Thai Basil Beef Lettuce Wraps

<h2>Thai Basil Beef Rolls Recipe</h2>
<p>These Thai Basil Beef Rolls are a fresh, flavorful, and quick-to-make appetizer or light meal. Ground beef is sautéed with aromatic garlic, onions, and optional chili, then infused with a savory-sweet sauce and fresh Thai basil. Served in crisp lettuce leaves and topped with julienned vegetables, they create a perfect balance of heat, herbaceous notes, and crunchy freshness. Ideal for weeknight dinners, party platters, or even meal prep, they’re ready in under 30 minutes and packed with vibrant flavors.</p>

<h2>Ingredients</h2>
<ul>
<li>1 lb ground beef</li>
<li>1 tablespoon vegetable oil</li>
<li>3 cloves garlic, minced</li>
<li>1 small onion, finely chopped</li>
<li>1 red chili, thinly sliced (optional for heat)</li>
<li>2 tablespoons soy sauce</li>
<li>1 tablespoon fish sauce</li>
<li>1 tablespoon oyster sauce</li>
<li>1 teaspoon sugar</li>
<li>1/2 cup fresh Thai basil leaves</li>
<li>Butter lettuce or romaine leaves (for wrapping)</li>
<li>1 carrot, julienned</li>
<li>1 cucumber, julienned</li>
<li>Lime wedges (for serving)</li>
</ul>

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<h2>Instructions</h2>
<ol>
<li>Heat the vegetable oil in a medium skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Ensure the pan is hot before adding the oil so that the garlic and onion sizzle gently, releasing their aromas without burning.</li>
<li>Add the minced garlic and finely chopped onion to the pan. Sauté for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant. Watch carefully to avoid browning the garlic, which can turn bitter.</li>
<li>Add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to break it up into small, even crumbles. Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned and no pink remains. The beef should have a slightly caramelized surface for extra flavor.</li>
<li>Stir in the thinly sliced red chili (if using), soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. Mix thoroughly so that the sauce evenly coats all the beef. Continue cooking for another 3–4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the liquid to reduce slightly, forming a glossy, flavorful mixture.</li>
<li>Add the fresh Thai basil leaves last, tossing them just until they are wilted but still bright green. Remove the pan from heat immediately after this step to preserve the delicate herb flavors.</li>
<li>Lay out the lettuce leaves on a large serving platter. Gently spoon a portion of the beef mixture into each leaf, taking care not to overfill so that they can be easily wrapped and eaten by hand.</li>
<li>Top each beef-filled leaf with julienned carrots and cucumber. The fresh crunch of the vegetables balances the rich, savory beef while adding color and texture to the presentation.</li>
<li>Serve the rolls immediately with lime wedges on the side. Squeezing fresh lime juice over each roll adds a bright, tangy contrast that enhances the depth of the Thai flavors.</li>
</ol>

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<h2>Tips and Notes</h2>
<ul>
<li>For a milder version, omit the red chili or remove seeds before slicing.</li>
<li>Butter lettuce is preferred for its soft, pliable leaves, but romaine or iceberg can also be used for extra crunch.</li>
<li>These rolls can be made ahead and stored in the fridge, but assemble just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp.</li>
<li>Pair with a light dipping sauce of extra lime juice, fish sauce, and a pinch of sugar for a more authentic Thai experience.</li>
<li>Approximate prep time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Total time: 25 minutes. Nutritional content varies depending on lettuce and vegetable portions.</li>
</ul>