Why Make This Recipe
Asian Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps are a delightful and healthy option for a meal or snack. They are quick to prepare and packed with flavor, making them perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends. Plus, the use of lettuce as a wrap adds a refreshing crunch to each bite, making it a light alternative to traditional wraps.
How to Make Asian Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup maple syrup (or brown sugar, or coconut sugar)
- ¼ cup coconut aminos (or tamari, or soy sauce)
- 2 tsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- ¼ – ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tsp arrowroot powder (or cornstarch)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 medium red bell pepper (finely diced)
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- 4 whole green onions (sliced into 1” pieces)
- Kosher salt (to taste)
- Ground pepper (to taste)
- Sesame seeds (to taste, for garnish)
- Boston Bibb lettuce
- Steamed white rice or sautéed cauliflower rice (optional, for serving)
Directions:
Make the sauce. In a measuring cup, combine the maple syrup, coconut aminos, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk until mixed well. Add the arrowroot powder and whisk until smooth.
Cook the beef. Heat olive oil in a 10” skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring with a wooden spoon to break it up, until no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
Add garlic and ginger. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
Add vegetables. Add the diced bell pepper and shredded carrots. Cook until they are tender, about 3-4 minutes.
Combine sauce and beef. Pour the sauce over the skillet ingredients and stir well. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Add green onions. Stir in the sliced green onions.
Serve in wraps. Spoon the filling into lettuce wraps (with or without rice) and top with sesame seeds. This recipe makes 8 wraps without rice or 12 wraps with rice.
How to Serve Asian Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps
These wraps can be enjoyed on their own or served with rice on the side. For an even lighter meal, skip the rice and focus on the flavorful beef and crisp lettuce. You can also serve them with dipping sauces such as extra soy sauce or a spicy chili sauce for added kick.
How to Store Asian Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps
Store any leftover filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The lettuce wraps can be kept separately in another container. Reheat the filling in a skillet before assembling more wraps. Unfortunately, the wrapped lettuce may wilt, so it is best to store them unassembled.
Tips to Make Asian Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps
- For extra crunch, try adding chopped water chestnuts or cucumber to the filling.
- Adjust the level of heat by increasing or decreasing the amount of red pepper flakes.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or mushrooms.
Variation
Feel free to customize the wraps with other fillings like diced zucchini, bean sprouts, or bell peppers to suit your taste. You can also try using different types of lettuce, like romaine or butter lettuce.
FAQs
Can I make these wraps ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Assemble the wraps just before serving for the freshest taste.What can I use instead of coconut aminos?
Tamari or soy sauce can be used as a substitute for coconut aminos if you’re not concerned about gluten.Can I freeze the filling?
Yes! The filling can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
