These Thai Basil Beef Rolls are the ultimate fresh and flavorful meal, combining the spicy-sweet punch of garlic, chilies, and Thai basil with savory ground beef. Served in crisp lettuce cups, they’re light yet satisfying—perfect for anyone looking for a quick, nutritious, and flavor-packed dish. Inspired by the popular Thai dish “Pad Kra Pao,” these wraps are a creative, low-carb twist that also help reduce food waste by using leftover greens or herbs from your fridge. They’re fast to prepare and even easier to devour, making them ideal for busy weeknights or laid-back lunches.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Beef Filling:
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1 lb ground beef
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1 tbsp vegetable oil
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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1–2 Thai chilies, finely chopped (adjust to heat preference)
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1 small onion, thinly sliced
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2 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tbsp oyster sauce
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1 tbsp fish sauce
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1 tsp brown sugar
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1/4 cup water
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1 cup Thai basil leaves
To Serve:
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Butter lettuce leaves or romaine hearts
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Cooked jasmine rice (optional)
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Lime wedges
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Chopped peanuts or crispy shallots (optional garnish)
Directions:
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Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and chilies and sauté until fragrant.
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Add the onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
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Stir in the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until fully browned.
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Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and brown sugar. Stir to coat the beef.
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Pour in the water and simmer for 2–3 minutes to thicken and combine flavors.
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Stir in Thai basil leaves and cook for 1 minute until wilted.
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Spoon the beef mixture into lettuce leaves. Add a spoonful of rice if desired.
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Garnish with lime wedges, peanuts, or crispy shallots. Serve immediately.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 280 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 servings
A Thai-Inspired Favorite with a Fresh Twist
Thai Basil Beef Rolls are a refreshing take on the classic Thai street food dish known as “Pad Kra Pao” or Thai basil stir-fry. Traditionally served over rice and topped with a fried egg, this dish is beloved for its savory, spicy, and herbaceous notes. In this version, the hearty beef mixture is nestled into crisp lettuce leaves, transforming it into a low-carb, high-flavor wrap that’s perfect for light meals, snacks, or party appetizers.
This recipe channels all the bold, punchy flavors of Thai cuisine—garlic, chili, umami-rich sauces, and fresh herbs—into a portable and healthy format. It’s approachable for beginner cooks, quick to make, and endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs.
Inspired by Pad Kra Pao: Thailand’s Go-To Street Dish
Pad Kra Pao is one of Thailand’s most iconic comfort foods, commonly made with ground pork or beef, stir-fried with holy basil, garlic, chilies, and a savory sauce blend. The modern twist of serving it in lettuce wraps comes from the growing trend of lighter, gluten-free, and grain-free dining, especially in Western kitchens.
By turning this traditional stir-fry into lettuce rolls, you keep the heart of Thai cuisine alive while making it accessible to more eaters—especially those reducing carbs or avoiding rice. It’s a clever reinvention of a street food staple that keeps the spirit of the original while fitting seamlessly into modern lifestyles.
Bold Flavors from Simple Ingredients
One of the reasons this recipe is so successful is its simplicity. You don’t need a long list of complicated ingredients or hours of cooking time. The flavor comes from everyday pantry staples like soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, and garlic—ingredients that pack a big punch.
The key to getting the most flavor is in the layering of aromatics: sautéing garlic and chili in oil first releases deep, toasty notes that form the flavor base. When paired with sweet onions and then cooked with ground beef, the result is a rich, slightly spicy mixture with layers of umami and heat.
The final step—folding in a generous handful of Thai basil—transforms the dish. Thai basil’s slightly sweet, peppery, and anise-like flavor lifts the entire mixture, giving it the signature Thai profile that sets it apart from any other beef dish.
Healthy, Low-Carb, and Protein-Packed
Beyond the flavor, these Thai Basil Beef Rolls shine from a nutritional perspective. Lettuce leaves replace the typical carb-heavy base of rice or noodles, making this meal naturally low-carb and gluten-free. It’s perfect for anyone following a keto, paleo, or Whole30 lifestyle.
Ground beef provides high-quality protein and essential nutrients like iron and zinc, while Thai basil offers antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. The dish also incorporates healthy fats and minimal sugars, making it a great choice for those looking to eat clean without sacrificing taste.
For a balanced meal, you can serve it with steamed vegetables or a small portion of jasmine or brown rice on the side. It’s satisfying, energizing, and keeps you full without feeling weighed down.
Zero-Waste Friendly and Leftover Smart
This recipe is also ideal for a zero-waste kitchen. It’s a great way to use up leftover greens (romaine, butter lettuce, or even cabbage), wilting herbs like basil or cilantro, and any cooked rice or noodles you have in the fridge. Because the beef mixture is so flavorful, it complements almost anything you pair with it.
You can even turn leftovers into something new—use the beef to fill tacos, toss with salad greens, or stuff into rice paper for spring rolls. The recipe also scales easily, so you can double it for meal prep and enjoy throughout the week in different forms.
Ready in Under 30 Minutes
Time is one of the biggest barriers to home cooking, but this recipe breaks that barrier with ease. From start to finish, it takes less than 30 minutes. That includes chopping, cooking, and assembling. With minimal prep and only one pan needed, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner for busy individuals and families.
Unlike takeout, which often leaves you feeling bloated or sluggish, these beef rolls are light and energizing. You’ll be amazed at how a handful of ingredients can create something so satisfying—and fast.
Customizable for Any Palate
Spice lovers can increase the number of chilies or even drizzle sriracha over the top for an extra kick. For a milder version, use only one chili or substitute with sweet bell peppers. You can also use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives for a different protein source.
Feel free to swap in fresh mint, cilantro, or even arugula if Thai basil isn’t available. You can also add shredded carrots, sliced cucumbers, or bean sprouts for extra texture and freshness. It’s a recipe designed to be customized and adapted to what you have on hand.
Perfect for Entertaining or On-the-Go Meals
Thai Basil Beef Rolls aren’t just great for dinner—they’re also ideal for entertaining. Their bright colors, bold aroma, and hands-on serving style make them perfect for gatherings and appetizer platters. You can even set up a DIY lettuce wrap bar, letting guests build their own with toppings like crushed peanuts, pickled veggies, and sauces.
They also make fantastic portable meals. Pack the beef separately and wrap the lettuce and garnishes in a container for a lunch that’s fresh, fun, and free of sogginess.
Whether you’re planning a casual lunch, party menu, or quick weeknight dinner, this recipe fits the bill beautifully.
Why This Recipe is a Standout
There are countless beef stir-fry recipes out there, but Thai Basil Beef Rolls stand apart because they combine heat, sweetness, and freshness in every bite. The crispness of the lettuce contrasts with the warmth of the beef, while the herbs and chilies add complexity that keeps you coming back for more.
It’s the perfect example of how international flavors can be reimagined for today’s health-conscious home cooks without losing their cultural identity. The vibrant, customizable nature of the dish, along with its fast cooking time, makes it a repeat-worthy favorite in any kitchen.
Conclusion
Thai Basil Beef Rolls are a bold, satisfying, and healthy dish that bridges traditional Thai flavors with modern dietary needs. They’re fast to make, easy to adapt, and incredibly rewarding to eat. Whether you’re embracing a low-carb lifestyle, aiming to reduce food waste, or just looking for something new and delicious, this recipe delivers on all fronts. With every bite, you’ll experience the perfect harmony of savory beef, spicy chilies, aromatic garlic, and fragrant basil—all wrapped in a refreshing lettuce cup. It’s a dish that celebrates balance, flavor, and the joy of cooking at home. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again.