Description
These 20 Minute Thai Basil Beef Rolls are a quick and flavorful Asian-inspired dish featuring ground beef cooked with aromatic spices, fresh herbs, and tangy sauces, all wrapped in warm flour tortillas. Perfect as a light meal or appetizer, they combine savory, spicy, and fresh flavors with a satisfying crunch from roasted peanuts.
Ingredients
Beef Filling
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (or chicken or pork)
- Black pepper, to taste
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger (or 1/4 cup candied ginger)
- 1-3 teaspoons Chinese 5 spice
- 1/3 cup tamari or soy sauce
- 1/4 cup Thai chili sauce (see homemade version in notes)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Roll Assembly and Garnishes
- 4 Persian cucumbers, chopped
- 2 cups cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup Thai basil, chopped
- 1/3 cup chopped roasted peanuts
- 8-10 flour tortillas, warmed
- Chili paste, for serving
- Toasted sesame oil, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and a dash of black pepper. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned, about 5 minutes. Add the chopped garlic, grated ginger, and Chinese 5 spice; continue cooking for another minute to allow the spices to become fragrant.
- Add Sauces: Pour in the tamari or soy sauce and Thai chili sauce. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickly coats the beef. Stir in 2 tablespoons of chopped green onions, then remove the skillet from heat.
- Warm Tortillas: Heat each flour tortilla one at a time in the microwave for 15 seconds to make them pliable.
- Assemble Rolls: Place the warm tortilla on a plate. Spoon a generous amount of the beef mixture down the center of the tortilla. Add a layer of chopped cucumber, cilantro, Thai basil, remaining green onions, and roasted peanuts on top of the beef. Fold the sides and ends of the tortilla over the filling, then roll forward tightly to form a neat roll.
- Serve: Repeat the assembly with the remaining tortillas and ingredients. Serve the Thai Basil Beef Rolls warm alongside extra soy sauce, chili paste, and toasted sesame oil for dipping. For a complete meal, serve with steamed rice on the side.
Notes
- To make homemade Thai chili sauce, combine 2 tablespoons of sweet chili sauce with 1 tablespoon of finely chopped garlic and 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar for extra zest.
- These rolls can be made with ground chicken or pork instead of beef for variety.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the flour tortillas with gluten-free wraps or large lettuce leaves.
- Adjust the amount of Chinese 5 spice and chili sauce according to your preferred spice level.
- Chilling the beef mixture slightly before assembling can make rolling easier.
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
