Thai Beef Rolls

Not really an authentic Thai recipe, but definitely not a completely American creation, these delicious wraps are so fast and easy to make. A simple sauce can be whipped up in about 5 minutes and the layering of ingredients a mere minute or so. If you need a super fast lunch or al fresco supper on the table, this recipe is for you. The sauce...oh, the sauce. It's super zingy from the addition of fresh ginger and freshly minced garlic, slightly sour from fresh lime juice, and complex with the usage of toasted sesame oil. Deli roast beef ensures the wraps won't be too thick, and fresh lettuce, carrots and mint gently cleanse the palate. Forget firing up the stove tonight - make these wraps and don't fuss in the kitchen!

Thai Beef Wraps

1½ tbsp. freshly squeezed lime juice

1 tbsp. dark toasted sesame oil

1 tbsp. freshly grated ginger

1 tbsp. finely minced garlic

2 tsp. fish sauce (or reduced sodium tamari)

¾ tsp. sugar (or 1 packet Truvia)

2 cups torn Boston lettuce

12 oz. thinly sliced deli roast beef

½ cup matchstick-cut carrots

¼ cup freshly chopped mint

4 (8-inch) flour tortillas

Combine the first 6 ingredients in a small bowl, whisking well. Place the tortillas on a work surface; brush each shell lightly with 2 tsp. of the sauce.

Arrange ½ cup lettuce on each tortilla. Top each with around 3 oz. of the roast beef.

Combine the carrots and the mint. Arrange about 3 tbsp. of the carrot mixture over each serving. Drizzle each serving with about 1 tbsp. of the remaining sauce. Roll them up, slice on the bias, and serve immediately. Two good sides to serve with the wraps are plain rice crackers and sautéed zucchini.

Serves 4

NOTE:  The photo I used shows these wraps made in the small fajita-sized shells, since my local grocery store was out of 8" shells. If you make them using the 8" shells, I strongly recommend doubling the carrot/mint mixture, because if you're like me, you may want to add more of it to your wraps.

This recipe can be made gluten-free if you use your favorite gluten-free wraps and tamari instead of fish sauce or regular soy sauce. Do make sure your roast beef is gluten-free, however!