EASY ASIAN-STYLE GROUND BEEF LETTUCE WRAPS

Crave that takeout flavor but want a healthier, faster, and totally customizable meal? Imagine savory, seasoned ground beef nestled in crisp lettuce cups, bursting with fresh flavors and a hint of sweetness. These Asian-Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps are your answer to a weeknight dinner dilemma, offering a delicious and guilt-free experience that you’ll make again and again!

Ingredients

For the Ground Beef Mixture:

• 1 pound ground beef (lean or regular)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or sesame oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (or honey)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1/4 cup water chestnuts, chopped
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions

For Serving:

• 1 head of lettuce (butter lettuce, romaine, or iceberg lettuce work well)
• Optional toppings: shredded carrots, chopped peanuts, sesame seeds, sriracha, extra green onions

Let’s Talk About the Beef: Choosing and Prepping

Okay, friend, let’s get down to beefy business! The kind of ground beef you choose really depends on your preference. Lean ground beef will give you a healthier option and prevent excess grease, which is great if you’re watching your waistline. Regular ground beef, on the other hand, will bring a richer, more robust flavor. Whichever you choose, make sure to brown it really well! Crumble it with a spatula as it cooks, and drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants soggy lettuce wraps!

And speaking of healthy ground beef options, if you’re a fan of quick and easy meals that still pack a nutritional punch, you might also enjoy Chinese Pepper Steak. It’s another great way to get your protein and veggies in one delicious dish.

The Secret’s in the Sauce (and the Aromatics!)

This isn’t just any old ground beef recipe. The sauce is where the magic happens! The combination of soy sauce, hoisin, rice vinegar, and a touch of sweetness creates that irresistible umami flavor that you find in your favorite Asian takeout. Don’t skip the ginger and garlic! These aromatics are crucial for building a complex and delicious base. And if you like a little kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes will take these lettuce wraps to the next level. Adjust the amount to your liking – we’re all friends here, so customize away!

If you are someone that likes a good kick, you might like Honey Garlic Beef & Broccoli that has a little kick!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Get Started: Prep Your Ingredients

1. Wash and dry your lettuce leaves. Gently separate them, being careful not to tear them.
2. Chop the onion, mince the garlic, and grate the ginger.
3. Prepare any toppings you’d like to use (shred carrots, chop peanuts, etc.).

Cook the Ground Beef

1. Heat the olive oil or sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another minute, until fragrant.

Make the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar (or honey), sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using).

Combine and Simmer

1. Pour the sauce over the ground beef mixture in the skillet.
2. Add the chopped water chestnuts and green onions.
3. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly and the flavors have melded.

Assemble Your Lettuce Wraps

1. Spoon the ground beef mixture into the lettuce cups.
2. Top with your desired toppings (shredded carrots, chopped peanuts, sesame seeds, sriracha, extra green onions).
3. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Lettuce Options: Choosing the Right Wrap

Let’s talk lettuce! Butter lettuce is my go-to for these Beef Lettuce Wraps because it’s soft, pliable, and has a mild flavor that won’t overpower the filling. Romaine lettuce is another good option, offering a bit more crunch. And if you’re feeling nostalgic, iceberg lettuce will do the trick, although it’s not as nutrient-rich as the other two. The key is to choose a lettuce that can hold the filling without falling apart. Nobody wants a lettuce wrap explosion!

Topping Time: Get Creative!

Toppings are where you can really personalize these Asian-Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps. Shredded carrots add a touch of sweetness and crunch. Chopped peanuts provide a nutty flavor and satisfying texture. Sesame seeds bring a subtle nutty flavor and visual appeal. And a drizzle of sriracha is perfect for those who like a little heat. Don’t be afraid to experiment with other toppings, like chopped cilantro, pickled ginger, or even a dollop of Greek yogurt for a creamy tang.

Looking for other quick and satisfying Asian-inspired meals? You might also enjoy Asian Ground Beef Noodle Skillet. It’s another one-pan wonder that’s packed with flavor.

Making it Ahead and Storing

These Asian-Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps are best enjoyed fresh, but you can definitely make the ground beef mixture ahead of time. Simply cook it according to the instructions, let it cool completely, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the mixture in a skillet or microwave until heated through. Then, assemble your lettuce wraps as directed. Storing the beef mixture separately from the lettuce prevents the lettuce from getting soggy.

Variations: Spice It Up!

Want to switch things up? Try adding different vegetables to the ground beef mixture, such as chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or bamboo shoots. You can also experiment with different sauces, like a peanut sauce or a sweet chili sauce. For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with crumbled tofu or tempeh. And if you’re following a low-carb diet, you can serve the ground beef mixture over cauliflower rice instead of lettuce wraps.

If you like making substitutions, you might like Sausage And Cabbage Stir Fry, where you can add different spices and vegetables.

Mexican-inspired Ground Beef And Cabbage Bowls: A Cousin to Consider

If you’re loving the ground beef and cabbage combination, but want to explore a different flavor profile, consider making Mexican-inspired Ground Beef And Cabbage Bowls. Season the ground beef with taco seasoning, add some diced tomatoes and black beans, and serve it over shredded cabbage with a dollop of sour cream and salsa. It’s a delicious and healthy alternative that’s just as easy to make!

Egg Roll In A Bowl: The Deconstructed Delight

If you’re looking for another deconstructed dish that’s similar in flavor profile, you should try Egg Roll In A Bowl. It’s the same flavors, but without the wrapper!

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Flavor!

So, there you have it: a simple, delicious, and customizable recipe for Asian-Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a healthy lunch option, or a fun appetizer for a party, these lettuce wraps are sure to please. Don’t be afraid to get creative with the toppings and sauces, and most importantly, have fun! Happy cooking, my friend!

EASY ASIAN-STYLE GROUND BEEF LETTUCE WRAPS

Amelia Chen-Morrison

These Asian-Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps are a healthy, fast, and customizable meal perfect for a weeknight dinner. Savory, seasoned ground beef is nestled in crisp lettuce cups, bursting with fresh flavors and a hint of sweetness for a guilt-free experience.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Spatula
• Small bowl
• Whisk
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Grater
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound ground beef lean or regular
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or sesame oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• ¼ cup soy sauce low sodium preferred
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for heat
• ¼ cup water chestnuts, chopped
• ¼ cup chopped green onions
• 1 head of lettuce butter lettuce, romaine, or iceberg lettuce
• Optional toppings: shredded carrots
• Optional toppings: chopped peanuts
• Optional toppings: sesame seeds
• Optional toppings: sriracha
• Optional toppings: extra green onions

Instructions

 

• Wash and dry lettuce leaves, gently separating them.
• Chop the onion, mince the garlic, and grate the ginger.
• Prepare desired toppings (shred carrots, chop peanuts, etc.).
• Heat olive oil or sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
• Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
• Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar (or honey), sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
• Pour the sauce over the ground beef mixture in the skillet.
• Add the chopped water chestnuts and green onions.
• Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly and the flavors have melded.
• Spoon the ground beef mixture into the lettuce cups.
• Top with desired toppings (shredded carrots, chopped peanuts, sesame seeds, sriracha, extra green onions).
• Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

The ground beef mixture can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving. Try adding different vegetables or sauces for variations. For a vegetarian option, substitute ground beef with crumbled tofu or tempeh. For a low-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice. Butter lettuce, romaine, or iceberg lettuce can be used.