Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp chili flakes
- 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves, chopped
- 1 head of butter lettuce, washed and separated into leaves
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Special equipment needed:
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced red bell pepper and onion to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes or until softened.
3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional 30 seconds.
4. Add the ground pork to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, and chili flakes.
6. Pour the sauce over the pork mixture and stir to combine.
7. Add the chopped Thai basil leaves to the skillet and stir to combine.
8. Remove the skillet from the heat.
9. To assemble the lettuce wraps, spoon the pork mixture onto the center of each lettuce leaf.
10. Squeeze a wedge of lime over each lettuce wrap.
11. Serve immediately.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Temperature:
Medium-high heat
Serving size:
4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 250
Fat: 16g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 19g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground chicken or turkey can be substituted for ground pork.
- Regular basil can be substituted for Thai basil.
Variations:
- Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the red bell pepper and onion.
- Top the lettuce wraps with chopped peanuts or cashews for added crunch.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to wash and separate the lettuce leaves before assembling the wraps.
- Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break up the ground pork as it cooks.
- Adjust the amount of chili flakes to your desired level of spiciness.
Storage instructions:
Leftover pork mixture can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the pork mixture in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the lettuce wraps on a platter and garnish with additional Thai basil leaves.
Garnishes:
- Chopped peanuts or cashews
- Lime wedges
- Additional Thai basil leaves
Pairings:
- Jasmine rice
- Steamed vegetables
- Thai iced tea
Suggested side dishes:
- Cucumber salad
- Tom yum soup
- Spring rolls
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the pork mixture is too dry, add a splash of water or chicken broth to the skillet.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the ground pork to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is fully cooked.
Food history:
Thai basil is a type of basil that is commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisine. It has a distinct flavor that is slightly spicy and licorice-like.
Flavor profiles:
Savory, slightly sweet, spicy, and herbal.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the lettuce wraps as an appetizer or main dish.
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Region: Thai