Thai Basil Beef Rolls are an exciting, quick-to-make dish that combines savory beef, aromatic herbs, and a crunchy texture in every bite. Perfect for weeknight dinners or as an appetizer, these rolls come together in under 20 minutes. The combination of ground beef, fresh herbs, and zesty dipping sauce makes these rolls irresistible and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting guests, these Thai-inspired rolls offer a delightful meal that feels indulgent without the hassle.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a fantastic go-to for a busy night or when you want something fun to make and eat. Here are a few reasons why Thai Basil Beef Rolls stand out:

• Quick and Easy: With just 20 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight or even last-minute entertaining.

• Incredibly Flavorful: The beef is seasoned with garlic, ginger, and savory sauces, complemented by fresh Thai basil and cilantro, creating a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy.

• Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients to suit your preferences, such as using ground chicken or turkey instead of beef, or even using rice paper for a gluten-free option.

• Family-Friendly: The mild heat level, combined with crunchy peanuts and fresh veggies, makes it appealing to both kids and adults.

• Balanced Texture: Every bite is a combination of soft, savory beef, crunchy cucumbers, fresh herbs, and peanuts for added crunch.

• Meal Prep Friendly: Prepare the beef filling in advance and simply assemble the rolls when you’re ready to eat.

Ingredients

For the Beef Filling:

• 1 lb ground beef (or substitute with ground chicken or turkey)

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

• 1 teaspoon Chinese 5-spice powder

• 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce or tamari

• 1 tablespoon Thai chili sauce (adjust based on spice preference)

• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

For the Rolls:

• 8 small flour tortillas or rice paper wrappers

• 2 Persian cucumbers, thinly sliced into matchsticks

• 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves

• 1 cup Thai basil leaves (or substitute with Italian basil or more cilantro)

• 3 green onions, finely chopped

• ½ cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped

Optional Homemade Chili Dipping Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 1 tablespoon ketchup

• 1 tablespoon chili paste (like sambal oelek)

• 1 teaspoon lime zest

• 1 tablespoon lime juice

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon tamari

• 1 teaspoon grated ginger

• 1 clove garlic, finely grated

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Sauce Mixture for the Beef:
   In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, Thai chili sauce, sesame oil, and Chinese 5-spice powder. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.

2. Cook the Beef:
   Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes, then drain any excess fat if needed. Add the garlic and ginger, cooking for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the prepared sauce mixture and cook for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce and coat the beef evenly. Remove from heat and set aside.

3. Warm the Tortillas:
   If using flour tortillas, wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20–30 seconds until soft and pliable. If using rice paper, dip each sheet in warm water for a few seconds until softened.

4. Assemble the Rolls:
   Lay a tortilla or rice paper on a clean surface. Spoon about 2–3 tablespoons of the beef mixture into the center. Top with cucumber matchsticks, cilantro, Thai basil, green onions, and chopped peanuts. Fold in the sides of the tortilla or rice paper and roll tightly from the bottom up to form a neat wrap.

5. Make the Dipping Sauce (Optional):
   In a small bowl, whisk together all the dipping sauce ingredients until smooth. Adjust for sweetness or heat if needed.

6. Serve Immediately:
   Place the rolls on a serving platter. Serve warm with the dipping sauce on the side.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes 8 rolls

• Total Time: 20 minutes (including prep and cook time)

Variations

• Protein Alternatives: Swap ground beef for ground chicken, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

• Herb Substitutes: If you can’t find Thai basil, Italian basil or extra cilantro works well as substitutes.

• Wrap Choices: Use rice paper for a lighter, gluten-free version or whole wheat tortillas for a healthier twist.

• Add Veggies: For more crunch, add shredded carrots, cabbage, or bell peppers to the filling.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover beef filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Assemble the rolls fresh when you’re ready to eat to prevent the tortillas from becoming soggy.

• Freezing: Freeze the cooked beef mixture separately in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

• Reheating: Reheat the beef filling in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. Warm tortillas or rice paper before assembling fresh rolls.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can cook the beef mixture in advance and store it in the fridge. Assemble the rolls just before serving to keep the texture fresh.

What if I can’t find Thai basil?

You can substitute with Italian basil or extra cilantro for a similar effect.

Are these rolls spicy?

They have a mild heat. You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili sauce to suit your preference.

Can I make them vegetarian?

Yes, you can substitute the beef with crumbled tofu, mushrooms, or a plant-based meat alternative.

Can I use a different wrapper?

Yes, you can use rice paper, lettuce leaves, or whole wheat wraps depending on your preference.

What kind of peanuts should I use?

Dry roasted and unsalted peanuts are ideal, but lightly salted peanuts will work if you prefer more flavor.

Can I skip the dipping sauce?

While you can skip the dipping sauce, it adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the rolls. Even a simple soy sauce and sesame oil mixture can be a great alternative.

What’s a good substitute for Chinese 5-spice?

If you can’t find Chinese 5-spice, try a mix of cinnamon, star anise, fennel, and cloves, or just use allspice as a substitute.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use tamari instead of soy sauce and opt for gluten-free wraps or rice paper to make it fully gluten-free.

Can kids eat this?

Yes, they can! Just reduce or omit the chili sauce to make the rolls more kid-friendly.

Conclusion

These Thai Basil Beef Rolls are a delicious and quick meal, perfect for busy nights or any time you’re craving something packed with flavor. The tender beef, crisp veggies, and fresh herbs all wrapped up in a warm tortilla or rice paper make each bite exciting. Whether you’re preparing dinner for the family or serving up appetizers at a party, this recipe is sure to impress. Try it today and let it become a regular in your weeknight rotation!