Asian Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps
Asian Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps are a fantastic choice for a light, healthy, and flavorful meal that’s sure to please a crowd. These wraps are easy to make, packed with lean protein, and offer the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors. Using crisp lettuce leaves as a base, these wraps are not only low-carb but also gluten-free and loaded with veggies.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (90/10 or leaner)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- ½ white onion, thinly sliced
- 1-2 carrots , julienned
- Butter lettuce leaves, for serving
- Sliced green onions, for garnish
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup soy sauce (use low-sodium for a healthier option)
- ¼ cup brown sugar (or coconut sugar for a lower glycemic option)
- 1 tsp dark sesame oil
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Set the sauce aside.
- Cook the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of oil. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef and cook, crumbling it with a spatula, until it’s no longer pink and any liquid has evaporated.
- Add Vegetables: Add the garlic, onion, bell pepper, and carrots to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
- Simmer with Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and vegetable mixture. Stir well and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Assemble the Wraps: Carefully separate the butter lettuce leaves and spoon the beef mixture into each lettuce leaf. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve immediately.
Notes
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- Meat Substitution: You can use ground chicken, turkey, or pork instead of ground beef for a different protein option.
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Spice Level: Adjust the red pepper flakes to suit your heat tolerance. For extra spice, top with sriracha or chili garlic sauce.
- Toppings: Add crushed peanuts, cashews, or cilantro for added crunch and freshness.
- Lettuce Options: If butter lettuce is unavailable, you can substitute with romaine or iceberg lettuce for a more crunchy texture.
- Storage: Store the beef filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Assemble the wraps just before serving.