Thai Basil Beef Rolls

These Thai Basil Beef Rolls are a fresh, fast, and flavorful option I love making when I want something light but satisfying. Packed with savory beef, herbs, crunchy cucumber, and a touch of heat, they’re wrapped in warm tortillas or rice paper and come together in just 20 minutes. Whether I’m making lunch, party bites, or an easy dinner, these rolls always hit the spot.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s quick, bold, and easy to customize. The ground beef is seasoned with garlic, ginger, and five-spice for richness, then brightened up with Thai chili sauce and fresh herbs. Every bite gives me that contrast of warm, savory meat with cool, crisp veggies. It’s a fun twist on classic flavors, and the wraps make them easy to grab and go. Plus, they’re just as good hot or at room temp.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground beef (or ground chicken)
black pepper
garlic
fresh grated ginger
Chinese five-spice
tamari or soy sauce
Thai chili sauce
green onions
Persian cucumbers
cilantro
Thai basil
chopped roasted peanuts
flour tortillas (or rice paper wraps)
chili paste (for serving)
toasted sesame oil (for serving)

directions

1. Cook the Beef
I heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef and a pinch of black pepper. I cook it, breaking it up, until browned—about 5 minutes. Then I stir in garlic, grated ginger, and Chinese five-spice and cook for another minute.

2. Add Flavor
Next, I pour in tamari (or soy sauce) and Thai chili sauce. I let everything simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the meat. Then I stir in chopped green onions.

3. Warm the Wraps
I microwave each tortilla for about 15 seconds so they’re soft and easy to roll. If I’m using rice paper, I soak each sheet briefly in warm water until pliable.

4. Assemble the Rolls
I place a spoonful of the beef mixture onto the bottom third of a tortilla or rice paper. Then I layer on sliced cucumber, fresh cilantro, Thai basil, extra green onions, and a sprinkle of peanuts.

5. Roll and Serve
I roll it up tightly like a burrito—folding in the sides as I go—and serve the rolls with chili paste and a drizzle of toasted sesame oil on the side.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 8 rolls and takes around 20 minutes total: 10 minutes to prep and 10 minutes to cook and assemble. It’s fast, simple, and perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers.

Variations

I like to switch things up depending on what I have. Ground chicken  works just as well as beef. If I want a lighter version, I use rice paper wraps instead of tortillas. No Thai basil? I use regular basil or more cilantro. For a vegetarian twist, I swap in sautéed mushrooms or tofu and keep the same seasonings.

storage/reheating

To Store:
I keep leftover rolls in an airtight container in the fridge. They’re best eaten within 2–3 days. I store them uncut to keep them from drying out.

To Reheat:
For tortillas, I reheat them gently in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or warm them in a skillet. Rice paper rolls I eat cold or at room temp.

FAQs

Can I use rice paper instead of tortillas?

Yes, rice paper works great. It makes the rolls lighter and gluten-free. I just soak each sheet in warm water for a few seconds to soften before wrapping.

What if I can’t find Thai basil?

I use regular basil or more cilantro. Thai basil has a slight anise flavor, but the recipe still works beautifully without it.

Can I make these ahead of time?

I cook the beef mixture in advance and store it in the fridge. When I’m ready to serve, I warm it and assemble the rolls fresh for the best texture.

How do I keep the rolls from falling apart?

I make sure the wraps are soft and don’t overfill them. Folding the sides in before rolling helps everything stay tucked in nicely.

How spicy are these?

They’re mildly spicy from the Thai chili sauce. For more heat, I add extra chili paste when serving. If I want a milder version, I just reduce the chili sauce.

Conclusion

These Thai Basil Beef Rolls are everything I want in a quick meal—bold, fresh, and easy to make. Whether I’m wrapping them in tortillas or rice paper, the flavor always delivers. I love that they’re customizable, great hot or cold, and perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying solo. Give them a try and see how fast they disappear!

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