Beef Chiang Mai
Beef Chiang Mai offers a vibrant blend of fresh herbs, toasted rice, and tangy lemon juice, creating a flavorful appetizer or main dish. Its bright, aromatic profile pairs perfectly with crisp lettuce wraps, appealing to those who enjoy bold, fresh flavors with a hint of spice and herbaceous notes.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup short grain or long grain rice ⓘ
- 1 pound lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions (including tops) ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh coriander (cilantro) ⓘ
- 1/4 cup lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
- small inner leaves from 2 large or 3 small heads butter lettuce ⓘ
Instructions
- In a wok or wide frying pan over medium heat, toast rice, shaking the pan frequently, until golden (about 5 to 8 minutes).
- Remove from heat and transfer to a blender or food processor.
- Whirl until the rice is finely ground.
- Crumble the beef into the pan and cook over low heat, stirring, until the meat begins to lose its pinkness.
- Add the ground rice, sugar, crushed red pepper, green onions, chopped mint, coriander, lemon juice, and soy sauce; stir until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into a serving dish and surround with lettuce leaves and mint sprigs.
- Spoon the beef mixture into the lettuce leaves.
- Top with a mint sprig, roll up, and eat out of hand.
Tips & Substitutions
For a nuttier flavor, try using jasmine rice instead of short or long grain. If you're sensitive to heat, adjust the crushed red pepper to your taste. Fresh herbs like basil can also be substituted for mint, and for an extra crunch, consider adding chopped peanuts. This dish is great as a light meal or appetizer, similar to other beef recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the beef mixture warm in the lettuce leaves as a fun and interactive appetizer. It pairs well with a side of pickled vegetables or a light cucumber salad. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside steamed jasmine rice or similar dishes like Meat With Rice And Lentils for a satisfying dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat to preserve texture, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating. Fresh lettuce should be added just before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beef Chiang Mai contains roughly 518 calories, with 14g protein, 102g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (50% of the Daily Value), iron (37% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2063mg per serving (90% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be great substitutes for the ground beef, offering a lighter option. Just be mindful that cooking times may vary slightly, so ensure the meat is fully cooked before serving.
What if I don't have butter lettuce?
You can use other leafy greens like romaine or even collard greens for wrapping the beef mixture. Each will provide a different texture, but they all offer a good way to enjoy the dish.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just assemble the lettuce wraps right before serving to keep the lettuce fresh and crisp.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).