Thai Basil Beef Rolls

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Thai Basil Beef Rolls

Thai Basil Beef Rolls combine the vibrant flavors of Thai basil, juicy ground beef, and a delightful crunch of spring roll wrappers to create a dish that is not only delectable but also visually appealing. Each bite delivers a burst of warmth and zest, transporting you straight to the bustling streets of Thailand. This recipe is a fantastic option for a quick, easy dinner or an impressive appetizer for special gatherings. With minimal prep time and gratifying outcomes, these rolls will become a staple in your household that everyone will rave about!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Thai Basil Beef Rolls are perfect for anyone looking to whip up something that is both simple and full of flavor. The preparation is swift, taking only about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. Moreover, the use of familiar ingredients ensures you won’t feel overwhelmed. This dish is not only a crowd-pleaser but also offers a delightful crunch and aromatic notes that delight the senses. Plus, you can easily customize the heat level to suit your preferences, ensuring that everyone at the table enjoys it. The combination of warm, flavorful filling wrapped in crisp, golden wrappers is an irresistible treat!

Ingredients

• 300g ground beef (lean or medium fat): Tender and juicy, the star of these rolls.
• 2-3 garlic cloves, minced: The aromatic base that enhances the savory richness.
• 1 red chili or 1 tsp chili flakes: Adjust to taste for a kick of heat if you desire!
• 2 tbsp soy sauce: Brings umami flavor; opt for gluten-free soy sauce if needed.
• 1 tsp fish sauce: Adds a depth of flavor that is quintessential to Southeast Asian dishes.
• 1 pinch of sugar (optional): Just a hint to balance the salty flavors.
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced: Offers a fresh crunch and slight sweetness.
• 1 generous handful of fresh Thai basil leaves, chopped: The star herb that gives these rolls their characteristic flavor.
• 12 spring roll wrappers: Crispy and golden when fried, they encapsulate the delicious filling.
• Vegetable oil for frying (about 1-2 cups): Essential for that perfect crunch.

Each ingredient comes together to create a symphony of flavors, with the aromatic garlic and Thai basil elevating ground beef into a delicious filling. The crispy spring roll wrappers provide the perfect contrast, making every bite a delightful experience.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped red chili. Sauté until fragrant, which should take about 1-2 minutes, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas.

2. Cook the Beef: Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, until the beef is browned and fully cooked—about 5-7 minutes. Ensure to break it apart with a spatula for even cooking.

3. Season the Mixture: Stir in the soy sauce, fish sauce, and optional sugar. Mix well to incorporate all the flavors. Afterward, add the sliced green onions and continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes. Finally, fold in the chopped Thai basil leaves, stirring gently until they wilt slightly.

4. Prepare the Rolls: Lay a spring roll wrapper on a clean surface. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the beef mixture into the center. Fold the sides inwards and roll tightly away from you, sealing the edge with a dab of water.

5. Fry the Rolls: Heat enough vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the rolls seam side down in the oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. Be sure to fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

6. Drain and Serve: Remove the fried rolls from the oil and drain them on paper towels to absorb excess oil. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce for an added flavor boost.

Tips & Tricks

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When frying, ensure that you leave enough space between each roll to achieve even cooking and crispiness.
• Customizable Heat: Adjust the chili amount to suit your heat tolerance. For a milder option, omit the chili or use just a pinch.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh Thai basil makes all the difference in flavor. If unavailable, you can substitute with regular basil, albeit with a different flavor profile.
• Extra Crunch: For an even crisper texture, consider double frying; fry once until golden, let cool for a minute, and then fry again for 1-2 minutes until extra crispy.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

These Thai Basil Beef Rolls are best served hot, immediately after frying, for maximum crispiness. Pair them with a fresh dipping sauce like sweet chili sauce, spicy mayo, or even a tangy soy sauce for added flavor. They make excellent appetizers for parties, served alongside fresh salad greens or spring rolls. For a complete meal, serve them with a side of jasmine rice and a veggie stir-fry for balance and variety.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of Thai Basil Beef Rolls (approximately 2 rolls) contains around 300 calories. Nutritionally, they are a good source of protein from the ground beef, along with vitamins and minerals from the green onions and Thai basil. While delicious, enjoy these rolls in moderation to maintain a balanced diet, as frying can increase calorie content.

Storing Tips & Variations

If you have leftovers (which might be unlikely), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in an air fryer for a few minutes to bring back their crispiness, rather than using the microwave, which will make them soggy.

Feel free to experiment with the filling! Replace ground beef with ground chicken or turkey for a lighter option or use tofu for a vegetarian version. You could also incorporate thinly sliced vegetables or mushrooms for added crunch.

Conclusion

Thai Basil Beef Rolls are not only scrumptious but also an exciting dish that is easy to make at home. They’re perfect for a family meal, a gathering with friends, or simply when you crave something delectable and satisfying. Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to share your experience with family and friends. Enjoy the adventure of flavor and warmth that each roll brings!

FAQs

1. Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling in advance and store it in the fridge. Assemble the rolls just before you’re ready to fry them for the best texture.

2. Can I bake instead of frying?
Yes! For a healthier option, brush the rolls lightly with oil and bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway until golden brown.

3. What dipping sauce pairs best with these rolls?
Sweet chili sauce is a classic choice, but you can also serve them with a peanut sauce or a simple soy sauce for dipping.

4. Are these rolls gluten-free?
They can be! Use gluten-free soy sauce and check your spring roll wrappers for gluten-free options. Rice paper wrappers are often a great alternative.

5. Can I freeze the rolls?
Yes! You can freeze un-fried rolls. Place them on a tray to freeze individually, then transfer to an airtight container. Fry them straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.

Feel free to dive into the culinary world of Thai cuisine with these vibrant, delicious rolls!

Thai Basil Beef Rolls

Print Recipe

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Delicious and visually appealing rolls filled with ground beef, aromatic Thai basil, and crunchy spring roll wrappers.

• Author: catherine
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Thai
• Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 300g ground beef (lean or medium fat)
• 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 red chili or 1 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce (gluten-free if needed)
• 1 tsp fish sauce
• 1 pinch of sugar (optional)
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 handful of fresh Thai basil leaves, chopped
• 12 spring roll wrappers
• Vegetable oil for frying (about 1-2 cups)

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Instructions

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped red chili. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Add the ground beef, cooking until browned (5-7 minutes), breaking it apart for even cooking.
3. Stir in soy sauce, fish sauce, and optional sugar. Mix well and add green onions, cooking for an additional 2 minutes. Fold in Thai basil leaves until wilted.
4. Lay a spring roll wrapper on a clean surface. Spoon 2 tablespoons of the beef mixture into the center. Fold sides inwards and roll tightly, sealing with water.
5. Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the rolls seam side down for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
6. Drain on paper towels and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

For extra crunch, consider double frying. Adjust heat level by modifying the chili amount. Use fresh ingredients for best flavor.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 rolls
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 65mg

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