Savory Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps
These Savory Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps are a flavorful, protein-packed, and low-carb meal made with juicy ground beef sautéed in a savory sauce and wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves. Perfect for a quick dinner, healthy lunch, or appetizer, this dish combines bold Asian-inspired flavors with a refreshing crunch.
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs 700 g ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
- 1 medium yellow onion finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 –2 tbsp fresh ginger grated
- 1 red bell pepper diced (optional)
- 2 green onions thinly sliced
- 1 can 8 oz water chestnuts, chopped (optional)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
- 1½ tbsp oyster or hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp fish sauce optional
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice
- 1 –2 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp chili paste or Sriracha optional for spice
- 1 tbsp brown sugar or maple syrup optional for balance
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water optional thickener
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- 1 head butter lettuce or Bibb lettuce
- Fresh cilantro or mint for garnish
- Toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts for topping
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
Prepare the Lettuce:
- Separate, wash, and dry lettuce leaves. Chill in the fridge for extra crispness.
Brown the Beef:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula. Drain excess fat if needed.
Sauté Aromatics:
- Add diced onion, bell pepper, and white parts of green onions to the pan. Cook 3–4 minutes until soft. Add garlic and ginger; sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.
Mix the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster or hoisin sauce, fish sauce, vinegar or lime juice, brown sugar, and chili paste.
Combine and Simmer:
- Pour the sauce into the skillet. Stir to coat the beef evenly. If using, add cornstarch slurry and simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Finish and Season:
- Stir in sesame oil, water chestnuts, and green onions. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more lime.
Assemble Wraps:
- Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the warm beef mixture into each lettuce leaf. Garnish with herbs, sesame seeds, and nuts. Serve with lime wedges.
Notes
- Storage: Store cooked beef filling in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Keep lettuce leaves separate until serving.
- Make it Spicy: Add chili oil or fresh sliced chiles.
- Korean-style: Add gochujang and sesame oil.
- Thai-style: Add fish sauce, lime, and Thai basil.
- Low-Carb: Skip sugar and use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
- Vegetarian: Substitute crumbled tofu or tempeh for beef.