Appetizers

Thai Beef Lettuce Cups

Are you ready for some fun today? I sure am. Not only am I volunteering for my sons Ski PE class. Yes, you heard me right. SKI PE. Yet another bonus to living in the snowy peaks of Telluride. The kiddos have ski class with their pals one day a week. This dish is for dinner after such a grueling day…

I like to dabble in a little of this and that when it comes to ethnic flavors. Here I play with one of my favorites Thai Red Curry Paste.

These Thai Beef Lettuce Cups (or wraps, if you will) will knock your socks off. For lunch, dinner, winter, spring, summer or fall.

Thai Beef Lettuce Wraps Recipe | MarlaMeridith.com

Due to the hot cold nature of these they are perfect for any season. All times of the year.

Thai Beef Lettuce Wraps Recipe | MarlaMeridith.com

As you know by now I take like to take tradition and turn it upside down and sideways.

Thai Beef Lettuce Wraps Recipe | MarlaMeridith.com

How are my Thai Lettuce Cups a little different?

I roasted my favorite roasted rainbow carrots and sweet potato combo, diced ’em real small and tossed them in the mix.

Thai Beef Lettuce Wraps Recipe | MarlaMeridith.com

There is something about eating with your hands that is so very fabulous. Wrapping this filling in butter lettuce leaf keeps things light, grain free and primal.

Pick up the extra pieces with a fork or chop sticks. Or your fingers. Don’t be shy.

Thai Beef Lettuce Wraps Recipe | MarlaMeridith.com

For Paleo folks ~ there are homemade Thai Curry Paste recipes out there. Should you wanna go that route. I am good to go with the jar ‘o paste.

Do you ever use Thai Red Curry Paste? How about Fish Sauce? Both add unique flavor to your savory dishes. I suggest that you have both on hand at all times. There are many evenings when I can’t quite figure out how to liven up a meal and voila! I spy these two jars and my mind is made up.

Thai Beef Lettuce Wraps Recipe | MarlaMeridith.com

You know how they say that love can be found at a first glance? That is how it is each time I rediscover these 2 ingredients.

Though fish sauce is not somethin’ you want to get too lovey dovey with. It is veeerrrryyyy pungent.

I used lean ground black angus beef in these lettuce cups. If I had bison or elk on hand those would have been perfect too. If you don’t have that, then ground turkey, lamb, chicken or a vegan meatless option would be great too.

Thai Beef Lettuce Wraps Recipe | MarlaMeridith.com

Don’t forget the Sriracha sauce….that’s another condiment you need to have at the ready. Oh the flavor and spice!

If you have a version of this recipe feel free to add it in your comments.

Get the Complete Recipe Here!

Lettuce Cups Recipe Links

~ Marla Meridith

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67 thoughts on “Thai Beef Lettuce Cups

    1. Ha Liz, I have been noticing many folks have that same rainbow carrot envy. Not sure why they are so easy to find here ~ can’t source many things!

  1. I’d sign up for that PE class. You’re making me miss my days of growing up in a small BC ski town! Love that you are giving your children the same experience.

    This is the perfect dinner for maximum energy without feeling weighed down. Love the addition of sweet potato.

  2. I love butter lettuce but those roasted rainbow carrots and sweet potato are just glorious! That baking tray full of them is just beautiful! love the image, and the flavors…and the overall lettuce cups are wonderful!

  3. I have been looking of ways to get the bread out of my sandwiches lately, this might be the answer! Although I’m not sure how many lettuce leaves I’d need to eat before they filled me up…

  4. I love lettuce cups, and this Thai version sounds incredible! Thai is one of my favorite cuisines! We are far enough away from the mountains in Fort Collins, that we don’t have ski pe here, but I have a friend in Alma, CO; and they have ski Fridays at Breckenridge. Such a great experience for the kids

  5. These look Yum! Have you considered adding a “save” to ziplist button on your recipes? It’s so convenient. Thanks!

  6. Marla these are fantastic looking lettuce cups! We generally have bulgur with lettuce just in this way in Turkish cuisine but never had beef in it! Definitely refreshing and fun to make and eat!

  7. These sound fantastic Marla! I love Thai red curry paste and fish sauce – two of my favorite ingredients! So glad to hear you’re enjoying your new home and fun activities!

  8. I made these tonight. I substituted ground chicken for the beef and substituted hoisin sauce for the fish sauce and it was one of the best things I have ever made. Hard to stop eating!!! Thanks for sharing the recipe.

  9. These are surprisingly yummy and filling! Smear some more sriracha on each bite though because I love some spice!

  10. Wanted a quicker version of these, so grated a carrot and quickly sauteed in olive oil, cinnamon, pepper and garlic and added a small white onion. Set that aside then cooked up the meat and followed directions from there, super quick dinner and great flavors!! Healthy too – love it!

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