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Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps (Easy Asian Style)

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Sticky-sweet, garlicky ground beef with ginger, wrapped in crisp lettuce and topped with crunchy veggies and herbs. This quick, Asian-inspired dinner is healthy, customizable, and packed with bold umami flavor—perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (85-90% lean preferred)
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 can water chestnuts, diced (or substitute finely chopped mushrooms)
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce (optional, for sweetness and umami)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • Red pepper flakes or Sriracha, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar or honey
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 head bib or butter lettuce, leaves separated and washed (romaine or iceberg as substitute)
  • Shredded carrots, for serving
  • Fresh cilantro or mint, roughly chopped (optional)
  • Chopped peanuts or cashews, for serving
  • Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry lettuce leaves; set aside in the fridge to keep crisp. Dice onion, mince garlic, grate ginger, and chop water chestnuts or mushrooms. In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, hoisin, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and brown sugar/honey.
  2. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned with some crispy edges, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
  3. Push beef to the side. Add onion and cook until just softened, about 2 minutes. Stir in garlic and ginger; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add water chestnuts (or mushrooms) and stir everything together.
  5. Pour the premixed sauce over the beef mixture. Stir well to coat and let it bubble for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Stir in sliced green onions and red pepper flakes or Sriracha if desired. Remove from heat.
  7. To assemble, spoon beef mixture into each lettuce leaf. Top with shredded carrots, herbs, chopped nuts, and a squeeze of lime. Serve immediately.

Notes

For gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos and check hoisin sauce labels. For low-carb, skip hoisin and use extra soy sauce plus a sugar substitute. Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for beef. Assemble wraps just before eating to keep lettuce crisp. Add extra veggies like bell pepper or mushrooms for more nutrition. Store beef filling and toppings separately for meal prep.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef lettuce wraps, Asian lettuce wraps, easy dinner, low carb, gluten free, healthy, quick, weeknight meal, Asian style, lettuce cups, meal prep

Find it online: https://norasfoods.com/ground-beef-lettuce-wraps-recipe-easy-asian-style-dinner-ideas/