Description
These Quick 25-Minute Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps feature savory lean ground beef combined with fresh veggies and an umami-rich Asian-style soy ginger sauce. Perfect as a light appetizer or a filling dinner when paired with rice or grains, these wraps are easy to prepare, gluten free-friendly, and packed with vibrant flavors and crisp textures.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon avocado or sesame oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 red pepper, diced
- 2 lbs lean ground beef (85% lean)
- 2 carrots, grated
- 8 oz can water chestnuts, roughly chopped
- 1/3 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/3 cup sliced green onion
- 2 teaspoons sesame seeds
- 2 heads butter, red, or green leaf lettuce
Sauce
- 2 teaspoons minced ginger
- 1 Tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/3 cup packed coconut sugar or brown sugar
- 1/2 cup reduced sodium soy sauce or tamari (for gluten free)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 Tablespoons gochujang (add more for spiciness)
- 2 Tablespoons mirin (substitute with other cooking wine or sherry if needed)
- 2 Tablespoons lime juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together minced ginger, minced garlic, coconut or brown sugar, reduced sodium soy sauce or tamari, sesame oil, gochujang, mirin, and lime juice until well combined. Set aside to let flavors meld.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat avocado or sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once warm, add diced red pepper and onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften and develop a slight sear.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Add the lean ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spatula into small pieces to ensure even browning. Continue cooking until the beef is fully browned and cooked through.
- Add Half the Sauce: Pour about half of the prepared sauce over the cooked beef. Stir well, allowing the flavors to coat the meat evenly. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, continuing to break up any larger pieces of beef.
- Incorporate Vegetables and Remaining Sauce: Mix in the grated carrots and chopped water chestnuts, then add the remaining sauce. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients and cook for another 2-3 minutes to let the flavors fully develop.
- Finish and Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in chopped cilantro and sliced green onions gently to distribute evenly. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top.
- Serve: Separate lettuce leaves to use as wraps. Spoon the beef mixture onto individual lettuce leaves. Optionally serve with rice, quinoa, cauliflower rice, kimchee, or your favorite toppings. Fold the lettuce edges around the filling and enjoy like a taco.
Notes
- For a gluten-free meal, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Adjust gochujang quantity according to desired spice level.
- Shrimp or ground turkey can be substituted for beef.
- These wraps can be prepared ahead and reheated gently before serving.
- Adding rice or grains makes the meal more substantial.
- Use butter lettuce for the best tender and sturdy wrap leaves.
- Prep Time: 10 Minutes
- Cook Time: 15 Minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
