Description
These Thai Basil Beef Lettuce Wraps are a vibrant and flavorful low-carb meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Ground beef is cooked with garlic and tossed in a savory blend of soy sauce, lime juice, and fresh Thai basil, then wrapped in crisp butter lettuce leaves for a refreshing bite full of herbal aroma and a hint of heat.
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
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 tsp chili flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp oil (vegetable or olive) for sautéing
Instructions
- Prep ingredients: Mince the garlic cloves finely and chop the Thai basil leaves. Make sure the ground beef is fully thawed before cooking.
- Sauté garlic: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until it becomes golden and fragrant, about 30 seconds, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Stir frequently and break up the meat until it is fully browned and no pink remains, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary to keep the dish lean.
- Add sauces: Stir in the low-sodium soy sauce and freshly squeezed lime juice to the cooked beef. If you like heat, sprinkle in the chili flakes and mix well to combine all flavors evenly.
- Mix in basil: Just before serving, gently fold in the chopped Thai basil leaves to preserve their fresh flavor and aroma.
- Assemble wraps: Spoon the warm, flavorful beef mixture into each butter lettuce leaf. Roll up the leaves into wraps and serve immediately for a crisp and savory handheld meal.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content and make the dish healthier.
- Substitute turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option.
- If fresh Thai basil is unavailable, sweet basil can be used but the flavor will be less authentic.
- Adjust chili flakes to taste for desired level of spiciness.
- Butter lettuce is preferred for its tender and flexible leaves, but romaine can work as a substitute.
- Serve with lime wedges on the side for extra tang if desired.
