Description
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.
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
Instructions
- 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.
Notes
- 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.
- Prep Time: 9 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
