Ingredients:

  • 1 lb lean ground sirloin (90/10)
  • 3 cloves garlic, microplaned
  • 2 Thai bird's eye chilies, minced
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tsp dark soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp fish sauce
  • 1 tsp coconut sugar
  • 1.5 cups fresh Thai basil leaves
  • 12 round rice paper wrappers (22cm)
  • 2 cups cooked rice vermicelli noodles
  • 1 large English cucumber, julienned
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 head butter lettuce
  • 1 bunch fresh cilantro and mint
  • 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 2 tbsp fish sauce for dipping
  • 1 tsp chili garlic sauce
  • 1 tsp grated ginger

Instructions:

  1. Whisk the sauce. In a small jar, combine 3 tbsp fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tsp chili garlic sauce, and 1 tsp grated ginger, shaking until the sugar dissolves.
  2. Brown the beef. Heat your skillet over medium high heat and add the 1 lb lean ground sirloin, breaking it up until no pink remains and it starts to sizzle.
  3. Infuse aromatics. Stir in the 3 cloves microplaned garlic and 2 minced Thai bird's eye chilies. Note: Cook for only 30-60 seconds to avoid burning the garlic.
  4. Glaze the meat. Pour in the 1 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tsp dark soy sauce, 1 tbsp fish sauce, and 1 tsp coconut sugar, stirring until the sauce coats the beef in a dark, glossy sheen.
  5. Finish with basil. Remove from heat and fold in the 1.5 cups fresh Thai basil leaves until they just begin to wilt and smell fragrant.
  6. Prep the noodles. Place 2 cups cooked rice vermicelli in a bowl and toss with 1 tsp of the dipping fish sauce to prevent sticking.
  7. Hydrate the wrapper. Dip one rice paper wrapper in lukewarm water for about 5 seconds until it feels like a soft, pliable plastic film.
  8. Layer the fillings. Lay the wrapper flat and place a butter lettuce leaf in the center, followed by a small pile of noodles, julienned cucumber, shredded carrots, and 2 tbsp of the beef mixture.
  9. Execute the roll. Fold the bottom of the wrapper over the filling, tuck in the sides, and roll tightly until the seam seals itself against the paper.
  10. Serve immediately. Arrange the rolls on a platter with fresh cilantro and mint sprigs.