Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Asian-Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps are a quick, flavorful, and healthy meal option that brings together the savory umami of seasoned beef with the crisp freshness of lettuce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or party appetizers, these wraps offer a balance of textures and flavors that are both satisfying and light. Customizable and ready in under 30 minutes, they’re a hit with both kids and adults.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
ground beefgarlicgingersoystir-fry sauce (or hoisin sauce)rice vinegarbrown sugarsesame oilgreen onionswater chestnutscarrotssalt and pepperbutter or romaine lettuce leaves
directions
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
Drain excess fat if necessary, then add minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in soy sauce, stir-fry or hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and a splash of sesame oil.
Add finely chopped green onions, diced water chestnuts, and shredded carrots. Cook for another 3-5 minutes until vegetables are tender and sauce thickens.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Spoon the beef mixture into clean, dry lettuce leaves and serve immediately.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 15 minutesTotal time: 25 minutes
Variations
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Add chopped peanuts or cashews for added crunch.
Include a drizzle of Sriracha or chili garlic sauce for heat.
Use Bibb or iceberg lettuce for different texture preferences.
Top with fresh cilantro, mint, or basil for a burst of freshness.
storage/reheating
Store the beef filling separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving in fresh lettuce leaves.Wraps are best assembled just before eating to maintain crispness.
FAQs
Can I make these wraps ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the filling in advance and store separately. Assemble just before serving.
Are lettuce wraps keto-friendly?
Yes, they are low in carbs and suitable for keto diets.
What lettuce works best?
Butter, Bibb, or romaine lettuce hold the filling well and add crunch.
Can I freeze the beef filling?
Yes, freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
Can I add rice or noodles?
Yes, for a more filling version, add cooked rice or vermicelli noodles to each wrap.
Is this recipe spicy?
Not inherently, but you can add spice with chili sauce or flakes.
Can I use a meat substitute?
Absolutely, plant-based crumbles work well in place of ground beef.
Do kids enjoy this?
Yes, they often enjoy assembling their own wraps and the sweet-savory flavor.
What’s a good dipping sauce?
Peanut sauce or sweet chili sauce pairs wonderfully.
Is this meal gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make it gluten-free.
Conclusion
Asian-Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps are a delightful fusion of flavor and freshness that deliver on taste, convenience, and nutrition. Whether you’re looking for a light dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this versatile recipe is sure to become a favorite in your rotation.
Print
Asian-Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 lettuce wraps
- Category: Appetizer / Light Meal
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Description
Flavor-packed lettuce wraps featuring seasoned ground beef with an Asian-inspired umami sauce, fresh vegetables, and crisp lettuce leaves—perfect for a light lunch or appetizer.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
- 1 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 carrot, peeled and shredded
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari)
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional for heat)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry)
- 1 head butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce leaves, washed and separated
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium‑high heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add garlic and grated ginger; sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in red bell pepper and shredded carrot; cook for another 2–3 minutes until vegetables soften slightly.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin, rice vinegar, and Sriracha (if using). Pour sauce into skillet and stir to combine.
- Add cornstarch slurry; cook for another 1–2 minutes until sauce thickens and coats beef mixture.
- Remove from heat. Spoon mixture into lettuce leaves, folding up like tacos or cups.
- Garnish each wrap with green onions, cilantro leaves, and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.
- Serve immediately and allow guests to assemble their own wraps if desired.
Notes
- For a lower-fat option, substitute ground turkey or chicken.
- Add diced water chestnuts or chopped mushrooms for extra crunch.
- To make gluten-free, use tamari in place of soy sauce and check hoisin label or substitute with gluten‑free oyster or barbecue sauce.
- Make it vegetarian by using crumbled tofu or tempeh instead of meat.
- Leftover beef mixture can be refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat and serve in wraps, rice bowls, or noodles.