Description
These Thai Basil Beef Lettuce Wraps are a quick and flavorful dish featuring lean ground beef sautéed with garlic, fresh Thai basil, and tangy lime juice. Wrapped in crisp butter lettuce leaves, this recipe offers a light and refreshing meal perfect for a healthy appetizer or light dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves, chopped
- 8 large butter lettuce leaves
Sauces & Seasonings
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 tsp chili flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp cooking oil (for sautéing garlic)
Instructions
- Prep ingredients: Mince the garlic cloves finely and chop the fresh Thai basil leaves. Make sure your ground beef is thawed completely for even cooking.
- Sauté garlic: Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds or until golden and fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Stir frequently to break it up and ensure even cooking. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the beef is fully browned. If there is excess fat, drain it carefully.
- Add sauces: Stir in the low-sodium soy sauce and freshly squeezed lime juice. Add chili flakes if you prefer a spicy kick. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
- Mix in basil: Remove the skillet from heat and gently fold in the chopped Thai basil leaves, allowing the residual heat to release their aromatic flavor without wilting them too much.
- Assemble wraps: Lay out the butter lettuce leaves and spoon the beef mixture evenly into each leaf. Roll or fold the lettuce wraps and serve immediately for the freshest texture.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to keep the dish light and healthy.
- Butter lettuce works best due to its large, flexible leaves that hold the filling well.
- Adjust chili flakes according to your spice preference or omit if you prefer mild flavors.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari.
- Serve with additional lime wedges for an extra tangy burst.
