Description
These Thai Basil Beef Lettuce Wraps are a flavorful and quick Asian-inspired dish featuring lean ground beef sautéed with garlic, fresh Thai basil, and a tangy soy-lime sauce, all wrapped in crisp butter lettuce leaves. Perfect for a light, low-carb meal that comes together in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves, chopped
- 8 large butter lettuce leaves
Sauces and Seasonings
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 tsp chili flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp cooking oil (such as vegetable or canola oil)
Instructions
- Prep ingredients: Mince the garlic cloves finely and chop the fresh Thai basil leaves. Ensure the ground beef is fully thawed for even cooking.
- Sauté garlic: Heat the cooking oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until golden and fragrant, about 30 seconds, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and stir frequently to break it apart. Cook until the beef is fully browned and no pink remains, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
- Add sauces: Stir in the low-sodium soy sauce and freshly squeezed lime juice to the cooked beef. Add chili flakes if you desire some heat. Mix well to coat the beef evenly with the sauce.
- Mix in basil: Remove the skillet from heat and gently fold in the chopped Thai basil leaves just before serving to preserve their fresh flavor and aroma.
- Assemble wraps: Spoon generous portions of the flavorful beef mixture into each butter lettuce leaf. Roll or fold the leaves to create neat wraps and serve immediately for the best texture and taste.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef for a healthier wrap with less fat content.
- Butter lettuce works best due to its large, sturdy, and tender leaves that hold the filling well.
- Adjust chili flakes according to your preferred spice level or omit them for a mild version.
- For a low-carb meal, avoid adding rice or noodles; the lettuce wrap keeps it light.
- Fresh Thai basil is key for authentic flavor, but if unavailable, you can substitute with sweet basil as a last resort.
