Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant streets of Bangkok! These Thai Basil Beef Lettuce Wraps are not just a meal—they're a flavor explosion waiting to happen. Imagine tender, perfectly seasoned ground beef dancing with aromatic Thai basil, all nestled in a crisp butter lettuce leaf that provides the ultimate fresh crunch. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive appetizer that will wow your guests, this recipe is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Thai
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 500g ground beef
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
- 1 head of butter lettuce, leaves separated
- Chopped peanuts for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Ensure the ground beef is thawed if previously frozen, and wash the Thai basil leaves and butter lettuce thoroughly. Pat the lettuce leaves dry with a paper towel and set them aside.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat the 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Allow the oil to heat until shimmering but not smoking.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds, or until the garlic becomes fragrant and starts to turn golden. Be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic can impart a bitter flavor.
- Once the garlic is aromatic, add the 500g of ground beef to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break the meat apart, stirring it to cook evenly. Continue cooking for about 5-7 minutes, or until the beef is browned and fully cooked through.
- After the beef is cooked, reduce the heat to medium. Pour in the 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, and 1 tablespoon of fish sauce. Stir well to combine all the ingredients, ensuring the beef is evenly coated with the sauces.
- Add the 1 cup of fresh Thai basil leaves to the skillet. Stir them into the beef mixture, allowing them to wilt slightly from the heat. This should take about 1-2 minutes.
- Once the basil is wilted and fragrant, remove the skillet from the heat. Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more soy sauce or fish sauce according to your preference.
- To serve, take a butter lettuce leaf and spoon a generous amount of the Thai basil beef mixture into the center of the leaf. Optionally, sprinkle some chopped peanuts on top for added crunch and flavor.
- Wrap the lettuce leaf around the filling like a taco and enjoy! Repeat the process with the remaining lettuce leaves and beef mixture. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Tips
- Meat Selection: Choose ground beef with a moderate fat content (80/20) for the best flavor and juiciness.
- Basil Freshness: Use fresh Thai basil if possible—its unique flavor is different from regular sweet basil and makes a huge difference in the dish.
- Heat Control: When sautéing garlic, watch it carefully. Golden is good, burnt is bad! Keep the heat at medium-high and stir constantly.
- Sauce Balance: Taste and adjust your sauces. The combination of soy, oyster, and fish sauce should create a harmonious umami flavor.
- Lettuce Prep: Carefully separate and wash butter lettuce leaves, ensuring they're completely dry to prevent sogginess.
- Optional Garnish: Experiment with additional toppings like chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or a squeeze of lime for extra brightness.
- Serving Tip: Serve immediately while the beef is hot and the lettuce is crisp for the best texture and temperature contrast.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 90mg
