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Thai Basil Beef Rolls Recipe
Ben Carraoli

Thai Basil Beef Rolls Recipe

I recently tried making these Thai Basil Beef Rolls 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.
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Total Time 20 minutes
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 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.

Method
 

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.