I recently tried making this Thai Basil Beef Rolls Recipe at home, and I was amazed at how quickly they came together. The flavors are bold—spicy, sweet, and savory all in one bite! I love that this recipe is simple enough for a weeknight dinner but elegant enough to serve guests.
Each roll is packed with fresh herbs, crunchy cucumbers, and perfectly caramelized beef. Honestly, making these felt like bringing a Thai street-food favorite right into my kitchen. You can also enjoy similar flavors with a Honey Chipotle Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe for a quick, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make these flavorful Thai Basil Beef Rolls:
- Ground beef – I prefer 80/20 for juicy, tender rolls.
- Black pepper – freshly cracked for maximum flavor.
- Garlic – finely minced to release its aromatic punch.
- Fresh grated ginger – adds warmth and slight spice.
- Chinese 5 spice – for that signature Asian flavor profile.
- Tamari or soy sauce – choose low-sodium if you want to control salt.
- Thai chili sauce – balances sweetness with heat.
- Chopped green onions – for freshness and crunch.
- Persian cucumbers – thinly sliced for crisp texture.
- Cilantro – roughly chopped for a bright herbal note.
- Thai basil – essential for authentic Thai flavor, substitute with Italian basil if needed.
- Chopped roasted peanuts – for added crunch and nutty taste.
- Flour tortillas – warm and soft, perfect for rolling.
- Chili paste – optional for extra spice kick.
- Toasted sesame oil – a drizzle enhances flavor complexity.
Note: Several servings, depending on the number of tortillas used and beef quantity. If you’re a fan of baked dishes, you might also enjoy the Baked Parmesan Garlic Herb Salmon in Foil Recipe for another simple yet flavorful option.
Variations
You can customize this recipe to fit different preferences:
- Use chicken or pork instead of beef for lighter rolls.
- Substitute flour tortillas with rice paper for gluten-free rolls.
- Replace peanuts with cashews or omit for a nut-free version.
- Make a sugar-free chili sauce using stevia or monk fruit sweetener.
- Add shredded carrots or bell peppers for extra crunch and color.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Equipment You Need
- Large skillet – to cook the beef evenly.
- Grater – for fresh ginger.
- Knife & cutting board – to chop vegetables and herbs.
- Mixing bowl – for combining sauce ingredients.
- Spatula or wooden spoon – to stir and prevent sticking.
How to Make Thai Basil Beef Rolls Recipe?
Prepare the Ingredients
Start by chopping your cucumbers, cilantro, green onions, and Thai basil. Grate fresh ginger and mince the garlic. Having everything prepped ensures the cooking process is quick and smooth.
Cook the Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, garlic, and ginger. Stir frequently until the beef is caramelized, then mix in Chinese 5 spice, Thai chili sauce, and soy sauce for a flavorful coating.
Assemble the Rolls
Warm the tortillas or rice paper, then layer with beef, cucumbers, cilantro, basil, green onions, and peanuts. Fold and roll tightly to create compact, neat rolls ready to serve.
Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better
- I always use fresh herbs; it makes the rolls taste vibrant and aromatic.
- Toasting the peanuts lightly enhances their nutty flavor.
- I like to warm the tortillas in a dry skillet for a minute—it makes rolling much easier.
- Adjust the chili sauce based on your heat preference; I usually start mild and add more if needed.
How to Serve Thai Basil Beef Rolls Recipe?
Serve these rolls warm with a drizzle of toasted sesame oil and extra chili paste on the side. I love arranging them on a long platter, garnished with cilantro sprigs and sliced green onions. Pair them with steamed jasmine rice or a light cucumber salad for a complete meal.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutrition per serving:
- Calories: Approximately 350-400 kcal
- Protein: 22-25g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
- Fat: 18-20g
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing
Keep the beef and vegetables separately in airtight containers. This helps maintain freshness and prevents tortillas from getting soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked beef mixture for up to 2 months. Assemble fresh rolls after thawing for best texture.
Reheating
Reheat the beef gently in a skillet over medium heat. Avoid microwaving the rolled tortillas to keep them from becoming chewy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This Thai Basil Beef Rolls recipe is a must-try for several reasons:
- Quick and Easy – Ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavor Explosion – Spicy, sweet, and savory all in one bite.
- Versatile – Can be made with beef, chicken, pork, or even tofu.
- Fresh and Colorful – Herbs and vegetables brighten up each roll.
- Customizable – Adjust spice, sauce, or toppings to your preference.
These rolls are one of my favorite ways to enjoy Thai-inspired flavors at home without complicated prep. They’re fast, fun to assemble, and always a crowd-pleaser!
Thai Basil Beef Rolls Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Start by chopping your cucumbers, cilantro, green onions, and Thai basil. Grate fresh ginger and mince the garlic. Having everything prepped ensures the cooking process is quick and smooth.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, garlic, and ginger. Stir frequently until the beef is caramelized, then mix in Chinese 5 spice, Thai chili sauce, and soy sauce for a flavorful coating.
- Warm the tortillas or rice paper, then layer with beef, cucumbers, cilantro, basil, green onions, and peanuts. Fold and roll tightly to create compact, neat rolls ready to serve.
Notes
- I always use fresh herbs; it makes the rolls taste vibrant and aromatic.
- Toasting the peanuts lightly enhances their nutty flavor.
- I like to warm the tortillas in a dry skillet for a minute—it makes rolling much easier.
- Adjust the chili sauce based on your heat preference; I usually start mild and add more if needed.