EASY ASIAN-STYLE GROUND BEEF LETTUCE WRAPS
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.
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.