Go Back

Asian-Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps

Healthy ground beef lettuce wraps packed with tender seasoned beef, fresh vegetables, and a savory sesame ginger sauce. Ready in 25 minutes and perfect for meal prep.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Asian
Calories: 378

Ingredients
  

  • 1/4 cup maple syrup, brown sugar, or coconut sugar
  • 1/4 cup coconut aminos, tamari, or soy sauce
  • 2 teaspoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, to taste
  • 2 teaspoon arrowroot powder or cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 lb ground beef 85/15 recommended
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 teaspoon fresh ginger grated
  • 1 medium red bell pepper finely diced
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrots
  • 4 whole green onions sliced into 1-inch pieces
  • kosher salt to taste
  • ground black pepper to taste
  • sesame seeds for garnish
  • 1 head Boston Bibb lettuce about 12-16 large leaves, or use romaine
  • steamed white rice or cauliflower rice optional, for serving

Equipment

  • 10 inch skillet
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cup
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. In a measuring cup, combine maple syrup, coconut aminos, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes if using. Whisk until well combined. Add arrowroot powder and whisk until completely smooth with no lumps remaining.
  2. Heat olive oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2-3 minutes. Add ground beef and cook for about 5 minutes, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon, until no pink remains and beef is lightly browned.
  3. Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring continuously, until very fragrant.
  4. Stir in diced bell pepper and shredded carrots. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are bite-tender but still have a pleasant crunch.
  5. Pour prepared sauce over the beef mixture and stir to coat everything evenly. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
  6. Remove from heat and stir in sliced green onions. Spoon filling into lettuce leaves, add rice if desired, and garnish with sesame seeds. Makes 8 wraps without rice or 12 wraps with rice.

Notes

For meal prep: Pack beef filling and lettuce separately. Reheat filling in microwave for 30-60 seconds before assembling. Gluten-free: Use tamari or coconut aminos. Paleo: Use coconut aminos, cauliflower rice, and maple syrup. Low-carb: Skip thickener, use cauliflower rice, and sugar-free sweetener. Can substitute ground chicken, pork, turkey, bison, or venison for beef.