Description
These Thai Basil Beef Rolls are a flavorful and refreshing main course featuring savory ground beef infused with aromatic Thai basil and spices, wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves with fresh vegetables. Perfect as a light yet satisfying meal, these rolls offer a delightful balance of spicy, savory, and fresh tastes – making them an excellent choice for a quick stovetop recipe.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef, 85% lean
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 Thai chilies, finely chopped (or 1 serrano for milder heat)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
Assembly and Garnishes
- 8 large lettuce leaves (such as butter lettuce or romaine)
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1 cucumber, sliced into thin sticks
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- Cooked rice noodles or jasmine rice (optional for serving)
Instructions
- Sauté aromatics: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped chilies, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant to release their flavors.
- Cook beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until fully browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes, ensuring there are no pink bits left.
- Add sauces and season: Stir in the soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. Continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the sauce slightly reduce.
- Add basil: Toss in the fresh Thai basil leaves, cooking for an additional minute just until wilted. Then remove the skillet from heat to prevent overcooking and bitterness.
- Assemble rolls: Lay out a large lettuce leaf, spoon a generous amount of the beef mixture onto it, then top with julienned carrot, cucumber sticks, chopped cilantro, and green onions. Optionally, add a small portion of cooked rice or rice noodles for extra substance.
- Serve: Roll the lettuce leaf around the filling tightly and serve immediately for the freshest taste and texture.
Notes
- For extra crunch and texture, sprinkle chopped peanuts or crushed cashews inside the rolls.
- To keep this dish low-carb, omit the rice or rice noodles.
- Adjust the number of chilies according to your preferred spice level.
- You can substitute ground chicken or turkey if you prefer a leaner protein option.
