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A single Thai Basil Beef Lettuce Wrap, ready to eat, garnished with cilantro and a lime wedge, presented on a rustic background.

Sizzling 20-Minute Thai Basil Beef Lettuce Wraps

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Experience a burst of fresh, aromatic Thai flavors in record time with these incredible 20-Minute Thai Basil Beef Lettuce Wraps. Tender, seasoned ground beef is stir-fried to perfection with fragrant Thai basil, pungent garlic, and a savory-sweet-spicy sauce, all nestled in crisp lettuce cups. Perfect for a lightning-fast weeknight dinner, a light and satisfying lunch, or an impressive appetizer for unexpected guests, this recipe delivers maximum taste with minimal effort. It’s an effortlessly delicious way to bring the vibrant tastes of Southeast Asia right to your kitchen table, proving that gourmet flavors don’t have to take all day.

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil (like canola or vegetable oil)
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 shallots, thinly sliced
  • 1-2 fresh red chilies (like bird's eye), thinly sliced (or 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, adjusted to taste)
  • 1/4 cup light soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce (for color and depth, optional)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves, packed
  • Large crisp lettuce leaves (butter lettuce, romaine, or iceberg) for serving
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish (optional)
  • Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the light soy sauce, dark soy sauce (if using), brown sugar, fresh lime juice, and water until the sugar is dissolved. Set aside.
  2. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat and discard.
  3. Add the minced garlic, sliced shallots, and sliced fresh chilies (or red pepper flakes) to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  4. Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the beef and aromatics. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and coat the beef.
  5. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the fresh Thai basil leaves. Toss until the basil wilts slightly, which should happen quickly from the residual heat.
  6. Serve immediately by spooning the Thai basil beef mixture into crisp lettuce leaves. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with extra lime wedges on the side for squeezing.

Notes

For an extra kick, increase the amount of fresh chilies or add a dash of sriracha to the sauce. If Thai basil is hard to find, regular sweet basil can be used, though the flavor profile will be slightly different. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days and reheated gently.

  • Author: Cook Reel
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stir-frying
  • Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 550mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Find it online: https://cookreel.com/20-minute-thai-basil-beef-wraps/

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