Spicy Thai Beef Lettuce Wraps
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Thailand with these Spicy Thai Beef Lettuce Wraps. Utilizing leftover roast beef, this dish combines spicy, sweet, and tangy elements that are perfect for casual dining or festive occasions. Each fresh, crisp lettuce cup serves as a delightful vessel for succulent beef, crunchy vegetables, and crispy rice noodles. This recipe is designed for interactive dining, allowing each guest to customize their wraps from a colorful spread of ingredients. Ideal for parties or a family buffet, with 10 wraps ready in about an hour!
10
Servings
180
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
water
1 cup (N/A)
fresh lime juice
1/2 cup (Juiced from fresh limes)
brown sugar
1/2 cup (N/A)
garlic, minced
3 tablespoons (Finely chopped)
garlic and red chile paste
1 teaspoon (More or less, as needed, or substitute with crushed red pepper flakes)
vegetable oil
3 cups (For frying)
rice sticks (mai fun)
3 ounces (N/A)
roast beef, thinly sliced, julienned
2 cups (Use leftover roast beef from the deli)
bean sprouts
1 cup (N/A)
fresh mint leaves
1/2 cup (N/A)
fresh cilantro leaves
1/2 cup (N/A)
cucumber
1 (Seeded and bias sliced)
yellow or red bell pepper
1 (Julienned)
red leaf lettuce or bibb lettuce
10 leaves (Leaves make cups for the wraps)
Instructions
1
Prepare the dressing by simmering water, lime juice, brown sugar, minced garlic, and garlic-chili paste in a small saucepan over medium heat. Allow it to reduce until it thickens slightly, approximately 20 minutes. Set aside to cool.
2
In a deep skillet or fryer, heat vegetable oil to 375°F (190°C). Fry the rice sticks in small batches until they puff up and become crispy. Remove them and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
3
Assemble the wrap ingredients: Arrange the sliced roast beef, bean sprouts, mint leaves, cilantro leaves, cucumber slices, julienned bell pepper, and crispy rice noodles on a large platter.
4
To serve, have each diner begin with a lettuce leaf as the base. They can then add a portion of roast beef, some fried noodles, and a selection of vegetables. Finish by drizzling the prepared dressing over the top before enjoying!
Nutrition Information
9g
Fat
18g
Carbs
9g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Spicy Thai Beef Lettuce Wraps?
They are vibrant, interactive wraps using leftover roast beef, crispy rice noodles, and fresh vegetables served in lettuce cups with a sweet and spicy Thai dressing.
What kind of beef should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of thinly sliced and julienned roast beef, which is a great way to use leftovers.
How do I make the Thai dressing?
Simmer water, lime juice, brown sugar, minced garlic, and garlic-chili paste in a saucepan for about 20 minutes until slightly thickened.
What is the best way to cook the rice sticks?
Deep fry the rice sticks in vegetable oil heated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit until they puff up and become crispy.
What type of lettuce is recommended for the wraps?
Red leaf lettuce or Bibb lettuce are ideal because their leaves naturally form sturdy cups for the ingredients.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to make 10 servings or wraps.
How many calories are in one Spicy Thai Beef Lettuce Wrap?
Each wrap contains approximately 180 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 9 grams of protein in each serving.
Are these lettuce wraps spicy?
Yes, they contain garlic and red chile paste, though you can adjust the amount to suit your spice preference.
What can I substitute for garlic and red chile paste?
You can use crushed red pepper flakes as a substitute if you do not have chile paste.
How long does it take to prepare this dish?
The entire process takes approximately one hour, including the time needed to reduce the dressing.
What vegetables are included in the wraps?
The wraps feature bean sprouts, cucumber, and julienned yellow or red bell peppers.
How should the cucumber be prepared?
The cucumber should be seeded and then sliced on a bias.
What herbs are used to flavor these wraps?
Fresh mint leaves and cilantro leaves are used to provide a classic Thai herbal profile.
What are rice sticks (mai fun)?
Rice sticks are thin noodles made from rice flour that become very light and crunchy when fried.
Is there a lot of fat in this recipe?
Each serving contains 9 grams of fat, much of which comes from the oil used to fry the rice noodles.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 18 grams of carbohydrates in each lettuce wrap.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, the dressing needs time to cool after simmering, so making it in advance is a good idea.
How do I assemble the wraps for serving?
Place a portion of roast beef, fried noodles, and various vegetables inside a lettuce leaf, then drizzle with the dressing.
Can I use fresh beef instead of leftovers?
While the recipe suggests leftover roast beef, you can certainly use fresh, thinly sliced roast beef from a deli.
What oil is best for frying the rice sticks?
Vegetable oil is recommended due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for a buffet or party?
Yes, it is ideal for interactive dining where guests can customize their own wraps from a shared platter.
How much garlic is in the dressing?
The dressing uses 3 tablespoons of finely minced garlic.
What makes the dressing sweet?
The dressing uses 1/2 cup of brown sugar to balance the tangy lime and spicy chili.
How do I prevent the rice sticks from being greasy?
Drain the fried rice sticks on a paper towel-lined plate immediately after removing them from the oil.
Can I use different colored bell peppers?
Yes, you can use either yellow or red bell peppers for color and crunch.
Why do you simmer the dressing for 20 minutes?
Simmering allows the flavors to meld and the liquid to reduce into a slightly thicker, more concentrated sauce.
Are these wraps healthy?
With 180 calories and plenty of fresh vegetables and protein, they are a relatively healthy snack or light meal option.
How much lime juice is required?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of fresh lime juice.
Can I adjust the amount of garlic and red chile paste?
Yes, the recipe specifies 1 teaspoon but notes you can use more or less depending on your taste.