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Close-up of freshly made Thai Basil Beef Rolls filled with seasoned ground beef, fresh herbs, and vegetables.

Thai Basil Beef Rolls

Spicy, sweet, tangy, and salty. Enjoy these rolls as an appetizer or serve alongside steamed rice for a quick dinner!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Tortilla Warming 15 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 8 rolls
Course: Appetizer, Dinner
Cuisine: Thai

Ingredients
  

For the Rolls
  • 1.5 lb ground beef or chicken or pork
  • 1 tsp black pepper to taste
  • 4 cloves garlic chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh grated ginger or 1/4 cup candied ginger
  • 1-3 tsp Chinese 5 spice
  • 1/3 cup tamari or soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup Thai chili sauce homemade in notes
  • 1/4 cup green onions chopped
  • 4 Persian cucumbers chopped
  • 2 cup cilantro chopped
  • 1/2 cup Thai basil chopped
  • 1/3 cup roasted peanuts chopped
  • 8-10 flour tortillas warmed
For Serving
  • 1 chili paste for serving
  • 1 toasted sesame oil for serving

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Microwave

Method
 

  1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef with black pepper over medium heat. Break up the meat as it cooks until browned, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, ginger, and Chinese 5 spice, and cook for another minute. Add the tamari and sweet Thai chili sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the sauce coats the beef, 3-5 minutes. Stir in 2 tablespoons of the chopped green onions. Remove from heat.
  2. Warm one tortilla at a time in the microwave for 15 seconds. Spoon the beef mixture down the center of the tortilla. Top with cucumber, cilantro, basil, remaining green onion, and peanuts. Fold the tortilla over the filling, then fold the sides and ends of the tortilla over the filling and roll forward. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
  3. Serve warm with extra soy sauce, chili paste, and toasted sesame oil for dipping. To make this a dinner, serve with rice on the side.

Notes

This recipe was inspired by a trip to a night market in Bangkok. The combination of fresh basil, savory beef, and a hint of spice creates a delightful flavor experience. Feel free to adjust the chili sauce and Chinese 5 spice to your preference.

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