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Thai Basil Beef Rolls


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  • Author: Alice
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 rolls

Description

Thai Basil Beef Rolls are a quick and flavorful dish that combines savory beef, fresh herbs, and crunchy peanuts in a light wrap. Perfect for a 20-minute meal, these rolls are customizable and can be served with a zesty homemade chili dipping sauce.


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


Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, Thai chili sauce, sesame oil, and Chinese 5-spice powder. Set aside.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula. Drain excess fat. Add the garlic and ginger, cooking for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the sauce mixture and cook for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to coat the beef. Remove from heat.
  3. If using flour tortillas, wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20–30 seconds until soft. If using rice paper, dip each sheet in warm water for a few seconds to soften.
  4. Lay a tortilla or rice paper on a clean surface. Spoon about 2–3 tablespoons of the beef mixture in the center. Top with cucumber matchsticks, cilantro, Thai basil, green onions, and chopped peanuts.
  5. Fold the sides of the tortilla or rice paper and roll tightly from the bottom to form a neat wrap.
  6. To make the dipping sauce, whisk together all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust for sweetness or heat if needed.
  7. Serve the rolls immediately with the dipping sauce on the side.

Notes

  • Protein Alternatives: Ground chicken, turkey, or crumbled tofu work well as substitutes for beef.
  • Herb Substitutes: Use Italian basil or extra cilantro if Thai basil isn’t available.
  • Wrap Choices: Rice paper for gluten-free, whole wheat tortillas for a healthier option.
  • Add Veggies: Shredded carrots, bell peppers, or cabbage add extra crunch and flavor.
  • Freezing: Freeze the beef filling separately for up to 2 months and assemble rolls fresh when ready to serve.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 7 minutes
  • Category: Main Course, Appetizer
  • Method: Stovetop, Wrapping
  • Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 roll
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 350mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg