Asian-Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps are a fresh, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for a light yet satisfying lunch or dinner. This dish features savory, slightly sweet, and umami-packed ground beef wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves, creating the perfect balance of texture and taste. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a quick and healthy option that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthy & Low-Carb – A great alternative to traditional wraps or tacos.
- Bursting with Flavor – A perfect blend of garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
- Customizable – Add your favorite toppings like carrots, cucumbers, or crushed peanuts.
- Great for Meal Prep – Cook the beef ahead of time for quick and easy lunches.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional, for spice)
- 1 teaspoon honey or brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- ¼ cup green onions, sliced
- 1 head butter lettuce or romaine lettuce leaves
- Sesame seeds and extra green onions for garnish
Directions
- Cook the Beef – Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add Garlic & Ginger – Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce – In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha (if using), and honey. If you want a thicker sauce, mix in the cornstarch.
- Simmer the Beef – Pour the sauce over the cooked beef and stir well to coat. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens. Stir in green onions and remove from heat.
- Assemble the Wraps – Spoon the beef mixture into lettuce leaves. Garnish with sesame seeds and extra green onions.
- Serve & Enjoy – Serve immediately as a light meal or appetizer.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version – Add more sriracha or red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Different Protein – Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even crumbled tofu.
- Crunchy Additions – Top with shredded carrots, chopped peanuts, or water chestnuts.
- Gluten-Free Option – Use tamari instead of soy sauce and a gluten-free hoisin sauce.
- Rice Bowl Alternative – Serve over steamed rice instead of in lettuce wraps.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short intervals until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the beef mixture in advance and store it in the fridge. Assemble the wraps when ready to eat.
What lettuce is best for wraps?
Butter lettuce and romaine lettuce work best because they hold the filling well without breaking.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the ground beef for crumbled tofu, lentils, or finely chopped mushrooms for a plant-based alternative.
How do I make this dish keto-friendly?
Use a sugar-free sweetener instead of honey, and ensure all sauces are low in carbs.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner option that still soaks up all the delicious flavors.
How can I make the beef extra flavorful?
Let the beef simmer in the sauce for a few extra minutes so it absorbs all the flavors.
What sides pair well with lettuce wraps?
Try serving with steamed rice, cucumber salad, or a side of edamame.
Can I freeze the beef mixture?
Yes! Freeze the cooked beef in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat when ready to use.
How do I keep lettuce wraps from getting soggy?
Only add the filling right before serving to keep the lettuce crisp.
Can I double the recipe for meal prep?
Yes! This recipe scales well and is great for making ahead. Just store the beef separately from the lettuce for best results.
Conclusion
Asian-Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps are a flavorful, healthy, and easy meal perfect for any occasion. With a savory-sweet beef filling wrapped in crisp lettuce, this dish is both satisfying and light. Whether you enjoy it as a quick dinner, meal prep, or a party appetizer, these lettuce wraps are sure to be a hit!
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Asian-Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps
- Author: Emma
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Asian-Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps are a quick, healthy, and flavor-packed meal ready in just 20 minutes! With a savory-sweet beef filling wrapped in crisp lettuce, this dish is perfect for a low-carb lunch, light dinner, or party appetizer.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sriracha (optional, for spice)
- 1 tsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 tsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- ¼ cup green onions, sliced
- 1 head butter lettuce or romaine lettuce leaves
- Sesame seeds and extra green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Beef – Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add Garlic & Ginger – Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce – In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha (if using), and honey. If you want a thicker sauce, mix in the cornstarch.
- Simmer the Beef – Pour the sauce over the cooked beef and stir well to coat. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens. Stir in green onions and remove from heat.
- Assemble the Wraps – Spoon the beef mixture into lettuce leaves. Garnish with sesame seeds and extra green onions.
- Serve & Enjoy – Serve immediately as a light meal or appetizer.
Notes
- Spicy Version: Add more sriracha or red pepper flakes for heat.
- Different Protein: Swap beef for ground turkey, chicken, or crumbled tofu.
- Crunchy Additions: Top with shredded carrots, chopped peanuts, or water chestnuts.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and a gluten-free hoisin sauce.
- Rice Bowl Alternative: Serve over steamed rice instead of in lettuce wraps.
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