Dive into the vibrant world of Vietnamese cuisine with our irresistible Beef Lettuce Wraps! Bursting with flavor and freshness, these wraps are not just a meal; they’re an experience waiting to happen. Imagine juicy, marinated ground beef nestled in crisp butter lettuce, complemented by tender rice noodles and a zesty cucumber relish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun gathering with friends, this dish is sure to impress. Ready to tantalize your taste buds? Let’s unwrap the secrets to creating this delightful dish!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 head of butter lettuce
- 1 cup rice noodles
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- Fresh herbs (mint, cilantro, basil)
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Gather 1 pound of ground beef, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of fish sauce, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Set aside a head of butter lettuce, 1 cup of rice noodles, and 1 cucumber, which you will slice later. Also, prepare fresh herbs such as mint, cilantro, and basil.
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the ground beef, soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar. Mix well until the ingredients are evenly incorporated. This will marinate the beef and enhance its flavor.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned ground beef mixture to the skillet. Cook the beef for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it is fully cooked and browned. Ensure there are no pink bits remaining.
- While the beef is cooking, prepare the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Typically, this involves boiling water and cooking the noodles for about 3-5 minutes until they are tender. Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set them aside.
- Next, prepare the cucumber relish. Slice the cucumber thinly and place it in a small bowl. You can add a pinch of salt and a splash of rice vinegar to enhance its flavor, if desired. This will create a refreshing contrast to the savory beef.
- Once the beef is cooked and the rice noodles are ready, it’s time to assemble the wraps. Take a leaf of butter lettuce and place a small amount of rice noodles in the center. Top with a generous scoop of the cooked ground beef.
- Add a few slices of cucumber on top of the beef, followed by a handful of fresh herbs like mint, cilantro, and basil. These herbs will add a burst of freshness and flavor to your wraps.
- Carefully fold the lettuce leaf around the filling to create a wrap. You can enjoy these wraps immediately, or serve them with extra soy sauce or a dipping sauce of your choice.
- To serve, arrange the wraps on a platter and garnish with additional herbs. Enjoy your Vietnamese Beef Lettuce Wraps with Rice Noodles and Cucumber Relish!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, prepare your ingredients in advance. Chop the cucumber and herbs, and mix the beef marinade the night before for even more flavor.
- Adjust the Heat: If you enjoy a little kick, consider adding some sliced chili peppers or a dash of sriracha to the beef mixture.
- Perfectly Cooked Noodles: Be sure to rinse the rice noodles under cold water after cooking. This not only stops the cooking process but also prevents them from sticking together.
- Experiment with Greens: While butter lettuce is traditional, feel free to mix it up with other leafy greens like romaine or even collard greens for a different flavor and texture.
- Make it a Meal: Serve these wraps with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad to round out your meal and add more freshness.
- Dipping Sauce Delight: Enhance your dining experience with a homemade dipping sauce. A simple mix of soy sauce, lime juice, and a touch of sugar can elevate the flavors even more!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 75mg
