Description
Thai Basil Beef Lettuce Wraps feature savory ground beef cooked with garlic, chilies, bell pepper, and aromatic Thai basil, all wrapped in crisp butter lettuce leaves. This quick and flavorful dish is perfect as a light lunch, appetizer, or easy weeknight dinner that balances fresh vegetables with a zesty, sweet-savory sauce.
Ingredients
Beef Mixture
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil or vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 1 red chili, thinly sliced, optional
- 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar or honey
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
Fresh Ingredients & Garnishes
- 1 cup fresh Thai basil or regular basil leaves
- 1 head butter lettuce, leaves separated
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
- Green onions for serving
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, brown sugar (or honey), and toasted sesame oil until well combined. Set this aside.
- Heat the Oil: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the avocado or vegetable oil. Allow the oil to warm up for about 30 seconds.
- Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: Add the finely chopped shallot, minced garlic, sliced red chili (if using), and diced red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Using a spoon or spatula, break the beef apart and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently until the beef is fully browned and no pink remains. Drain any excess grease from the pan if necessary.
- Add the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the cooked beef mixture. Stir well to ensure all the beef is coated. Continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce reduces slightly and melds with the meat.
- Incorporate Basil: Remove the skillet from the heat and gently fold in the fresh Thai basil leaves, allowing the residual heat to wilt the basil slightly without cooking it fully.
- Assemble the Wraps: Spoon generous amounts of the beef mixture into individual butter lettuce leaves. Top each wrap with shredded carrots, thin cucumber slices, and green onions as desired.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the lettuce wraps immediately with lime wedges on the side to squeeze over for an added fresh tang.
Notes
- Ground chicken or turkey can be used as a substitute for ground beef for a lighter option.
- Adjust the quantity of red chili according to your heat preference or omit for a milder version.
- If Thai basil is unavailable, regular sweet basil is an acceptable alternative though flavor will be slightly different.
- Keep the beef filling and lettuce leaves separate when storing leftovers to maintain lettuce crispness.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure the fish sauce is gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Thai-Inspired
