Name: Thai Basil Beef Rolls
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced; 1 cup Thai basil leaves; 10 rice paper wrappers; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 shallot, minced; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon fish sauce; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (or 1 small Thai chili, sliced); 1 carrot, cut into matchsticks; 1 cucumber, cut into matchsticks; 2 green onions, chopped; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional); ; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon fish sauce; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon sugar; Pinch of chili flakes

These Thai Basil Beef Rolls are a savory explosion of flavor wrapped in delicate rice paper. Tender slices of marinated beef, fresh Thai basil, and crunchy veggies are bundled up and dipped in a punchy soy-garlic sauce that makes every bite irresistible. If you love Thai flavors but want something easy to eat with your hands, these rolls are the perfect handheld fusion of fresh and umami.

Perfect as an appetizer or light meal, they offer that street-food magic right from your kitchen. You get the aroma of garlic and basil, the chew of rice paper, and that juicy umami from the beef, all tied together with a hint of spice. Serve them cold or warm—they’re just as delightful either way.

What Kind of Beef Should I Use?

For the best Thai Basil Beef Rolls, thinly sliced flank steak or sirloin works beautifully. You want something lean but still flavorful that cooks quickly and holds up in the roll without turning tough. Marinate it briefly for depth of flavor, then stir-fry it hot and fast to lock in juices.

Ingredients for the Thai Basil Beef Rolls

Beef (flank or sirloin) – Provides the meaty, savory center of the rolls and absorbs the marinade perfectly.

Thai basil leaves – Infuses each bite with a unique, peppery sweetness that regular basil just can’t match.

Rice paper wrappers – Holds all the deliciousness together in a light, chewy shell.

Garlic and shallots – Create a deep aromatic base for the beef marinade and stir-fry.

Soy sauce & fish sauce – Bring saltiness and umami depth to both the marinade and dipping sauce.

Brown sugar – Balances the salty and spicy components with just a touch of sweetness.

Red chili flakes or fresh Thai chilis – Optional but highly recommended for those who love a kick.

Carrot & cucumber matchsticks – Add fresh crunch and coolness to offset the rich beef.

Green onions & cilantro – Bright herbs that bring freshness and round out the flavors.

Lime juice – Adds acidity and brightness, especially in the dipping sauce.

How To Make the Thai Basil Beef Rolls

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

Slice your flank or sirloin thinly across the grain. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, fish sauce, minced garlic, shallots, a touch of brown sugar, and chili flakes if you like spice. Let the beef marinate for 20–30 minutes while you prep the other ingredients.

Step 2: Stir-Fry the Beef

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a bit of oil. Stir-fry the marinated beef quickly until browned and just cooked through, about 3–4 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 3: Prep the Fresh Ingredients

While the beef cools, cut your carrots and cucumbers into matchsticks, roughly chop the cilantro and green onions, and wash your Thai basil leaves. Arrange everything for easy assembly.

Step 4: Soften the Rice Paper Wrappers

Fill a large shallow dish with warm water. Dip each rice paper wrapper for about 10 seconds or until soft but still manageable. Place it on a clean surface or damp towel.

Step 5: Assemble the Rolls

Layer a few Thai basil leaves, a small pile of stir-fried beef, matchstick veggies, and herbs in the center of each wrapper. Fold the sides in, then roll it up tightly like a burrito. Repeat with remaining wrappers.

Step 6: Make the Dipping Sauce

In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, a pinch of sugar, chopped garlic, and chili flakes. Stir well. This is your flavor-packed dipping sauce.

Step 7: Serve

Slice the rolls in half for a neat presentation. Serve with the dipping sauce on the side and sprinkle with chopped herbs or sesame seeds if desired.

How to Serve and Store Thai Basil Beef Rolls

These Thai Basil Beef Rolls are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. They’re perfect for party platters, appetizers, or light lunches. Serve them freshly rolled with a generous bowl of dipping sauce. You can even cut them into bite-sized pieces for an easy finger-food option.

If you’d like to make them ahead of time, store the uncut rolls in an airtight container lined with a damp paper towel to keep them from drying out. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best flavor, let them sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving. Avoid freezing, as rice paper becomes rubbery when thawed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best way to keep rice paper from tearing?

Make sure you don’t over-soak it. Just 8–10 seconds in warm water is enough. It should be pliable but not too soft.

Can I make these rolls vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute the beef with marinated tofu or mushrooms for a delicious plant-based alternative.

Are Thai Basil and regular basil the same?

Nope! Thai basil has a spicier, more anise-like flavor that really elevates the dish compared to sweet Italian basil.

Can I use lettuce in the rolls?

Yes! Lettuce adds crunch and works well layered under the beef and veggies.

Is the dipping sauce optional?

Technically, yes—but it brings everything together. That salty, sweet, tangy balance makes each bite pop.

What else can I add to the rolls?

Feel free to add avocado slices, vermicelli noodles, or even a drizzle of hoisin sauce for extra flavor.

Want More Fresh & Flavor-Packed Ideas?

If you’re loving these Thai Basil Beef Rolls, here are more delicious dishes that mix bold flavors with comforting textures:

Try the Garlic Parmesan Beef Spaghetti Pasta for a fusion of creamy and savory.
These Beefy Cheesy Fries Burrito rolls are another handheld winner.
For something cozy and indulgent, make the Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Parmesan Linguine.
Don’t skip the crowd-favorite Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta for a comfort food classic.
And if you’re in the mood for sweet after savory, grab a bite of these Blueberry Swirl Yogurt Bites.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board for easy access next time you’re craving Thai flavors with a twist.

Tried this at home? Let me know in the comments! Did you add avocado or skip the spice? Maybe you used tofu instead of beef? I love hearing your variations.

And if you’re looking for more recipes like this, follow along on my Pinterest board where I share daily creations: Life with Nina on Pinterest.

Thai Basil Beef Rolls

Author: Nina Johnson
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 10 rolls 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: No-bake, stir-fry
Cuisine: Thai

Print Recipe

Description

These Thai Basil Beef Rolls are a refreshing blend of savory marinated beef, fresh herbs, and crisp vegetables, all wrapped in soft rice paper and served with a flavorful soy-garlic dipping sauce. Perfect for a light lunch, appetizer, or dinner party spread, these handheld bites combine Thai street-food vibes with kitchen-friendly simplicity.

Instructions

1. Slice flank or sirloin thinly across the grain. In a bowl, combine soy sauce, fish sauce, minced garlic, shallot, brown sugar, and chili flakes. Marinate beef for 20–30 minutes.

2. Heat a skillet with a bit of oil. Stir-fry beef until browned and cooked through, about 3–4 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

3. Prep fresh ingredients: cut carrot and cucumber into matchsticks, chop cilantro and green onions, and wash basil leaves.

4. Fill a shallow dish with warm water. Dip each rice paper wrapper for 8–10 seconds until soft but still slightly firm.

5. On a clean surface, place basil, beef, veggies, and herbs in center of wrapper. Fold sides in, then roll tightly like a burrito.

6. In a small bowl, mix all dipping sauce ingredients and stir well.

7. Slice rolls in half if desired, and serve with dipping sauce. Sprinkle with sesame seeds or extra herbs.