The first time my husband introduced me to his mom’s Thai Lettuce Wrap, I was hooked. I remember taking a bite and feeling an explosion of flavors in my mouth – salty, sour, and just a little bit spicy. It was a dish that was both light and satisfying, and I knew I had to learn how to make it myself.
After many dinners where my husband would cook up this delicious dish, I finally got him to teach me how to make it. As it turns out, the recipe is actually quite simple – ground beef seasoned with fish sauce, lime juice, and chili paste, then wrapped in fresh lettuce leaves and garnished with cilantro and chopped peanuts.
I love how versatile this dish is – it can be served as an appetizer or a main course, and it’s perfect for sharing with friends and family. And the best part? It’s actually quite healthy, with the fresh lettuce leaves and protein-packed beef providing a satisfying and nutritious meal.
Now, I find myself making this Thai Lettuce Wrap dish on a regular basis. It’s become one of my go-to recipes when I want something quick and easy to prepare, but still flavorful and satisfying. And every time I make it, I’m reminded of the wonderful flavors and memories that my husband’s mom has brought into our lives.
Ingredients: 3-4 servings
1 lb. ground beef(sirloin is optional)
4 cloves chopped garlic
1 large carrot, chopped
6-8 medium sliced mushrooms
1/2 red bell pepper, chopped (optional jalapeno)
1/2 medium onion, chopped
1 large chopped tomato
1/4 tsp crushed chili peppers
3-4 tbsp. fish sauce
1-2 large sliced lime
5-6 stalks of cilantro, chopped
2 tbsp. butter
fresh lettuce in small plate-like shapes
Cooking Procedure:
- On a strainer, rinse ground beef through a running water. Place the ground beef on a cooking pan, turn stove heat to medium and cook ground beef while occasionally stirring, until beef is golden brown. Place on a strainer and drain excess fat. Set aside.
- Skin off and chop ingredients accordingly. On the same pan, use butter to sauté onions and garlic. Bring back the browned beef and stir to combine ingredients.
- Add chopped carrots, stir to combine for 1-2 minutes, then add the sliced mushroom. Keep stirring ingredients as it cooks. Apply a portion of the fish sauce, squeeze a portion of the sliced limes and keep stirring to combine ingredients.
- Add red bell pepper slices while stirring, drop the sliced tomatoes next. Sprinkle crushed chili pepper and black peppers. Keep stirring as you move along to the next step. Stir for 2-3 more minutes, apply the rest of the fish sauce and lime juice.
- When all is combined and cooked, turn stove off and remove pan from the heat. Top this delicious Thai Lettuce Wrap with chopped cilantro. Stir to combine. Add more fish sauce or a pinch of salt if needed. Do the same with lime.
- Cut some fresh lettuce in wider slices to use them as a wrap. Serve this yummy, spicy lettuce wrap hot, and enjoy!
Tip: Mix delicious Thai Lettuce Wrap with steamed rice and serve it with lettuce, or just eat dish with steamed rice without the lettuce. Remember you also have an option to use beef sirloin slices, rather than ground beef.
