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Thai Basil Beef Lettuce Wraps

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A quick and easy Thai-inspired recipe featuring ground beef cooked with fresh Thai basil, garlic, and a spicy kick, served in crisp butter lettuce leaves for a refreshing and flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio recommended)
  • 1 cup packed fresh Thai basil leaves
  • 3 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjustable)
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 8–10 large butter lettuce leaves

Instructions

  1. Mince 3 garlic cloves, slice 2 green onions thinly, and pick the Thai basil leaves from their stems. Rinse and carefully separate about 8-10 large butter lettuce leaves; pat dry with paper towels.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add minced garlic and 1 teaspoon red chili flakes. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Add 1 pound ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula and let it brown evenly without stirring too much at first, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Once the beef is no longer pink, stir in 2 tablespoons fish sauce, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon brown sugar. Mix well to coat the beef evenly. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  5. Turn off the heat and fold in about 1 cup packed Thai basil leaves, allowing the residual heat to wilt them gently.
  6. Spoon the beef mixture into the center of each lettuce leaf. Garnish with sliced green onions and optional toppings like chopped peanuts or a squeeze of fresh lime. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use medium-high heat to avoid burning garlic and to brown beef properly. Add Thai basil only at the end to preserve its fresh flavor. Chill lettuce leaves before serving for extra crunch. Adjust chili flakes to control spice level. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.

Nutrition

Keywords: Thai basil, beef lettuce wraps, spicy, quick dinner, easy recipe, ground beef, Thai food, lettuce wraps

Find it online: https://bitematrix.com/thai-basil-beef-lettuce-wraps-easy-homemade-recipe-with-spicy-kick/