Description
These 20 Minute Thai Basil Beef Rolls are a quick and flavorful Asian-inspired dish featuring seasoned ground beef wrapped in warm flour tortillas with fresh herbs and crunchy peanuts. Perfect for an easy lunch or dinner, they combine savory, spicy, and fresh elements in every bite.
Ingredients
Beef Filling
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 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)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Fresh Toppings
- 4 Persian cucumbers, chopped
- 2 cups cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup Thai basil, chopped
- 1/3 cup chopped roasted peanuts
To Assemble
- 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, cook the ground beef seasoned with black pepper, breaking up the meat until browned, about 5 minutes. Add chopped garlic, grated ginger, and Chinese 5 spice; cook for an additional minute to release the aromas.
- Add Sauces and Simmer: Stir in tamari (or soy sauce) and sweet Thai chili sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickly coats the beef, about 3-5 minutes. Mix in 2 tablespoons of the chopped green onions, then remove from heat.
- Warm the Tortillas: Place one tortilla at a time in the microwave for 15 seconds until warm and pliable.
- Assemble the Rolls: Spoon a generous amount of the beef mixture down the center of each warmed tortilla. Top with chopped cucumber, cilantro, Thai basil, remaining green onions, and chopped roasted peanuts.
- Roll up the Tortillas: Fold the tortilla over the filling, then fold in the sides and ends, rolling forward to secure everything inside. Repeat this process for all tortillas.
- Serve: Serve the rolls warm with additional soy sauce, chili paste, and toasted sesame oil for dipping. For a complete meal, pair with steamed rice on the side.
Notes
- Homemade Sweet Thai Chili Sauce: Combine 1/3 cup honey, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1-2 tablespoons chili sauce, 2 teaspoons lime zest, 2 tablespoons lime juice, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 2 teaspoons tamari or soy sauce, 1 tablespoon grated ginger, and 1 clove grated garlic in a jar. Shake or stir well before using.
- To adjust heat level, vary the amount of Chinese 5 spice and chili sauce used according to your preference.
- For gluten-free option, ensure tortillas are gluten-free and use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- These rolls are best served fresh but can be stored wrapped in foil and reheated gently in a skillet or microwave.
- Prep Time: 9 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
