Thai Basil Beef Rolls

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Fresh, vibrant, and packed with bold flavor—these Thai Basil Beef Rolls are everything you want in a handheld bite. Thin slices of savory marinated beef, wrapped in cool, crisp lettuce and herbs, all bundled tightly in translucent rice paper and served with a zesty dipping sauce. It’s the perfect balance of hot and cold, sweet and salty, soft and crunchy.

Whether you’re looking for a lighter lunch option, an appetizer to impress your guests, or a fresh twist on meal prep, these rolls deliver big flavor without the need for deep frying or heavy sauces. They’re simple to make, beautiful to serve, and incredibly satisfying to eat.

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What Kind of Beef Should I Use for Thai Basil Beef Rolls?

Flank steak or sirloin are the best cuts for these rolls because they cook quickly and absorb marinade well. You want a beef that stays tender when thinly sliced and pairs well with bold flavors like fish sauce, soy, and basil. Marinate the beef for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors seep in before searing quickly on high heat.

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Ingredients for the Thai Basil Beef Rolls

Flank Steak or Sirloin – Thinly sliced and marinated beef is the heart of this dish, delivering that rich, savory base flavor.

Rice Paper Wrappers – These translucent wrappers give the rolls their structure and beautiful presentation while keeping everything light and gluten-free.

Fresh Thai Basil – A star ingredient that adds a burst of herby, slightly spicy flavor that sets these apart from your average roll.

Lettuce Leaves – Adds freshness and crunch, acting as a cool contrast to the warm beef.

Julienned Carrots and Cucumbers – Provide a refreshing, crisp texture and mild sweetness.

Vermicelli Noodles (optional) – For a heartier roll, these can add some chew and soak up extra marinade or sauce.

Green Onions & Crushed Peanuts – Offer brightness and crunch on top for garnish and texture.

Dipping Sauce (Soy, Lime, Chili, Garlic) – A sweet, tangy, and spicy sauce brings all the flavors together in every bite.

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How To Make the Thai Basil Beef Rolls

Step 1: Marinate and Cook the Beef

Thinly slice your flank steak or sirloin and marinate it with soy sauce, fish sauce, garlic, lime juice, and a bit of sugar. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes. Sear the beef in a hot pan until nicely browned and caramelized, about 2–3 minutes per side.

Step 2: Prep the Fillings

While the beef marinates, prepare your fillings. Wash and dry your lettuce leaves, julienne the carrots and cucumbers, and chop green onions. Soak the vermicelli noodles in hot water until soft if using. Tear the Thai basil into smaller leaves.

Step 3: Soften the Rice Paper

Fill a shallow bowl with warm water. Dip each rice paper wrapper into the water for about 10–15 seconds until soft but still slightly firm. Lay it flat on a clean surface or damp towel.

Step 4: Assemble the Rolls

Layer the ingredients in the center: lettuce, a few basil leaves, carrots, cucumber, cooked beef slices, and optional noodles. Fold in the sides and roll tightly from the bottom up. Place seam-side down on a plate.

Step 5: Serve with Dipping Sauce

Whisk together soy sauce, lime juice, minced garlic, sliced chili, and a bit of sugar for a balanced dipping sauce. Serve alongside the rolls and sprinkle with green onions and crushed peanuts.

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How to Serve and Store Thai Basil Beef Rolls

Serve the rolls fresh and slightly chilled or at room temperature for best flavor and texture. They’re perfect as a party appetizer, light lunch, or even a meal prep option when stored correctly.

If you’re prepping ahead, keep the uncut rolls wrapped in a damp paper towel and sealed in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay fresh for up to 2 days. Avoid freezing, as the rice paper texture doesn’t hold up well once thawed.

Refrigerated dipping sauce can be stored separately in a jar for up to a week.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the rice paper from tearing?

Be gentle while soaking and assembling. Don’t overfill, and use a clean, damp surface to roll.

Can I use ground beef instead of steak?

While you can, sliced steak offers a better texture and flavor for these rolls. Ground beef may fall apart during rolling.

What other herbs can I use?

Mint and cilantro pair beautifully with Thai flavors and can be used alongside or in place of basil.

Are these rolls spicy?

The rolls themselves aren’t spicy unless you add chili. You can control heat through the dipping sauce.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the beef with marinated tofu or mushrooms for a delicious meat-free version.

Do I have to use vermicelli noodles?

Not at all. They’re optional and mostly used for added texture and heartiness. Feel free to leave them out.

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Want More Asian-Inspired Recipes?

If you love these Thai Basil Beef Rolls, here are a few other flavor-packed favorites to try:

• Easy Thai Red Curry Dumpling Soup for a comforting bowl with a spicy kick.
• Louisiana Remoulade Sauce to drizzle over seafood or savory wraps.
• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli for a hearty pasta night.
• Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce that balances beefy goodness with creamy richness.
• Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce for a healthy and flavorful meal prep.

And if you want even more globally-inspired recipes you can make at home, check out my daily creations on Pinterest: Life with Jam

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest appetizer board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add mint or swap the beef for tofu? Did you try a spicy dipping sauce?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other roll with it!

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