I love making these fresh, vibrant, and ultra-easy Thai Basil Beef Rolls. With savory ground beef stir-fried in fragrant Thai basil and wrapped in crisp lettuce cups or soft tortillas, they’re a flavorful handheld delight that comes together in just 20 minutes using only five main ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I adore this dish because it delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. The beef is savory and rich, the basil adds that signature aromatic lift, and the lettuce wraps keep things light and fresh. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, casual dinners, or even a fun build-your-own meal with friends. Plus, I can easily change the wrap to suit my mood—lettuce for a lighter version, tortillas for something more filling.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 lb ground beef
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari)
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2 cups Thai basil leaves (Italian basil works in a pinch)
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Butter lettuce leaves for wrapping (or tortillas/rice paper as alternatives)
directions
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Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes.
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Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Add the soy sauce and cook for another 2 minutes, letting the flavors blend.
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Toss in the Thai basil and stir until just wilted, about 1 minute.
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Spoon the beef mixture into lettuce leaves (or softened tortillas/rice paper) and fold or roll to enclose.
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Serve immediately. Sometimes I drizzle sweet chili sauce over the top or sprinkle sliced chili and green onions for extra kick.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Calories: approximately 320 kcal per serving (for ¼ of the recipe)
Variations
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I swap the beef for ground chicken, turkey, or pork.
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For a spicier flavor, I stir in fresh chopped chili or a spoonful of chili paste.
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Sometimes I replace the soy sauce with fish sauce for a deeper umami taste.
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I’ve served the filling over steamed jasmine rice for a quick rice bowl instead of wraps.
storage/reheating
I store the beef filling separately from the lettuce or wraps in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. I reheat the beef in a skillet over medium heat for the best flavor, then assemble fresh wraps when ready to eat.
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, I prepare the beef filling in advance and store it in the fridge, then assemble the rolls just before serving.
2. Can I use dried basil?
I don’t recommend it—fresh Thai basil is key for the authentic flavor. Italian basil can work in a pinch.
3. How do I keep lettuce wraps from tearing?
I use whole, sturdy lettuce leaves and avoid overfilling them.
4. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes—I replace the beef with crumbled firm tofu or plant-based ground meat.
5. What sides go well with Thai Basil Beef Rolls?
I like pairing them with cucumber salad, steamed dumplings, or a light soup.
Conclusion
These Thai Basil Beef Rolls are one of my favorite quick and flavorful meals. They bring together rich, savory beef and aromatic basil in a fresh, easy-to-eat wrap. Whether I’m serving them for dinner, lunch, or a party appetizer, they always disappear fast and leave everyone wanting more.
Print
Thai Basil Beef Rolls
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
A fresh, vibrant, and ultra-easy handheld delight featuring savory ground beef stir‑fry infused with fragrant Thai basil, nestled in crisp lettuce cups or soft tortillas—ready in about 20 minutes with just five main ingredients.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari)
2 cups Thai basil leaves (Italian basil works in a pinch)
Butter lettuce leaves for wrapping (or tortillas/rice paper as alternatives)
Instructions
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned and fully cooked (~6–8 minutes).
Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the soy sauce and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Toss in the Thai basil and stir just until it wilts (about 1 minute).
Spoon the beef mixture into lettuce leaves (or softened tortillas/rice paper). Roll or fold gently to enclose.
Serve immediately—optionally drizzle with sweet chili sauce or garnish with green onions or sliced chili for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main course
