Name: 20-Minute Thai Basil Beef Rolls
Prep time: 9 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds ground beef (or chicken); Black pepper to taste; 4 cloves garlic, chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger (or ¼ cup candied ginger); 1-3 teaspoons Chinese 5 spice; ⅓ cup tamari or soy sauce; ¼ cup Thai chili sauce (homemade, see notes); ¼ cup chopped green onions; 4 Persian cucumbers, chopped; 2 cups cilantro, chopped; ½ cup Thai basil, chopped; ⅓ cup chopped roasted peanuts; 8-10 flour tortillas, warmed; Chili paste, for serving; Toasted sesame oil, for serving

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These Thai Basil Beef Rolls are a quick and delicious dish that combines savory ground beef with fresh, vibrant herbs and crunchy vegetables, all wrapped in a warm tortilla. Ready in just 20 minutes, they’re perfect for busy weeknights or a fun appetizer for gatherings. The Thai chili sauce, ginger, and five-spice create a beautifully balanced flavor, while the cilantro, basil, and peanuts add freshness and texture. Served with a spicy dipping sauce, these rolls are an irresistible, flavorful bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, this dish comes together fast, making it perfect for a busy evening.
Bursting with Flavor: The combination of ginger, soy sauce, Thai chili sauce, and five-spice creates a bold, flavorful filling.
Fresh and Vibrant: The cilantro, basil, and cucumber add freshness, while the peanuts provide crunch.
Customizable: You can easily swap the beef for chicken or adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
Healthy: These rolls are packed with fresh herbs and vegetables, offering a balanced, tasty option.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 ½ pounds ground beef (or chicken)
Black pepper to taste
4 cloves garlic, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger (or ¼ cup candied ginger)
1-3 teaspoons Chinese 5 spice
⅓ cup tamari or soy sauce
¼ cup Thai chili sauce (homemade, see notes)
¼ cup chopped green onions
4 Persian cucumbers, chopped
2 cups cilantro, chopped
½ cup Thai basil, chopped
⅓ cup chopped roasted peanuts
8-10 flour tortillas, warmed
Chili paste, for serving
Toasted sesame oil, for serving

Directions

Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef with black pepper over medium heat. Break up the meat as it cooks until browned, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, ginger, and Chinese five-spice. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Add Sauce and Simmer: Stir in the tamari (or soy sauce) and Thai chili sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce coats the beef. Stir in 2 tablespoons of chopped green onions and remove from heat.
Prepare the Tortillas: Place one tortilla at a time in the microwave for 15 seconds to warm it up.
Assemble the Rolls: Spoon the beef mixture down the center of each tortilla. Top with cucumber, cilantro, Thai basil, green onions, and chopped peanuts. Fold the bottom of the tortilla over the filling, then fold in the sides and ends, and roll forward to secure the filling.
Serve: Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling. Serve the rolls warm with extra soy sauce, chili paste, and toasted sesame oil for dipping. You can also serve these with rice for a complete meal.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8 rolls
Prep time: 9 minutes
Cook time: 11 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef for tofu or tempeh for a plant-based alternative.
Spicy Adjustment: Increase the amount of chili paste or add fresh chopped chilies for more heat.
Rice Paper Rolls: Instead of tortillas, use rice paper for a lighter, gluten-free option.
Crunchy Additions: Add shredded carrots or cabbage for extra crunch and freshness.
Herb Substitution: If you can’t find Thai basil, regular basil or mint can be used as a substitute.

Storage/Reheating

To store: Keep leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
To freeze: Freeze the assembled rolls before cooking. Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to cook, thaw and pan-fry as directed.
To reheat: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side or in the microwave for 30-60 seconds.

FAQs

Can I use chicken instead of beef for this recipe?

Yes, ground chicken is a great substitute for ground beef in this recipe. It will have a slightly lighter flavor but will still work wonderfully with the sauce.

Can I make the Thai chili sauce at home?

Yes! Homemade Thai chili sauce is easy to make with ingredients like sugar, vinegar, garlic, and chili peppers. You can find simple recipes online to make your own sauce.

Can I prepare these rolls in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Assemble the rolls right before serving for the freshest flavor.

Are these rolls spicy?

The level of spiciness depends on the Thai chili sauce and chili paste you use. Adjust the spice level to your preference by using less sauce or adding more chili.

Can I use a different kind of tortilla?

Yes, you can use whole wheat tortillas or gluten-free tortillas to suit dietary needs.

How do I prevent the tortillas from getting soggy?

Make sure to warm the tortillas just before assembling to keep them soft and prevent any moisture from making them soggy. Don’t overfill them, as that can also cause sogginess.

Can I serve these rolls as a main dish?

Yes, serve the rolls with steamed rice or a side salad for a more filling meal.

Can I bake the rolls instead of pan-frying them?

While pan-frying gives them a crispy texture, you could also bake them at 375°F for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a lighter version.

How do I make these rolls less greasy?

If you want to make the rolls lighter, you can drain any excess fat from the cooked ground beef before adding the sauces.

Can I add more veggies to these rolls?

Absolutely! Feel free to add shredded carrots, bell peppers, or even avocado for extra flavor and texture.

Conclusion

These 20-Minute Thai Basil Beef Rolls are an easy, flavorful, and customizable dish that’s perfect for busy nights or casual gatherings. With the savory ground beef, fresh herbs, and crunchy vegetables wrapped in soft tortillas, each bite is a delightful explosion of flavor. Add your favorite dipping sauces to elevate the taste even further, and enjoy a deliciously quick meal!