Description
These Asian Style Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps are a quick and flavorful dish perfect for a light lunch or dinner. Ground beef is cooked with garlic, ginger, bell peppers, and carrots, then simmered in a savory-sweet sauce made with maple syrup, coconut aminos, and toasted sesame oil. Served in crisp Boston Bibb lettuce leaves and garnished with sesame seeds, they are both fresh and satisfying. Optionally served with steamed white rice or sautéed cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
Ingredients
Sauce
- 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)
Main
- 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)
To Serve
- Sesame seeds (to taste, for garnish)
- Boston Bibb lettuce leaves
- Steamed white rice or sautéed cauliflower rice (optional)
Instructions
- Make the sauce: In a measuring cup, combine the maple syrup, coconut aminos, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, and red pepper flakes if using. Whisk together until well mixed. Then add the arrowroot powder and whisk again to fully incorporate the thickener.
- Cook the ground beef: Heat the olive oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
- Add aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and grated fresh ginger. Cook, stirring continuously, until very fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Add vegetables: Add the diced red bell pepper and shredded carrots to the skillet. Cook until they are just tender, about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Simmer with sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and vegetables. Stir well to combine, and let it simmer until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2 to 3 minutes. Taste and season with kosher salt and ground pepper as needed.
- Finish with green onions: Stir in the sliced green onions for freshness and a mild onion flavor.
- Serve: Spoon the beef mixture into Boston Bibb lettuce leaves, either plain or accompanied by steamed white rice or sautéed cauliflower rice. Garnish with sesame seeds. Makes about 8 wraps without rice or 12 wraps with rice.
Notes
- You can substitute maple syrup with brown sugar or coconut sugar depending on your preference.
- Coconut aminos can be replaced with tamari or regular soy sauce if preferred.
- Arrowroot powder and cornstarch both work as thickeners; use whichever you have on hand.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your desired level of heat or omit for a milder taste.
- For a low-carb option, serve with sautéed cauliflower rice instead of white rice.
- Boston Bibb lettuce is ideal for wraps because of its soft yet sturdy leaves, but Romaine or butter lettuce can also work.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
