Description
These 20 Minute Thai Basil Beef Rolls combine savory ground beef with aromatic Thai herbs and spices wrapped in warm tortillas for a quick and flavorful meal. Perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner, they are served with fresh cucumber, herbs, and chopped peanuts for a delightful crunch and authenticity.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Filling
- 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)
- 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 Vegetables and Herbs
- 4 Persian cucumbers, chopped
- 2 cups cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup Thai basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (additional for topping)
Assembly
- 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, cook the ground beef with black pepper over medium heat, breaking up the meat as it cooks until browned, about 5 minutes. Add the chopped garlic, grated ginger, and Chinese 5 spice, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Sauces and Simmer: Pour in the tamari or soy sauce and Thai chili sauce, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes until the sauce coats the beef thoroughly. Stir in 2 tablespoons of chopped green onions, then remove the skillet from heat.
- Warm Tortillas: Microwave one tortilla at a time for 15 seconds until warm and pliable.
- Assemble Rolls: Spoon a portion of the beef mixture down the center of each tortilla. Top with chopped cucumber, cilantro, Thai basil, additional green onions, and chopped roasted peanuts.
- Roll the Tortillas: Fold the sides and ends of the tortilla over the filling, then roll forward to enclose the ingredients securely. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
- Serve: Serve the rolls warm with extra soy sauce, chili paste, and toasted sesame oil for dipping. For a complete dinner, serve alongside steamed rice.
Notes
- For a homemade sweet Thai chili sauce, combine 1/3 cup honey, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 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.
- Ground chicken or pork can be used instead of beef for variation.
- To make this dish gluten free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten free tortillas.
- For added freshness, serve with lime wedges on the side.
- To keep rolls from becoming soggy, assemble just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
