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Flavorful Thai Basil Beef Lettuce Cups Easy Spicy Kick Recipe

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Quick and flavorful Thai basil beef lettuce cups with a perfect spicy kick, wrapped in crisp lettuce for a light yet satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1–2 red chili peppers, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
  • 3 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 head iceberg or butter lettuce, leaves separated and washed
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry the lettuce leaves carefully to keep them crisp.
  2. Finely chop the Thai basil leaves, garlic, red chili peppers, and green onions. Set aside.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon of neutral oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  4. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  5. Stir in the minced garlic and chopped red chili peppers. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  6. Lower heat to medium and add soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Stir well to combine and cook until the mixture is glossy and sticky, about 3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. Remove from heat and fold in the chopped Thai basil and green onions. The residual heat will wilt the basil slightly.
  8. Spoon generous amounts of the beef mixture into each lettuce cup.
  9. Serve immediately with lime wedges for squeezing on top.

Notes

Do not overcook the basil to keep its fresh flavor. If the filling is too dry, add a splash of soy sauce or water. Use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free soy sauce substitute. For less heat, reduce or omit chili peppers and substitute with sweet chili sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: Thai basil beef, lettuce cups, spicy beef recipe, quick dinner, Thai cuisine, ground beef recipe, healthy dinner, low carb, gluten free

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