Are you ready to spice up your weeknight dinners with a dish that’s not only delicious but also quick to prepare? I absolutely love making Asian Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps for my family! They are packed with flavor, healthy, and can be whipped up in just 30 minutes. Plus, they make for a fun and interactive meal that everyone can enjoy. If you’re looking for easy pasta recipes or quick family dinners, this recipe is a refreshing change that will keep your taste buds dancing!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthy and packed with fresh ingredients.
- Customizable to suit your family’s taste preferences.
- Great for meal prep and leftovers!
- Fun to eat with lettuce wraps, making it a hit with kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
To make these delightful wraps, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- ¼ cup maple syrup (or brown sugar, or coconut sugar)
- ¼ cup coconut aminos (or tamari, or soy sauce)
- 2 tsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- ¼ – ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tsp arrowroot powder (or cornstarch)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tsp 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)
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Let’s dive into the cooking process! Follow these simple steps to create your delicious wraps:
- Make the sauce. In a measuring cup, combine the maple syrup, coconut aminos, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk until combined. Add the arrowroot powder and whisk until well combined.
- Cook the beef. Heat olive oil in a 10” 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 aromatics. Stir in the garlic and ginger, cooking until very fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add veggies. Toss in the bell pepper and carrots, cooking until they are just tender, about 3-4 minutes.
- Combine with sauce. Pour the sauce over the skillet contents and stir. Simmer until the sauce is slightly thickened, about 2-3 minutes. Taste for seasoning and add salt and pepper if needed.
- Finish with green onions. Stir in the sliced green onions.
- Assemble the wraps. Spoon the filling into lettuce wraps (with or without rice) and garnish with sesame seeds. This recipe makes about 8 wraps without rice or 12 wraps with rice.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are some tips to ensure your wraps turn out perfectly:
- Feel free to swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Adjust the level of spice by varying the amount of red pepper flakes.
- For a vegetarian version, use crumbled tofu or tempeh instead of ground beef.
- Make sure to wash and dry the lettuce leaves thoroughly to avoid sogginess.
- Double the sauce if you love extra flavor!
How to Serve
These wraps are incredibly versatile! Here are some serving suggestions:
- Serve with steamed white rice or sautéed cauliflower rice for a heartier meal.
- Pair with a side of fresh fruit or a light salad for a complete dinner.
- Offer a variety of dipping sauces like hoisin or sriracha for added flavor.
- These wraps also make a great appetizer for gatherings or parties!
Make Ahead and Storage
If you’re looking for healthy meal prep options, these wraps are perfect! Here’s how to store them:
- Prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Assemble the wraps just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp.
- You can also freeze the filling for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat before serving.
In conclusion, these Beef Lettuce Wraps are a fantastic addition to your collection of 30-minute meals and healthy ground beef recipes. They are not only quick to make but also bursting with flavor and nutrition. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this delightful dish with your loved ones. For more delicious ideas, check out my Beef Stir Fry or Mongolian Beef recipes!
Asian Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients
Method
- Combine maple syrup, coconut aminos, rice vinegar, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and arrowroot powder; whisk until smooth.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat; cook ground beef until no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and ginger; cook until fragrant, 1-2 minutes.
- Add bell pepper and carrots; cook until tender, 3-4 minutes.
- Pour sauce over mixture; simmer until thickened, 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Stir in sliced green onions, then serve in lettuce wraps garnished with sesame seeds.