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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Hydrate the wrapper. Dip one rice paper wrapper in lukewarm water for about 5 seconds until it feels like a soft, pliable plastic film.
- 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.
- 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.
- Serve immediately. Arrange the rolls on a platter with fresh cilantro and mint sprigs.