Name: Asian Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1/4 cup maple syrup, brown sugar, or coconut sugar; 1/4 cup coconut aminos, tamari, or soy sauce; 2 teaspoons rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil; 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 2 teaspoons arrowroot powder or cornstarch; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 lb ground beef; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger; 1 medium red bell pepper, finely diced; 1/2 cup shredded carrots; 4 whole green onions, sliced into 1” pieces; Kosher salt, to taste; Ground pepper, to taste; Sesame seeds, to taste, for garnish; Boston Bibb lettuce; Steamed white rice or sautéed cauliflower rice (optional, for serving)

These Asian Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps are a delightful and healthy meal option for any time of the day. Packed with savory flavors and a touch of sweetness, these wraps are quick and easy to prepare, making them perfect for busy nights when you want something both satisfying and nutritious. The crispy lettuce serves as the perfect base for the savory ground beef filling, and the tangy ginger-garlic sauce adds a burst of Asian-inspired flavor to every bite.

Asian Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Asian Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps are not only incredibly delicious but also versatile and customizable. The combination of ground beef, fresh veggies, and a flavorful sauce makes each wrap a complete meal that’s light but filling. The addition of crispy lettuce brings a refreshing crunch, balancing the richness of the beef. Plus, they come together in just 25 minutes, making them a quick solution for weeknight dinners or a healthy snack.

Ingredients

Lettuce Wrap Sauce

¼ cup maple syrup, brown sugar, or coconut sugar
¼ cup coconut aminos, tamari, or soy sauce
2 teaspoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
¼ – ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2 teaspoons arrowroot powder or cornstarch

Ground Beef Filling

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb ground beef
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
1 medium red bell pepper, finely diced
½ cup shredded carrots
4 whole green onions, sliced into 1” pieces
Kosher salt, to taste
Ground pepper, to taste
Sesame seeds, to taste, for garnish
Boston Bibb lettuce
Steamed white rice or sautéed cauliflower rice (optional, for serving)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Make the sauce: Combine the maple syrup (or brown sugar/coconut sugar), coconut aminos (or soy sauce/tamari), rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a measuring cup. Whisk until combined. Add the arrowroot powder and whisk until well combined.
Cook the beef: Heat olive oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring with a wooden spoon to break it up, until no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
Add garlic and ginger: Stir in the garlic and ginger and cook for 1-2 minutes, until very fragrant.
Add veggies: Add the diced bell pepper and shredded carrots, and cook for 3-4 minutes, until tender but still slightly crisp.
Simmer in sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and veggie mixture, and stir. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Taste for seasoning and add salt and pepper if needed.
Finish with green onions: Stir in the sliced green onions and cook for an additional 1 minute.
Serve: Spoon the beef and veggie filling into lettuce wraps, with or without rice, and garnish with sesame seeds.

Servings and Timing

Servings: Makes 8 wraps without rice, or 12 wraps with rice.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based protein such as crumbled tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option.
Spicy Option: Add more red pepper flakes to the sauce, or incorporate chili paste or sriracha for an extra kick.
Rice-Free Option: If you want to keep it low-carb, skip the rice entirely or substitute with cauliflower rice.
Extra Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or water chestnuts for more texture and flavor.
Sweeteners: Use coconut sugar or a natural sweetener like monk fruit for a lower glycemic option.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the lettuce wraps separate from the filling to maintain the crispness of the lettuce.
Reheating: Reheat the filling in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave the filling for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. Ensure that any other ingredients, like the rice vinegar or arrowroot powder, are gluten-free.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, you can easily substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef. These will create a lighter, leaner version of the dish.

Is there a substitute for arrowroot powder?

Yes, cornstarch can be used as a substitute for arrowroot powder. Use the same amount as the recipe calls for.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sauce in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

How do I make the wraps spicier?

To add more heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the sauce, or drizzle with some sriracha sauce when serving.

Can I freeze this recipe?

The filling can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop before serving.

Can I use iceberg lettuce instead of Boston Bibb lettuce?

Yes, iceberg lettuce can be used, but it may not be as tender or flexible as Boston Bibb lettuce. Boston Bibb offers a better texture for wraps.

How do I make this recipe keto-friendly?

To make this recipe keto-friendly, omit the rice and serve the beef filling in lettuce wraps only, or serve it over cauliflower rice.

What other veggies can I add to the filling?

Feel free to add mushrooms, zucchini, baby corn, or water chestnuts for extra flavor and crunch.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

You can prepare the filling ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just assemble the wraps right before serving to keep the lettuce crisp.

Conclusion

Asian Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps are a quick, tasty, and healthy meal that’s perfect for busy nights. With the flavorful ground beef filling and tangy sauce wrapped in crispy lettuce, they offer a delightful combination of textures and tastes. Whether you serve them with rice or on their own, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. Enjoy a delicious and easy dish that everyone will love!

Asian Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps

Why You’ll Love This Recipe