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Thai Basil Beef Rolls Recipe

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4.1 from 29 reviews

Thai Basil Beef Rolls are a flavorful and fresh take on traditional beef wraps, combining savory ground beef seasoned with garlic, ginger, Chinese 5 spice, and tangy tamari with crisp cucumber, fresh herbs, and crunchy peanuts, all wrapped in warm flour tortillas. Perfect for a light lunch or casual dinner served with dipping sauces and rice.

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8-10 rolls

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 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 version)
  • 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
  • Chili paste, for serving
  • Toasted sesame oil, for serving

Instructions

  1. Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with black pepper, breaking up the meat as it cooks until browned, about 5 minutes. Add the chopped garlic, grated ginger, and Chinese 5 spice and cook for an additional minute to release the flavors.
  2. Add Sauces and Simmer: Pour in the tamari and sweet Thai chili sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook until the sauce thickly coats the beef, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in 2 tablespoons of chopped green onions, then remove from heat.
  3. Warm Tortillas: Heat one tortilla at a time in the microwave for about 15 seconds until warm and pliable.
  4. Assemble Rolls: Spoon a generous amount of the beef mixture down the center of the warmed tortilla. Top with chopped cucumber, cilantro, Thai basil, additional green onion, and roasted peanuts.
  5. Wrap the Rolls: Fold the tortilla over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll forward tightly to enclose the filling. Repeat with remaining tortillas and fillings.
  6. Serve: Serve the rolls warm with extra soy sauce, chili paste, and toasted sesame oil on the side for dipping. For a complete dinner, serve alongside steamed rice.

Notes

  • The homemade Thai chili sauce can be made by blending red chili peppers, garlic, vinegar, sugar, and salt for a fresh spicy-sweet flavor.
  • Adjust the amount of Chinese 5 spice according to your preference, starting with 1 teaspoon for a mild flavor or up to 3 teaspoons for more intensity.
  • For a gluten-free version, use tamari labeled gluten-free and substitute flour tortillas with gluten-free wraps or lettuce leaves.
  • This recipe can be customized by adding shredded carrots or bean sprouts for extra crunch.
  • To make this a complete meal, serve the rolls with jasmine or brown rice.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Thai