Description
These 20 Minute Thai Basil Beef Rolls are a quick and flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight meal or appetizer. Ground beef is sautéed with aromatic garlic, ginger, and Chinese five-spice, then simmered in tamari and sweet Thai chili sauce for a savory-sweet glaze. Fresh herbs, crunchy cucumber, and roasted peanuts add texture and freshness as the filling is wrapped in warm flour tortillas to create delicious, easy-to-eat rolls served with chili paste and toasted sesame oil for dipping.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasonings
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (or chicken or pork)
- Black pepper, to taste
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger (or 1/4 cup candied ginger)
- 1-3 teaspoons Chinese five-spice powder
- 1/3 cup tamari or soy sauce
- 1/4 cup Thai chili sauce (see notes for homemade version)
Fresh Ingredients and Herbs
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions, plus 2 tablespoons reserved for mixing
- 4 Persian cucumbers, chopped
- 2 cups cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup Thai basil, chopped
Other Ingredients
- 1/3 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 over medium heat, add the ground beef and season with black pepper. Cook while breaking up the meat with a spoon until browned, about 5 minutes.
- Add aromatics and spices: Stir in chopped garlic, grated ginger, and Chinese five-spice powder, and cook for another minute to release their flavors.
- Simmer with sauces: Pour in the tamari (or soy sauce) and sweet Thai chili sauce. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickly coats the beef. Stir in 2 tablespoons of chopped green onions, then remove from heat.
- Prepare tortillas: Warm each flour tortilla one at a time in the microwave for 15 seconds to make them pliable.
- Assemble the rolls: Spoon the seasoned beef mixture down the center of each tortilla. Top with chopped cucumber, cilantro, Thai basil, remaining green onions, and roasted peanuts. Fold the bottom of the tortilla over the filling, then fold the sides in and roll forward to secure the filling inside.
- Serve: Serve the beef rolls warm with additional soy sauce, chili paste, and toasted sesame oil on the side for dipping. For a complete meal, accompany with rice.
Notes
- To make homemade Thai chili sauce: Combine 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce with 1 tablespoon sriracha or other chili sauce to taste.
- You can substitute ground chicken or pork for the beef if preferred.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari and gluten-free tortillas or lettuce wraps.
- Warm tortillas briefly to make rolling easier and prevent cracking.
- Serving this dish with steamed jasmine rice makes it a filling dinner option.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai