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High Protein Thai Basil Beef Rolls

Fresh, bold Thai-inspired rolls with seasoned lean ground beef, fragrant Thai basil, and crisp vegetables wrapped in delicate rice paper. Each roll delivers 18 grams of protein.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8 rolls
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Thai
Calories: 280

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 small shallot finely chopped
  • 1.5 pounds lean ground beef 93/7 or 95/5
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes or 1 minced Thai chili
  • 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves chopped
  • 8 to 10 rice paper wrappers
  • 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves optional
  • 1/2 cup cilantro leaves optional
  • 1/4 cup sliced green onion optional
  • 1/4 cup julienned carrots or cucumbers optional
  • 1/4 cup dipping sauce soy-lime or chili-garlic blend

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • Large shallow bowl or plate
  • Clean kitchen towel or cutting board
  • sharp knife

Method
 

  1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped shallot, sautéing for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Add lean ground beef to the skillet and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until completely browned and no pink remains.
  3. Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and chili flakes. Let the mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
  4. Add fresh lime juice and chopped Thai basil, stirring to combine. Immediately remove from heat to preserve the bright color and fresh flavor of the basil.
  5. Let the beef filling cool for at least 10 minutes while you set up your rolling station. Fill a large shallow plate or bowl with warm water.
  6. Dip one rice paper wrapper into the warm water for 5 to 10 seconds until it begins to soften but still has slight firmness. Place on a clean, damp kitchen towel or cutting board.
  7. Place 2 to 3 tablespoons of beef filling near the bottom third of the rice paper, then add your choice of fresh mint, cilantro, green onion, and julienned vegetables.
  8. Fold the bottom edge of the rice paper up and over the filling, tuck in both sides tightly, then roll forward firmly but gently to create a compact cylinder.
  9. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling, keeping finished rolls under a damp towel to prevent them from drying out.
  10. Slice each roll in half at a slight diagonal using a sharp, slightly wet knife. Serve immediately with dipping sauce on the side.

Notes

Use 93/7 or 95/5 lean ground beef for maximum protein. Don't soak rice paper longer than 10 seconds. Cool filling completely before rolling to prevent tearing. Store finished rolls under a damp towel. Best enjoyed fresh within 24 hours.
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