Go Back
- Ground beef - Fresh Thai basil - Vegetable oil - Garlic and red chili - Soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and sugar - Carrot and cucumber - Butter lettuce or Romaine - Garnishes: crushed peanuts and lime wedges For Thai basil beef lettuce cups, you need fresh and tasty ingredients. The star is ground beef. It brings richness and flavor. Fresh Thai basil adds a sweet and peppery kick. Vegetable oil helps cook the beef and garlic. Garlic and red chili give a nice aroma and spice. Soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce add depth. A little sugar balances the flavors perfectly. Carrots and cucumbers add crunch and freshness. You will serve it all in crisp lettuce cups. Butter lettuce is soft and easy to hold. Romaine gives a nice crunch if you prefer it. Don’t forget the garnishes! Crushed peanuts add texture, while lime wedges bring brightness. Together, these ingredients make a fun and vibrant meal! 1. Heating the skillet Start by heating 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet. Set the heat to medium-high. 2. Sautéing garlic and chili Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and 1 small red chili, finely chopped. Sauté for about 30 seconds. This step makes your kitchen smell amazing. 3. Cooking the ground beef Increase the heat to high. Add 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet. Cook until it is browned and fully cooked. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. 1. Adding sauces and seasoning Once the beef is cooked, add 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon of fish sauce, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Stir everything well and cook for another 2-3 minutes. This helps all the flavors come together. 2. Stirring in Thai basil Remove the skillet from the heat. Add 2 cups of chopped Thai basil leaves and stir until they wilt. This adds a fresh taste to your dish. 3. Assembling the lettuce cups Take the butter lettuce or Romaine leaves and place a spoonful of the beef mixture into each leaf. Top with shredded carrot and thinly sliced cucumber for extra crunch. Don’t forget to sprinkle crushed peanuts on top and serve with lime wedges for a fresh squeeze! - How to avoid overcooking the beef To keep the beef tender, cook it over high heat. Stir often to break it apart. Once it is browned, remove it from heat quickly. This keeps it juicy. - Tips for frying aromatic ingredients Start with a hot skillet for the garlic and chili. Sauté them for just 30 seconds until they smell great. If you cook them too long, they can burn. This can ruin the dish’s taste. - Best sides to enjoy with lettuce cups Serve these cups with a side of rice or noodles. A fresh salad or some pickled veggies also works well. These sides add flavor and texture. - Ideal serving temperature Serve the beef mixture warm. The heat brings out the flavors of the sauces and basil. The cool lettuce makes each bite refreshing and fun. {{image_2}} You can switch the ground beef for chicken or turkey. Ground chicken or turkey works well. They cook quickly and stay juicy. This change makes the dish lighter but still tasty. For a vegetarian option, use tofu or tempeh. Both absorb the sauce flavors well. Just crumble tofu or cut tempeh into small pieces. Cook them in the same way as beef. This way, everyone can enjoy the dish. To manage heat, try different types of chili. A small red chili adds a nice kick. If you want it spicier, use a few Thai bird’s eye chilies. For milder heat, skip the chili or use sweet bell peppers. You can also add more spices for flavor. Try a bit of ginger or a dash of chili flakes. These choices let you customize the heat to your taste. To keep your beef mixture fresh, let it cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. This helps it stay safe to eat. Store the container in the fridge for up to three days. For the lettuce, keep it crisp. Wrap the leaves in a damp paper towel. Place them in a plastic bag, but do not seal it tight. This method helps them stay fresh longer. When reheating, use a skillet on low heat. Add a little water to help steam the beef. This keeps it moist and prevents drying out. Stir often to heat evenly. You can also use a microwave. Place the beef in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds until hot. This method keeps the flavor strong and tasty. If you don’t have fish sauce, you can use soy sauce. Add a bit more sugar for sweetness. Some people use a mix of soy sauce and lime juice. This gives a nice tangy flavor. This dish stays good in the fridge for up to three days. Store the beef mix separately from the lettuce. This keeps the lettuce crisp and fresh. Yes, you can make the beef mixture ahead of time. Just cook it and let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Assemble the cups just before serving for the best taste. Yes, you can freeze the beef mixture. Place it in a freezer-safe bag and remove as much air as possible. It will last for about three months. Thaw it in the fridge before reheating. This blog covered essential ingredients, step-by-step instructions, tips, and variations for lettuce cups. You learned how to cook ground beef with Thai flavors and assemble fresh cups. Remember, you can adjust spice levels or switch proteins to suit your taste. Store leftovers properly to keep everything fresh. Making these cups can be fun, tasty, and easy. Explore the options, and enjoy creating your own delicious wraps.

Thai Basil Beef Lettuce Cups

Discover the delicious burst of flavors in these Thai Basil Beef Lettuce Cups! This easy recipe combines ground beef, fresh Thai basil, and crunchy veggies wrapped in lettuce for a fun and healthy meal. Perfect for dinner or a party, these cups are sure to impress. Click to explore the full recipe and elevate your cooking game today! #ThaiBasilBeef #HealthyRecipes #QuickDinner #YummyEats
Print Recipe Save Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 lb ground beef

2 cups fresh Thai basil leaves, chopped

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 small red chili, finely chopped (adjust for spice level)

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon oyster sauce

1 tablespoon fish sauce

1 teaspoon sugar

1 carrot, shredded

1 cucumber, thinly sliced

1 head of butter lettuce or Romaine, separated into leaves

Crushed peanuts and lime wedges for garnish

Instructions
 

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

    Add minced garlic and chopped red chili, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

      Increase the heat to high and add the ground beef, cooking until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart as it cooks.

        Once the beef is browned, add soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and sugar into the skillet. Stir well to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the flavors meld.

          Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped Thai basil leaves until wilted.

            To assemble the lettuce cups, place a spoonful of the beef mixture into each lettuce leaf.

              Top with shredded carrot and cucumber slices for crunch.

                Serve with crushed peanuts sprinkled on top, and lime wedges on the side for a fresh squeeze.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4