Name: Asian Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: ¼ cup maple syrup, brown sugar, or coconut sugar; ¼ cup coconut aminos, tamari, or soy sauce; 2 teaspoons rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil; ¼ – ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 2 teaspoons arrowroot powder or cornstarch; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 lb ground beef; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 teaspoons 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 (or other lettuce of choice); Steamed white rice or sautéed cauliflower rice (optional, for serving)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Asian Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps are packed with flavor and texture. The savory ground beef combined with crisp vegetables and a tangy sauce makes for an irresistible filling. The fresh lettuce wraps provide a refreshing crunch, while the option to add steamed rice or sautéed cauliflower rice gives you a complete meal. This recipe is quick, easy to prepare, and perfect for a family meal that everyone will love. Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free and can be customized with your favorite toppings!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Lettuce Wrap Sauce:

¼ cup maple syrup, brown sugar, or coconut sugar
¼ cup coconut aminos, tamari, or soy sauce
2 teaspoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
¼ – ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2 teaspoons arrowroot powder or cornstarch

Ground Beef Filling:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb ground beef
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons 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 (or other lettuce of choice)
Steamed white rice or sautéed cauliflower rice (optional, for serving)

Directions

Make the sauce: In a measuring cup, combine the maple syrup (or brown sugar/coconut sugar), coconut aminos (or tamari/soy sauce), rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk until combined. Add the arrowroot powder (or cornstarch) and whisk until smooth and well combined. Set aside.
Cook the ground 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 it’s no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
Add garlic and ginger: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet and cook, stirring continuously, until very fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
Add vegetables: Stir in the diced red bell pepper and shredded carrots. Cook until the vegetables are tender but still slightly crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and vegetable mixture, then stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly. Taste the mixture and season with kosher salt and ground pepper as needed.
Stir in green onions: Add the sliced green onions to the skillet and stir them into the beef filling.
Assemble the wraps: Spoon the filling into the lettuce leaves, using 1-2 tablespoons of the mixture per wrap. If desired, serve the wraps with steamed white rice or sautéed cauliflower rice as a base.
Garnish and serve: Garnish the wraps with sesame seeds and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8 wraps without rice, or 12 wraps with rice
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

Add more veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or water chestnuts, to the filling for added texture and nutrition.
Make it spicy: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a little sriracha to the sauce for a spicier version.
Swap the protein: You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even tofu as a substitute for the beef to make this dish lighter or more vegetarian-friendly.
Use different lettuce: While Boston Bibb lettuce is perfect for wrapping, you can also use iceberg lettuce or butter lettuce for a different texture or look.

Storage/Reheating

These lettuce wraps are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store the ground beef filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the filling in a skillet over low heat, adding a little water or broth to keep it moist. Fresh lettuce leaves should be used when assembling the wraps for the best texture, so it’s recommended to prepare them just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground chicken or turkey for the ground beef in this recipe. Ground turkey will give the wraps a leaner option, while still providing plenty of flavor.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Simply whisk it together before adding it to the ground beef mixture.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, this dish is naturally gluten-free if you use coconut aminos or tamari in place of soy sauce and make sure your arrowroot powder is gluten-free.

Can I add more sauce to the wraps?

Absolutely! If you like your wraps extra saucy, feel free to double the sauce recipe or drizzle additional sauce over the wraps before serving.

Can I make these wraps vegetarian?

Yes, you can easily make these wraps vegetarian by swapping the ground beef with tofu or another plant-based protein. Make sure to press the tofu to remove excess moisture before cooking.

How do I prevent the lettuce from tearing?

To prevent the lettuce from tearing, make sure you use large, sturdy lettuce leaves, such as Boston Bibb lettuce. Gently remove the leaves from the head, wash them carefully, and pat them dry with a paper towel before using them to hold the filling.

Conclusion

Asian Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps are a delicious, easy-to-make meal that combines savory ground beef with fresh vegetables and a tangy, slightly spicy sauce. Perfect for a family dinner or as an appetizer for a special gathering, these wraps are a healthy and fun way to enjoy a flavor-packed meal. With their crunchy lettuce base and tasty filling, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone!

Asian Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps

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These Asian Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps are a savory, healthy, and flavorful meal featuring ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a tangy sauce. Served in crisp lettuce leaves, they make for a fun, low-carb dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a family meal.

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 8 wraps without rice, or 12 wraps with rice
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stir-frying
Cuisine: Asian
Diet: Gluten Free

Instructions

In a small bowl, combine maple syrup (or sugar), coconut aminos (or tamari/soy sauce), rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk until smooth. Add arrowroot powder (or cornstarch) and whisk until combined. Set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Stir frequently to break up the meat. Remove beef and set aside.
In the same pan, add garlic and ginger. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in diced red bell pepper and shredded carrots. Cook for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
Add the cooked ground beef back into the pan, and pour the prepared sauce over the mixture. Stir to coat and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper.
Add sliced green onions to the skillet and stir to combine.
Assemble the wraps by spooning the beef filling into lettuce leaves. Serve with rice or cauliflower rice, if desired. Top with sesame seeds and serve immediately.