20 Minute Thai Basil Beef Rolls Recipe
These 20 Minute Thai Basil Beef Rolls offer a flavorful and quick Asian-inspired dish featuring ground beef cooked with aromatic spices, fresh herbs like Thai basil and cilantro, and crisp cucumbers, all wrapped in warm flour tortillas. Perfect as a light meal or appetizer, they can be served with dipping sauces and rice for a complete dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (or chicken)
- 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 notes for homemade recipe)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 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
For Serving
- Chili paste
- Toasted sesame oil
Instructions
- Cook the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and season with black pepper. Break up the meat as it cooks and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
- Add aromatics and spices: Stir in the chopped garlic, grated ginger, and Chinese 5 spice. Cook for another minute to release the flavors.
- Simmer with sauces: Pour in the tamari (or soy sauce) and Thai chili sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickly coats the beef. Stir in 2 tablespoons of chopped green onions, then remove from heat.
- Warm tortillas: Place one tortilla at a time in the microwave for about 15 seconds until warm and pliable.
- Assemble the rolls: Spoon the beef mixture down the center of each warmed tortilla. Top with chopped cucumber, cilantro, Thai basil, remaining green onions, and roasted peanuts.
- Roll the tortillas: Fold the tortilla over the filling, then fold the sides and ends inwards, and roll forward tightly to enclose all ingredients.
- Serve: Serve the rolls warm with extra soy sauce, chili paste, and toasted sesame oil for dipping. For a fuller meal, serve alongside steamed rice.
Notes
- Homemade Thai chili sauce can be made by combining chili flakes, garlic, sugar, vinegar, and water simmered until slightly thickened.
- You can substitute ground chicken for beef for a lighter version.
- Make sure tortillas are warmed to avoid cracking while rolling.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free tamari and tortillas.
