great for busy weeknights or casual entertaining.
  • Customizable for picky eaters (or adventurous ones!).
  • They look fancy but are secretly quick and easy to make.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s your shopping list for these beauties:

  • 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced into strips
  • 12 rice paper wrappers
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, whole
  • 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
  • 1 medium cucumber, julienned
  • 1 small carrot, julienned
  • 1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional, for spice)
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Ingredient Highlights

  • Flank Steak: Lean, flavorful, and perfect for thin slicing.
  • Rice Paper Wrappers: They look delicate but hold all that deliciousness together.
  • Basil & Cilantro: The stars of Thai cuisine—fresh, peppery, and citrusy.
  • Crispy Veggies: Cucumber and carrot give that satisfying crunch.
  • Fish Sauce: Salty, savory, and authentically Thai.

How to Make Thai Basil Beef Rolls : Step-by-Step

1. Marinate the Beef

Whisk together fish sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, minced garlic, and chili flakes (if you like heat). Toss in the sliced beef, coating it well. Let it soak up those flavors for 10–15 minutes.

2. Cook the Beef

Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high. Add the marinated beef and cook 3–4 minutes until browned and cooked through. Sprinkle with a little salt and pepper. Let it cool slightly—you don’t want to melt the rice paper.

3. Assemble the Rolls

  • Fill a shallow dish with warm water. Dip a rice paper wrapper for 5–10 seconds until soft.
  • Lay it flat, then pile on basil, cilantro, cucumber, carrot, bell pepper, and some beef.
  • Fold in the sides and roll tightly from the bottom up.
  • Repeat with the rest. It’s basically burrito-rolling but way prettier.

4. Serve With Sauce

Arrange your rolls on a platter. Mix up a dipping sauce with lime juice, fish sauce, and sugar—or go wild with your favorite peanut or chili sauce.

Tips for Success

  • Don’t over-soak your rice paper! A quick dip is all it needs.
  • Slice your veggies thin for easier rolling.
  • Cook extra beef—because someone will snack on it before it makes it into the rolls (guilty as charged).

My little Backstory

I still remember making these for a last-minute girls’ night. Everyone thought I’d spent hours in the kitchen—when really, it was 30 minutes tops. That’s the magic of Thai Basil Beef Rolls: they look fancy, taste incredible, and secretly take almost no time.

Thai Basil Beef Rolls served with dipping sauce, filled with tender beef, basil, and fresh herbs on a white plate.
Flavor-packed Thai Basil Beef Rolls with fresh herbs and savory beef, served alongside a tangy dipping sauce.

FAQs About Thai Basil Beef Rolls

Can I use another protein?

Absolutely! Chicken, shrimp, or tofu all work beautifully.

How do I store leftovers?

Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. They’re best eaten within 24 hours.

Can I make them ahead?

Yes! Prep everything in advance, but assemble right before serving so the wrappers don’t dry out.

Bring Some Magic to Your Dinner Table

Thai Basil Beef Rolls are that perfect mix of fresh, savory, and satisfying—ideal for busy weeknights, family dinners, or even impressing guests without breaking a sweat. They’re a great way to bring everyone together at the table, letting each person pick their favorite fillings and roll their own creations. It’s interactive, colorful, and fun—perfect for sharing stories over dinner while snacking on something wholesome and delicious.

Once you try them, you’ll see why they’ve become one of my go-to dishes for everything from casual lunches to special get-togethers. They prove that cooking at home can be exciting, flavorful, and way easier than most people think. Give them a try, and watch your kitchen turn into the happiest spot in the house!

More Tasty Recipes to Try Next

Looking for more flavor-packed meals to add to your weeknight rotation? These recipes are easy to make, full of flavor, and just as fun to share as the Thai Basil Beef Rolls. Whether you’re craving something saucy, crispy, or a little spicy, these picks will keep your menu exciting:

  • Try the Mongolian Chicken for a savory-sweet dinner that comes together fast and pairs beautifully with steamed rice or noodles.
  • Add some comfort food vibes with Easy Chicken Kiev – crispy, buttery, and totally irresistible, perfect for a cozy weekend dinner.
  • For a hearty twist, make the Loaded Burger Bowl packed with all your favorite toppings for a low-carb yet indulgent option.
  • Spice things up with Spicy Chipotle Chicken Burger – smoky, zesty, and perfect for anyone who loves a bold kick of flavor.

Each of these recipes brings something different to the table, making it easy to plan a week’s worth of tasty, crowd-pleasing meals!

Print
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Fresh Thai Basil Beef Rolls filled with tender beef, herbs, and crunchy vegetables on a wooden plate.

Thai Basil Beef Rolls


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  • Author: Aneta
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 rolls 1x

Description

Fresh, flavorful, and easy to make, Thai Basil Beef Rolls are packed with tender beef, crisp veggies, and aromatic herbs wrapped in soft rice paper. Perfect for a light dinner or appetizer!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced into strips

  • 12 rice paper wrappers

  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, whole

  • 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves

  • 1 medium cucumber, julienned

  • 1 small carrot, julienned

  • 1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced

  • 2 tbsp fish sauce

  • 1 tbsp soy sauce

  • 1 tbsp lime juice

  • 1 tbsp brown sugar

  • 1 tsp garlic, minced

  • 1 tsp red chili flakes (optional)

  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil

  • Salt and pepper, to taste


Instructions

  1. Marinate the Beef: Combine fish sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, garlic, and chili flakes. Toss sliced beef in the marinade and let sit for 10–15 minutes.

  2. Cook the Beef: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook beef 3–4 minutes until browned. Season with salt and pepper. Let cool slightly.

  3. Prepare Rice Paper: Fill a shallow dish with warm water. Dip a wrapper for 5–10 seconds until softened.

  4. Assemble Rolls: Layer basil, cilantro, cucumber, carrot, bell pepper, and beef in the center. Fold in sides and roll tightly.

  5. Serve: Arrange rolls on a platter with dipping sauce made from lime juice, fish sauce, and sugar.

Notes

Avoid over-soaking rice paper; it softens quickly.
Slice veggies thin for easier rolling.
Great with peanut, hoisin, or chili dipping sauces too.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop + Assembly
  • Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 roll
  • Calories: 110 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 250 mg
  • Fat: 3 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 9 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg

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