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Quick Thai Basil Beef Lettuce Wraps

thai basil beef lettuce wraps - featured image
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A quick and easy recipe featuring spicy ground beef flavored with fresh Thai basil, garlic, and chilies, served in crisp butter lettuce leaves for a flavorful, low-carb meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1 cup loosely packed fresh Thai basil leaves
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 2 small red chili peppers, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (regular or low sodium)
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 head butter lettuce, leaves separated
  • Lime wedges, for serving
  • Optional garnishes: chopped peanuts, sliced green onions, extra chili flakes

Instructions

  1. Mince garlic and finely chop red chilies. Rinse and pat dry Thai basil leaves and butter lettuce. Tear lettuce into large, scoopable pieces. (5-7 minutes prep)
  2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add garlic and chilies and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook, stirring frequently, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Add a splash of water or oil if beef looks dry.
  4. Stir in fish sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Cook for another 2 minutes to meld flavors. Adjust saltiness with lime juice if needed.
  5. Remove from heat and fold in fresh Thai basil leaves, allowing them to wilt slightly from residual heat.
  6. Spoon beef mixture into butter lettuce leaves. Garnish with chopped peanuts, sliced green onions, or extra chili flakes if desired.
  7. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the skillet to ensure proper browning of beef. Avoid burning garlic to prevent bitterness. Add basil off heat to preserve aroma and color. Use tamari instead of soy sauce for gluten-free option. Adjust chili quantity to control spice level. Keep lettuce dry and crisp for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Thai basil, beef lettuce wraps, quick dinner, spicy, low-carb, easy recipe, ground beef, lettuce wraps

Find it online: https://flurpchef.com/quick-thai-basil-beef-lettuce-wraps-recipe-for-spicy-flavor-boost/